Natural Wanders - The Plodcast.

Erin Ranney 'I just completely fell in love with cameras'

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 14:18:50 +0000

In this episode we go for a Bristol wander with camerawoman Erin Ranney. We chat about growing up in bear country, her route into natural history filmmaking and separating work from worth.

Erin on Instagram: @e.ranney

Erin's website https://www.erinranney.com

Ellie Williams '‘Sounds really connect us to a place and make us feel a certain way.’

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 21:38:02 +0000

In this episode we go for a dawn chorus wander with sound recordist Ellie Williams. In a forest near Bristol, we chat about capturing soundscapes, pushing boundaries and exploring sensory bubbles.

Ellie on Instagram: @soundellie

https://woundedbuffalo.co.uk/people/ellie-williams/

Hear some of Ellie’s work that we chatted about here:

Howler Monkey, Earth Sounds- Rainforest

https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-rainforests/umc.cmc.7f45yx1idcihdlh78s8ltnm3o?showId=umc.cmc.2blf5y8e9e818bpdp3xuar408

Olive Ridley Turtles, Secret Lives Of Animals - Making Friends

https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/making-friends/umc.cmc.61goajmw8v7ba2ccfyvqwb6rd?showId=umc.cmc.2o8al5w2z01dnm4f9aw11d2w7

Elephant Seal, Earth Sounds - Atlantic Coasts

https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/atlantic-coasts/umc.cmc.7ju85tlvkhixcqypxp4xpo3f?showId=umc.cmc.2blf5y8e9e818bpdp3xuar408

Jack Bootle ‘I think it’s the best job in TV, truly’

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:29:13 +0000

In this episode of the Plodcast we go for a wander with the Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning at the BBC, Jack Bootle. In the heart of London we chat about being a TV addict, his career path to commissioning and predicting the future.

Series we chat about:

Big Cats 24/7

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002262z

Wild Isles

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f0t5dp

Planet Earth 3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f0t5dp

Other series Jack has commissioned that we love:

AIDS: The Unheard Tapes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0018t1c/aids-the-unheard-tapes

Surgeons: At The Edge of Life

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09m60sk/surgeons-at-the-edge-of-life

Charlie Hamilton-James ‘I want you to look at a picture that’s so disturbing that you can’t help thinking, holy s**t, that’s so beautiful.’

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:23:43 +0000

In the first episode of Season 4 we go for a walk in the Wiltshire countryside with wildlife filmmaker and photographer Charlie Hamilton-James. We chat about filming two of the UK’s most loved species, his emotional journey behind this camera and scrolling to indifference.

Find out more about Charlie and his End Times project on charliehamiltonjames.com

Instagram: @chamiltonjames

Jamie McPherson ‘What I find most exciting is just different ways of telling stories’

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 09:42:54 +0000

In this final episode of season 3 we go for a West Country wander with wildlife cinematographer Jamie McPherson. We chat about starting in TV, immersive gimbal filming and seeing dinosaurs everywhere.

Website

https://www.jamiemcpherson.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/byjamiemcpherson/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/jamiemcphers0n?lang=en

Life on Our Planet - trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ApeELdzg0

The Hunt

https://www.bbcearth.com/shows/the-hunt

Frozen Planet II

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gq73/frozen-planet-ii-worlds-of-wonder

Our Planet

https://www.ourplanet.com/en/

Lis Oakham - ‘We do need to ask less of the planet’

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:01:09 +0000

In this week’s episode we go for a wintery wander with award-winning wildlife filmmaker and climate activist Lis Oakham. Along the banks of the Frome we chat about her path into the industry, filming plants and people for The Green Planet and reducing our environmental impact.

Twitter: @MsOakham

The Green Planet: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013cl7

Lis’s Human Worlds episode: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00149lg

Filmmakers for Future: Wildlife: ffwildlife.org/

instagram.com/ffwildlife_ffw/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Bertie Gregory: ‘I’m very lucky that I get to work with great teams’

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:01:07 +0000

Deer, drones & diving! Presenter, filmmaker & explorer Bertie Gregory joins us in this episode for a winter walk in Bristol. We chat about his career, from getting started in the industry to his massive series of ‘Epic Adventures’ for Disney+.

