Advertise on podcast: CountrySlide

This week, Callum follows Richard Negus on another side quest, this time to Barkway Literary Festival, where Richard has somehow been entrusted with explaining hedges to a live audience. Before they get anywhere near the subject there are M&M riders, Gemma Collins, a broken heating system, an increasingly judgmental dog and a collection of male wasps apparently spending their final days getting drunk on ivy. Eventually Callum McInerney-Riley asks the fairly fundamental question: what actually is a hedge layer? Richard explains why hedgelaying is almost as old as farming itself, how cutting and laying a hedge encourages new growth at the base, and why something that can initially look suspiciously like a wildlife crime can become considerably better habitat within a couple of years. From there, the conversation broadens into the role of working farmland in nature recovery, why conservation has to work for the farm as well as the wildlife, and Richard's defence of farmers and gamekeepers whose work often involves managing both habitat and predators. All recorded in front of an actual literary festival audience, before Richard wanders off to sign copies of Words from the Hedge and discovers that bringing a pen might have been useful. Useful links: Support SideCountry on PatreonBarkway Literary Festival Words from the Hedge by Richard Negus National Hedgelaying Society High Suffolk Farm Cluster: Patrick Barker on nature-friendly farming SideCountry DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

Harvest Festival is here, which gets Richard Negus and Callum McInerney-Riley wondering whether any of us actually know what is in season anymore. After an opening involving harvest hymns, Sunday school, Sandhurst church services and the possibility of a religious denomination based around lager, they eventually get onto food. Why can you buy asparagus and strawberries all year round? Have supermarkets disconnected us from the seasons? And why aren't we better at celebrating the particular foods grown in particular places, rather than simply importing the same things whenever we fancy them? There is a December blackberry cheesecake, the defence of the Sunday roast, memories of proper British food and some fairly unpleasant processed food from childhood. Richard remembers bedrooms full of stored apples, they discuss pickling and preserving gluts, and eventually conclude that the easiest gateway into eating British may simply be a full English breakfast. Richard also has details of the Big Breckland Breakfast in aid of rural mental health charity YANA. Useful links:SideCountrySideCountry Network on PatreonBig Breckland BreakfastYANA: Rural Mental Health SupportBritish Food Fortnight DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

This week, CountrySlide comes from somewhere between the burger van and the chainsaw demonstrations at APF 2026. Richard Prideaux is joined by forestry contractor and SideCountry writer Nick Adams for a wander around the 50th anniversary show at Ragley Estate, where the machinery is enormous, the fish and chips cost £16.50 and somebody appears to be selling a 16-foot shovel. They compare APF with the Game Fair, consider the financial commitment involved in some seriously expensive forestry machinery and attempt to record a podcast while seemingly every chainsaw manufacturer in Britain starts a demo nearby. Along the way there are broken brush cutters, George Browne attempting to handle tools, a chance meeting with a Richard Negus fan, Nick's latest SideCountry article, beavers, strange Warwickshire road names and the discovery that the forestry world is small enough that somebody at every stand appears to know somebody else. All recorded with the 'gentle' background ambience of petrol engines, tannoys and two men waiting for their cheeseburgers. You can contact us on social media, using the messaging system on patreon or emailing - [email protected] Links -APF Exhibition -Forestry Contracting Association -Nick Adams: Rewilding Is No Panacea -Morakniv Woodcarving Knife 106 -Grizzly Peak Enterprises axe scabbards - T-shirts are still available on - store.sidecountry.co.uk - Sign up to our newsletter - The Rural Register - SideCountry Network - Negus' book tour dates can be found here DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health. This week, Callum considers building a moth trap, Richard Negus explains the existence of "hyper moth season", and Richard Prideaux admits to a surprisingly strong dislike of small dusty insects. From there, things drift into some of Britain's stranger countryside folklore. There is the Owlman of Cornwall, Cornish knockers, Hangman's Hill, Black Shuck, the Essex Serpent and the question of why some parts of the country seem to accumulate far more weird stories than others. Eventually they arrive at the modern rural legend that refuses to disappear: big cats in the British countryside. Were panthers and other exotic cats genuinely released decades ago? Could any still be out there? And if they were, wouldn't one of the country's gamekeepers have found one by now? Patrons also get the aftershow, featuring an accidental rally stage in an ageing Freelander, lions roaring beside a Suffolk marsh and Callum having a professionally awkward moment while photographing a politician. Useful links: The DPJ Foundation The Farming Community Network RABI Samaritans Butterfly Conservation: How to make your own moth trap Butterfly Conservation: Finding and recording moths Support SideCountry DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

