Second Nature

Lizzie McLaughlin
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Celebrating the seasons with farming stories, garden tips & homegrown recipes 🚜🌱🍅 Join award-winning podcaster, Lizzie McLaughlin and her corgi Willow, for a new podcast episode every Friday 🎙️👇 Instagram: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac www.second-nature.co.uk

  1. Dairy Farming in Dorset: More Than Just a Pint- Down in Dorset Episode 4

    -2 J

    Dairy Farming in Dorset: More Than Just a Pint- Down in Dorset Episode 4

    Send Lizzie a message! Welcome back to Down in Dorset, a special series within the Second Nature podcast. I’m your host, Lizzie McLaughlin, and today we are joined by my co-host and local farming expert, Tim, for a deep dive into one of West Dorset’s most iconic industries: Dairy Farming. The sun is finally shining over the rolling hills, the cows are out on grass, and while the winter slog is over, "farm busy" has taken on a whole new meaning. Before we head into the milking parlour, we take a moment to address some listener feedback regarding water abstraction and sewage in our chalk streams- reminding us all why transparency in our countryside is so vital. In This Episode: We are incredibly lucky to be joined by two powerhouse local farmers who represent the past, present, and future of Dorset agriculture: James Bowditch: A fourth-generation dairy farmer at Bowden Farm, bringing over a century of family history and a "high-input, high-output" conventional perspective.Tom Gregory: A first-generation success story running both organic and conventional herds near Forde Abbey.What We Dig Into: Organic vs. Conventional: What does it actually mean? Tom and James break down the "Holy Grail" of organic farming versus the efficiency of conventional systems, discussing everything from antibiotic usage to the sheer acreage required to make it work.The Vanishing Dairy Farm: Tim and our guests reflect on the staggering contraction of the industry. We explore how we went from 25 dairy farms in a single river catchment down to just six, and what that means for the "fabric" of our local communities.The Supermarket Struggle: We pull back the curtain on the "Loss Leader"-why your four-pint bottle of milk is so cheap and how the shift from the Milk Marketing Board to retailer control has changed the game for farmers.Global Cheddar & Local Pride: From the export power of Barber's Cheese to the international popularity of Dorset cheddar in Costco, we discuss how West Dorset feeds the world.Health & Raw Milk: Is the secret to a hardy immune system found in the tank? We discuss the nutritional differences between pasteurised and raw milk and reminisce about the days of fighting for the cream on the doorstep.Stay tuned to hear James’s secret for escaping hay fever (it involves a boat and lobsters!) and Tom’s recommendation for the ultimate "Dorset" experience: the International Nettle Eating Competition. Supporting Nature Recovery: A huge thank you to Nature Recovery Dorset for supporting this series and helping us tell the stories of the people who work this land. Join the Conversation: Do you have a question for Tim or me? We want to hear from you! You can send us a message directly through the link in the show notes. "96% of the population still drinks cow's milk... there are more households with milk in the fridge than toilet roll by the toilet!" Listen now to hear the "real" story of Dorset dairy. This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be ta Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    1 h 37 min

  2. 19 AVR.

    The Diddly Squat Preview: Clarkson, Kaleb & Charlie’s Guide to Cereals

    Send Lizzie a message! Hello and welcome back! I have a very special episode for you today—one that has been on my podcasting bucket list since the very beginning. I finally headed to Diddly Squat Farm to sit down with the team everyone knows and loves: Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, and Charlie Ireland. With the massive Cereals event coming to the Cotswolds this year, I wanted to find out what it’s really like for Jeremy to play "host farmer" for 25,000 visitors. From digging trenches to study root structures to how the event caters to both new and experienced farmers, this conversation was exactly as lively, argumentative, and insightful as you’d expect! On the menu today: The "Hobby Farming" Debate: Kaleb and Jeremy go head-to-head on the latest additions to the farm. Are two donkeys, a handful of pigs, and a two-acre herb garden a genius diversification move or just "hobby farming"? 🥕🐖Learning on the Job: Jeremy shares why every day is still a learning day for him—including the "math" of oilseed rape and his new-found appreciation for soil health.The Arable Reality: Charlie gives us a candid look at the challenges facing the industry over the next 12 months, from rising fuel costs to the volatility of the wheat markets.The Next Generation: We discuss why the "Clarkson effect" is so important for first-generation farmers. As someone who joined the industry from a non-farming background myself, I loved hearing the team's advice for anyone looking to make their mark in agriculture.Exploring the Plots After catching up with the team, I took a wander through the crop plots to chat with the experts on the ground. I caught up with Andrew Creasy from RAGT to talk about the future of wheat varieties and Lee Gilbert from Fowler & Gilbert, who shares his amazing journey from car mechanic to one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of agricultural buildings. 🏗️🌾 I also sat down with Sandy Kilpatrick to talk about the power of social media. Whether you’re a lifelong farmer or just love a bit of Diddly Squat drama, grab a cuppa and join us for a proper look at life on the farm. The new episode is waiting for you now! ☕️🎧 Quick Links: Farm Fest Tickets: Use code LIZZIE for a discount!Follow the journey: Check out the videos from my day at Diddly Squat on Instagram @LizzyMuddyHeelsMac.Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    36 min
  3. Dorset Waterways and its Pollution Problems - Down In Dorset Episode 3

