Episode 2.47 - Sluice Secrets and Jelly Jiggles

Send us Fan MailJoin Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp November morning venturing to Lakenham Mill on Norwich's outskirts, exploring the historic River Yare's controlled sluices, ancient mill wheels, and granaries that once ground local grains, amid discussions on recent torrential rains unleashing 220 tonnes of water per acre and innovative flood management through managed retreat and river re-wiggling. Return to High Ash Farm to witness the aftermath of storm surges transforming streams into raging torrents, while examining avian flu's grip on isolated rooks and wood pigeons within control zones, and the farm's shift to water harvesting via blocked drains and wildflower fields to recharge chalk aquifers. Delve into fungal wonders in Fox's Grove, from deadly honey fungus bootlaces killing trees to gelatinous jelly fungi like yellow brain and crystal brain wobbling on decaying branches, alongside puffballs exploding spores like green smoke. Savour listener queries on identifying roe deer antlers shed during rutting and a seaside slime mould—actually a migratory protozoa—resembling scrambled eggs, alongside reflections on nature's raw power and avian vulnerabilities. A captivating cascade through watery wonders, microbial marvels, and seasonal struggles, ideal for pondering the interplay of history, hydrology, and hidden habitats.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18230059-episode-2-47-sluice-secrets-and-jelly-jiggles.mp3?download=trueSupport the showPlease email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast [email protected] podcast is brought to you by High Ash Farm. To support our efforts in creating this content, please consider making a small monthly or one-off donation. Your contributions help us with production costs, and after expenses, every penny goes towards conservation and maintaining free public access at High Ash Farm. Support us here:https://donorbox.org/podcast-12or from the Podcast page here:Podcast | High Ash Farm