Are things actually getting worse in the countryside, or are we just noticing what has quietly disappeared? This week, Richard Prideaux, Richard Negus and Callum McInerney-Riley talk about access to the countryside, disappearing rural services and the difference between visiting rural Britain and actually living in it. Callum looks back at his earliest memories of fishing and how his relationship with the countryside has changed, while the two Richards compare that with growing up surrounded by rural life. From there, the conversation moves onto village shops, post offices, buses, unreliable postal services and the lack of resilience that comes with living somewhere where everything is spread further apart.Richard Negus then takes the scenic route through rural transport history and arrives at Sutton Hoo, Basil Brown and the question of whether one of Britain's most famous archaeological discoveries would have been quite so easy to make today. There are also detours into AI, long marriages, old branch lines, tiny trains, men in Lycra and the possibility that the modern countryside has replaced Basil Brown with baboons on Strava. Richard and Amy will also be at the APF Exhibition at Ragley later this month, so if you spot the hand painted sign, come and say hello. Links: Sutton Hoo, National TrustThe story of Sutton Hoo and the 1939 excavationRoyal Family anniversary messagesAPF Exhibition 2026Support SideCountry DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

This week the gang try to hold it together, and after Callum’s cardigan, Richard Negus’ suspicious lighting and an unexpected Tim Curry impression, they eventually get onto the question of how children actually learn about the countryside and whether enthusiasm has gone out of fashion. Callum’s son taking a copy of The Field Junior into school sparks a wider conversation about field sports, conservation and what happens when teachers and parents are themselves increasingly disconnected from rural life. The three Richards - well, two Richards and Callum - talk about Natural History education, grandparents, letting children get muddy, learning where food comes from and whether enthusiasm is being quietly trained out of youngsters. Along the way there are childhood fishing trips, bird spotting from the car, deer stalking with a three-year-old, wildfowling misery, whistling children, an unexpected meat-and-pest-control tour, and Callum’s ongoing campaign to hand fishing rods to any curious child who happens to wander past. Essentially: how do you give children a connection to the countryside? Possibly by worrying less, letting them have a go and accepting that somebody is probably going to spill a pint of maggots. CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected]  Links - T-shirts are still available on - store.sidecountry.co.uk - Sign up to our newsletter - The Rural Register - SideCountry Network - Negus' book tour dates can be found here The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for SideCountry Network DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

After a few weeks off, Callum, Negus and Prideaux catch up on their summer activities. Negus has spent the hottest months of the year indoors writing his next book, while Callum has been catching absolutely nothing from a kayak, eating slightly furry muntjac and eventually earning the title of shark hunter after landing several sizeable tope in the North Sea. We also discuss alternative locations for nicotine pouches, becoming the fish and the wisdom of responding to a wildfire warning at sea by heading ashore and lighting a barbecue. CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected]  Links - T-shirts are still available on - store.sidecountry.co.uk - Sign up to our newsletter - The Rural Register - SideCountry Network - Negus' book tour dates can be found here The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for SideCountry Network DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

Richard Negus caught up with Jamie Blackett to talk about the new campaigning organisation he has set up to help Britain's ground nesting birds. They talk about some of the problems faced by ground nesting species, the changes which Jamie has seen on his own farm, and what Ground Cry intends to do to identify the gaps in current research, speak honestly about challenges, and support practical, evidence-led solutions. CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us on social media, or by emailing - [email protected] Links - Ground Cry website - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for SideCountry Network.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