    27 MARS

    Dorset Waterways and its Pollution Problems - Down In Dorset Episode 3

    Send Lizzie a message! Hello and welcome back! It has been such a whirlwind of a week. I’ve officially travelled down to Dorset to host a session for the Dorset Local Nature Partnership Annual Forum, where Tim was actually one of our guests! It was such an inspiring morning, seeing everyone from farmers and gardeners to the NHS coming together to talk about nature recovery. That spirit of collaboration leads us perfectly into today’s episode, thew third instalment of the Down in Dorset series.  We’re moving on from our "aquatic pair" (the beavers and otters!) to talk about the very thing that connects them: Water. I’ll admit, I thought I knew a fair bit about water, but sitting down with our three incredible guests—Sarah Williams and Hannah Martin from Wessex Water, and farmer and advisor Claire Eastam—was a total eye-opener. In this episode, we’re wading into: The "300-Litre" Surprise: Did you know the average household uses 323 litres of water a day? Most of us think it’s only 60! We talk about where that water actually goes and how our "modern" habits are putting pressure on an archaic system.Dorset’s Underground Treasure: 75% of our water here comes from a massive chalk aquifer. It’s basically a giant underground sponge, and we discuss why protecting these "boreholes" is so vital.The Truth About Spills: We tackle the tough conversations around sewage spills and stormwater. Sarah and Hannah explain the £8 million-a-month investment going into "Olympic-sized" storage tanks and green reed beds to keep our rivers clean.Chalk Stream Magic: Why 85% of the world's chalk streams are right here in England, and why their "crystal clear" calcium-rich water is like a superpower for local wildlife (including some record-breaking fish!).Farming & Phosphates: Claire shares how local "Farmer Clusters" are saving money and the environment just by looking at the data—and how one farmer stopped an entire "Arctic" of phosphate from entering the water system.Dorset Delights & Top Tips Of course, it wouldn't be Second Nature without a few fun facts! We chat about our favourite Dorset escapes—from sunrise swims at Man o’ War Bay (with a very specific French toast recommendation!) to the hidden bluebell woods of West Dorset. Plus, I got a top gardening tip that I’m definitely using: Why you should actually empty your water butt in the winter to make room for the next downpour! A huge thank you to Nature Recovery Dorset for supporting this series.  Grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the story of Dorset’s water. ☕️🎧 This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council. Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    1 h 15 min

  4. 23 MARS

    Spring Sunshine, New Life, and My First Ever Lambing! with Bizza Walters 🌷🐑

    Send Lizzie a message! It officially feels like spring! The sun has finally made an appearance here in the UK, and there is nothing quite like that shot of positivity that makes you want to get back into the garden and out onto the farm. I’ve been busy in my own greenhouse—planting "tennis ball" melons and edible flowers (fingers crossed they actually grow!)—but I knew I couldn't let March pass without visiting a farming friend to see the real stars of the season. In this episode, I’m heading over to the Midlands to catch up with fellow Great British Farm Fest ambassador, Bizza Walters. Bizza is a third-generation farmer managing her own flocks of Grey Faced Dartmoors and Romneys, and she truly lives and breathes this busy time of year. We’re diving into the heart of the lambing shed to talk about: The "Superman" Pose: Why some lambs need a helping hand to make their grand entrance. 🦸‍♂️Bizza’s High-Tech Shepherdess: How she uses remote cameras to check her ewes every few hours (while still working a day job!). 📱Wigs and "Pet" Lambs: Meet Brenda, the sheep who occasionally pops into the house for a piece of toast. 🍞The Reality of 2026: How global conflicts and rising costs are hitting the farm gate, and why we need to stay positive about the future of British agriculture.A Milestone Moment: Stick around until the end of the episode for something truly special. For the first time ever, I got to step in and help deliver a lamb! It was a raw, emotional, and slightly slippery experience that I will never forget. From clearing airways with a bit of straw to that first "sneeze" of life, it was a beautiful reminder of the dedication that goes into every single animal you see in the fields. Grab a cuppa, enjoy the sunshine, and join Bizza and me for a real taste of spring on the farm. Love the show? Get your Farm Fest tickets: Use code LIZZIE for a discount!Join the conversation: Have you been lambing this year? I’d love to hear your stories! Message me using the link in the description or email info@second-nature.co.uk.Follow the journey: See the video of me helping deliver the lamb over on Instagram @LizzyMuddyHeelsMac.Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    22 min

