Land-Folk of The Peak District & Surrounding Areas

At the start of November 2024 we spoke to Christine Gregory, an artist, writer and photographer who has written several books about the people and wildlife of the Peak District. She spoke to us about the impact of intensive livestock farming on river habitat and the steps that can be taken to restore it.The final part of our conversation is about the challenges faced by farmers and how land managers of every sort need to work together towards a better future for both people and the environment. If you listen to this and think of any questions you'd like to ask then you can email us at [email protected] to Joss Mann-Hazell and Ford Collier for their art and music and to Christine for chatting to us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 2024 we visited Oncote in the Staffordshire Moorlands to hear about John Stone’s dairy farm and Dawn Hind's passion for environmental education. From grazing riparian habitat (riverbanks), to government grants, our conversation takes us through some of the challenges dairy farms face today. We also discuss the lack of teaching in schools around where our food comes from and asked if supermarkets should do more to help the environment.If you listen to this and think of any questions you'd like to ask then you can email us at [email protected] to Joss Mann-Hazell and Ford Collier for their art and music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While surrounded by wildflowers at Hartington Meadows, we spoke to Dan and Jas about their apprenticeship in countryside management from 2020-21, part of a project called the South West Peak Landscape Partnership. We also talked about our motivations for working in the countryside, as well as Jas’s job at a dairy farm near Ashbourne.If you listen to this and think of any questions you'd like to ask then you can email us at [email protected] to Joss Mann-Hazell and Ford Collier for their art and music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just before Christmas 2023, we caught up with Tom Gillott, Ranger with the Peak Park Authority. We shared our ranger experiences of working with volunteers, looking after the well-loved areas of the countryside and the not-so-well known areas too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In January 2024, we chatted with Buxton Civic Association's woodlands team about the challenges and opportunities of looking after 200 acres of woodland around the Derbyshire town. We learnt about Harriet's role as Woodland Manager & Sarah's work as a Ranger, working together to conserve & enhance these valuable spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Finn is a Hayfield-based conservationist and retired countryside ranger. In November 2023 we chatted to him about his career and ideas for how to manage outdoor spaces for the benefit of people and nature alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellie and Matt talk to Iaian Stafford, a Ranger at Derbyshire County Council. Iaian has worked at DCC for a long time now and in October 2023 we recorded a conversation with him about day to day life as a ranger and how much things have changed since he started working there. We also talk about re-greening old industrial sites, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), changes in farming practices, apprenticeships and woodland management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.