After a heady weekend of parties, pubs and car park shenanigans, we go through our highlights and experiences at The Game Fair 2026. Richard Negus found himself with the freedom of the fair, Richard Prideaux spoke to nearly everybody in attendance, Callum McInerney-Riley almost saved the day and George Browne had more costume changes than a pantomime dame.   CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us on social media, or by emailing - [email protected] Links - T-shirts are still available on store.sidecountry.co.uk - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for SideCountry Network.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

After deliberations about who could make a difference as Prime Minister in a one month stint, Callum, Negus and Prideaux reveal their specialist subjects. We're not talking the thing they do best at work, nor what they excelled in at school (if anything at all). No, we are talking about the random things that they have more knowledge than they should about! Also find out more about Bingo cards, T-shirts and where you can meet up with us at The Game Fair if you are going!   CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us on social media, or by emailing - [email protected] Links - T-shirts and Game Fair bingo cards will be available on store.sidecountry.co.uk - You can meet us at The Game Glutton (stand T1526) at the Game Fair, 10am on Saturday! - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

We couldn't not talk about the drought, resulting fires, Callum's recent pizza oven woes (spoiler alert: he wasn't even cooking a pizza) and Prideaux's forays into making charcoal!   There are a few announcements in this week's episode so listen through to the end and enjoy!   CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us on social media, or by emailing - [email protected] Links - T-shirts and Game Fair bingo cards will be available on store.sidecountry.co.uk - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

In this episode you'll learn about which fish can stand the heat and how river systems suffer in our recent high temperatures, as well as how fountains can actually help fish in distress. Negus challenges Callum and Richard P to identify Salmon flies, and questions which imported foodstuffs the guys can't live without. In the aftershow (available to patreon supporters) we challenge Callum's historical knowledge, there is a super surprise announcement and a bit of a tease!   Suggestions for the bingo card to - [email protected] or just mow it into your local Barley field and George can report back on his next drive past....     CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected] get in touch on Social Media Links - Essential Fly - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

It's not all about the Game Fair, and with a shakeup in hosts this week George off of Scribehound and the Guns on Pegs podcast, and Producer Amy are keeping Richard Prideaux company whilst Negus and Callum are playing away.   We discuss drive-by farming, whether there are benefits to being completely stacked as a podcaster, the sights, smells and sounds of the Game Fair and we (almost) launch Game Fair bingo! There's also a bit more information about "Project X"   Suggestions for the bingo card to - [email protected] or just mow it into your local Barley field and George can report back on his next drive past....   CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected] or get in touch on Social Media Links - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

We discuss therapy ferrets being used as pest control, Nature-Centric Approaches led by Phil Tovey and the ongoing and interesting case of how best to help clean up rivers.   We're back to audio only this week, with your favourite hosts attempting to stay cool with fans, ice and who knows what else...   CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected] get in touch on Social Media Links - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.

This latest episode is brought to you by Richard Negus' tour of the British countryside. During a visit to North Wales, Negus and Prideaux sat down in a woodland to talk about land management, what Negus has witnessed on his travels and why you won't find any mole hills on slurried silage fields. They also try to bring back feudalism, why land managers should be the ones leading the charge for outdoor access and the slim possibility of Richard Negus writing a second book. This is our first stab at filming an episode of Countryslide. We DO know what we're doing, but you would never know from the above output. CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside. You can contact us by email on: [email protected] get in touch on Social Media Links - Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time) - If you enjoy what we do, consider a one-off tip on Ko-fi - Sign up to our Newsletter - The Rural Register - CountrySlide website - Negus' book tour dates can be found here - Land Use Framework The Hosts Richard Negus website Callum McInerney-Riley website Richard Prideaux website Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.   DISCLAIMER Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.