  5. 1 MARS

    Wuthering Heights, The Witcher, and Bridgerton: Life as a Riding Double with Freddy Steele

    Send Lizzie a message! It is officially March! 🌷 The sun has finally made an appearance (though my greenhouse plans are currently on hold thanks to the rain!), and I have been so excited to share this week’s episode with you. A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media and saw an incredible video of a rider on the set of the new Wuthering Heights movie. I went down a total rabbit hole researching his work on The Witcher and Bridgerton, and I just knew I had to get him on the show. This week, I’m chatting with horse trainer and performer Freddy Steele. We’re talking about: Meeting Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi: What are they really like on set?Horse Makeup & Wigs: Yes, the horses have hair extensions too! 🐴💅The "Broken Eggs" Mystery: Freddie reveals the top-secret code name they used on set.The "Border Collie" of Horses: Why he’s obsessed with the Lusitano breed.If you’re stuck inside hiding from the March rain like me, this is the perfect escape. It’s a fascinating look at what it actually takes to bring these massive stories to life. Grab a cuppa and dive into the wild world of the Wuthering Heights set on the Moors with us—listen to the episode now! Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    51 min
  6. Dorset's Big Five - Down In Dorset Episode 2

    27 FÉVR. ·  BONUS

    Dorset's Big Five - Down In Dorset Episode 2

    Send Lizzie a message! Following the incredible response to our launch, we are back with the second episode of our Down in Dorset mini-series! This month, I’m joined once again by my guest co-host, local farmer Tim Gelfs, for a deep dive into the wild side of the county. In partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, we are exploring the delicate balance between productive agriculture and thriving wildlife. From the "Big Five" mammals roaming our fields to the shifting tides of government farming policy, this episode gets to the heart of how Dorset is leading the way in conservation. In This Episode: The Big Five & The New Frontier of Farming We are joined by two fantastic guests who represent the two halves of the nature recovery puzzle: The Ecologist’s Lens: Ian Alexander, an ecologist with over 40 years of experience (Natural England, Dorset Wildlife Trust), shares his passion for species reintroduction—specifically his 20-year journey to bring Beavers back to our waterways.The Farmer’s Perspective: James Cousins, a fifth-generation farmer at Tarrant Rawston, manages a 2,000-acre mixed farm. James gives us a candid look at life on a working farm, from the joy of seeing Brown Hares box in the spring to the practical realities of managing deer populations.Key Discussion Points: Dorset’s "Big Five": We talk through the status of Deer, Badgers, Foxes, Beavers, and Otters. Ian explains why the Sika deer is so abundant in Purbeck and why the tiny Muntjac is the new kid on the block.The Deer Management Debate: Why is culling necessary? James explains how deer management supports his local butchery with sustainable venison, while Ian discusses the impact of overpopulation on woodland regeneration.The Post-War Legacy: A look back at how the drive for food security after WWII shaped our landscape, and why we are now shifting toward "public money for public good."Farmer Cluster Groups: James highlights the power of "cluster groups"—where local farmers collaborate on carbon capture, soil health, and bird identification to create wildlife corridors across the county.Nature Recovery Success Stories: We hear from Tom Monroe (National Landscapes) and Imogen Davenport (Dorset Wildlife Trust) on how collaboration in areas like the Isle of Purbeck is successfully reversing decades of nature decline.Down in Dorset episodes are available on the last Friday of every month.  Which of Dorset’s "Big Five" is your favourite to spot in the wild? We’d love to hear your stories! Reach out at info@second-nature.co.uk or find us on social media. This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council. Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    1 h 12 min

  7. 7 FÉVR.

    Seasons Change: Mind Your Head Week with the Suffolk Farming Community Group

    Send Lizzie a message! ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains deeply personal discussions regarding mental health, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. If you are currently struggling, please consider listening with a friend or reaching out to the resources listed below. ------------------------ Welcome back to your usual episode of Second Nature! I am still pinching myself after seeing us hit #11 on the Apple Podcasts Top 200 for Home and Garden following the release of the Down in Dorset mini-series last week. Honestly, thank you so much for the support—it means the world to Tim and me. This episode is a bit of a whirlwind. I’m catching you up on my "2026 bingo card" moment, meeting Jeremy Clarkson at his new pub and my recent deep dives into agronomy and wheat nutrition. But more importantly, as we head into Mind Your Head week with Yellow Wellies, we’re opening up a conversation that is incredibly close to my heart. A Personal Reflection A year ago today, I was in a very different place. I’m sharing the story of the night I had to call a crisis line, the role my little Corgi, Willow, played in pulling me back to the present, and why I believe it is so vital that we show the "bad days" alongside the highlight reels. I hope that by sharing my own story, I can show that things do get better.  In farming, we know better than anyone that seasons change—and your headspace can, too. The Suffolk Farming Community Group This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Emily Whitmarsh and Ellis Blackmore. After losing a dear friend to suicide, they took action to ensure no one in their local agricultural community felt isolated. We chat about: - Moving beyond Young Farmers and the "loneliness" of the tractor cab. - The reality of current financial pressures and the recent inheritance tax changes. - Why "pub yields" aren't always what they seem. Their upcoming monthly meet-up on Friday February 27th at the Gardner’s Arms, Tostock. You can follow Emily and Ellis on Instagram and Facebook at Suffolk Farming Community Group. ⚠️ Important Note This episode contains honest discussions about mental health and suicide. If you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence. Help is available: Samaritans: 116 123 FCN: 03000 111 999 R.A.B.I: 0800 188 4444 DPJ Foundation (Wales): 0800 587 4262 RSABI (Scotland): 0808 1234 555 N IRELAND: 0800 138 1678 Text Support: Text HAWKSTONE to 85258 Connect with the Campaign Join the conversation next week using #MindYourHead, #Hope, and #SuicidePrevention.  Find out more over on: https://www.yellowwellies.org/mind-your-head-9-13-february-2026/ Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    34 min
  8. From Dorset Fields To Dorset Plates - Down In Dorset Episode 1

    30 JANV. ·  BONUS

    From Dorset Fields To Dorset Plates - Down In Dorset Episode 1

    Send Lizzie a message! Welcome to the very first episode of Down in Dorset, a brand-new mini-series brought to you by Second Nature! I am so excited to launch this special project in partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, as we explore the vital work being done across the county to restore our landscapes and celebrate the incredible food produced right here on our doorstep. Joining me as my guest co-host for this series is local farmer Tim Gelfs. Together, we’re heading out to meet the fantastic people doing incredible things for the local area. Make sure to mark your calendars, as new episodes of this mini-series will be available on the last Friday of every month! In This Episode:  From Dorset Fields To Dorset Plates In our series premiere, we sit down with two experts who are dedicated to the connection between healthy land and healthy people. The Heritage of Watercress: We chat with Tom Amery, CEO of The Watercress Company, based at Waddock Farm, south of Dorchester. Truly a jewel in Dorset’s crown, Tom’s business is the largest of its kind in Europe, supplying all the major UK retailers. Tom shares the fascinating history of this "super-leaf"—from its Roman roots to how his team currently produces up to 45 tonnes a week for half a million customers across the UK.Pesticide-Free Pioneering: Tom discusses the massive shift they made 25 years ago to stop using pesticides entirely, turning their spring-fed gravel beds into thriving habitats for thousands of invertebrates. It’s a brilliant example of how commercial farming can work hand-in-hand with nature recovery.Reconnecting the Next Generation: Claire King, a former headteacher and founder of the Nutrition Advisory Team (NAT), joins us to talk about the vital importance of food education. We discuss her "NutriKit" and why it is so critical for children to understand food provenance—moving beyond the supermarket shelf to the water, soil, and the people who grow our food.Building Resilient Food Systems: We dive into the complexities of modern agriculture and the importance of shortening supply chains to support both the local economy and the environment.Meet the Team: Lizzie McLaughlin: Your usual hostTim Gelfs: Guest co-host and local poultry farmer, bridging the gap between farming reality and consumer tables.Tom: A watercress champion managing a unique crop that provides nutrition to half a million customers weekly.Claire: An education specialist dedicated to teaching the nitty-gritty of health, provenance, and sustainability.This series is all about how we can help nature recover while still producing world-class food. Whether you're a Dorset local or a food lover from further afield, there is so much to learn from these incredible guests. What does "nature recovery" mean to you? Get in touch at info@second-nature.co.uk or find me on social media at @LizzieMuddyHeelsMac. This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council. Website: www.second-nature.co.uk Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

    54 min
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Celebrating the seasons with farming stories, garden tips & homegrown recipes 🚜🌱🍅 Join award-winning podcaster, Lizzie McLaughlin and her corgi Willow, for a new podcast episode every Friday 🎙️👇 Instagram: @second_natureuk Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac www.second-nature.co.uk

Informations

  • Création
    Lizzie McLaughlin
  • Années d’activité
    2025 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    27
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Second Nature
  • Site web de l’émission
    Second Nature

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