Epic Adventures: www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/epic-adventures-with-bertie-gregory/4As67yVT9IiU

Wild Life with Bertie Gregory: youtube.com/watch?v=Jd1mKPPCWtA&feature=shares

Website: www.bertiegregory.com/about

Social

Instagram: @bertiegregory: www.instagram.com/bertiegregory/?hl=en

Twitter: @bertiegregory: twitter.com/bertiegregory?lang=en

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044218067114

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Dan O'Neill: ‘I’m not afraid to be afraid’

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:00:10 +0000

In this episode of the Plodcast we go for a London wander with wildlife filmmaker and presenter Dan O’Neill. In the heart of the capital we chat about Dan’s eclectic passions, from saving snow leopards to exploring Guayana’s Rewa River, making music for Cate Blanchett, and being the first openly LGBTQIA+ natural history presenter to carry a show.

Giants: www.offthefence.com/Brand/3002/giants

Dan O’Neill Investigates: youtube.com/watch?v=1hET0mIt11Q&list=PL50KW6aT4Ugwoic0RfPob4anJ1zKMCUIF

Ghosts in the Snow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE7dEshcnNo

Social

Instagram: @danowild

Twitter: @DanONeill_Wild

Sea Our Future Campaign for Attitude youtube.com/watch?v=5kD-zs4aFeA

Climate of Change Podcast www.josarsby.com/news/2022/4/14/climate-of-change-podcast-announced-with-support-from-dan-oneill

Chordata Bytes 1

https://open.spotify.com/album/3gOsNhi9Z25jc39Uk848pJ?si=U8kkPav8T7aikaNZeroDVQ

Chordata Bytes 2 open.spotify.com/album/1i3Pgt0naDyYFiob71NkPE?si=dOPM1G2zSfig5cFfjoo8OQ

Wilderland Film Festival www.wilderlandfestival.com/about

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Dr Rutendo Shackleton: ‘I like when our world and the natural world collide’

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:01:06 +0000

‘Love like a mustard seed!’ In this episode of Natural Wanders we go for a plod with the fantastic conservation scientist and presenter Dr Rutendo Shackleton. While battling the elements in Cheshire, we chat about the social bonds of elephants, sharing space with nature and hosting the BBC Earth podcast.

BBC Earth podcast: www.bbcearth.com/podcast

Chester zoo: www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/our-zoo/biographies/rutendo-shackleton/

Gritty Talent: www.grittytalent.tv/gritty-represents

Social media: uk.linkedin.com/in/rutendo-shackleton-534728193?trk=public_profile_browsemap

mobile.twitter.com/dr_shack_

www.instagram.com/dr_shack_/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Erland Cooper: ‘What music can do is help communicate stories’

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:01:06 +0000

In this week’s episode of Natural Wanders we meet with Orcadian composer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper. From Stromness to the city of London, we chat about being inspired by the people and nature of his Orkney home, breaking into school and planting an album in the earth.

Website: www.erlandcooper.com

Spotify: spotify.com/artist/636k3cBTCgdZfXzCj7Cuaa

Social media

Instagram instagram.com/erlandcooper/
Twitter https://t.co/1uZV8q6GwL

We chatted about..

Walthamstow Wetlands wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow-wetlands-nature-reserve
Carve the runes, then be content with silence www.contentwithsilence.com/
Peter Maxwell Davies - Farewell to Stromness www.classicfm.com/composers/maxwell-davies/music/farewell-stromness/
Poet George McKay Brown www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poet/george-mackay-brown/

Press

www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/music-2/erland-coopers-guide-to-finding-peace-in-the-city/

www.orkney.com/news/erland-cooper

www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/dec/05/cultural-prescription-hangover

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Dr George McGavin: 'If we have a salvation, it is in science'

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 00:01:09 +0000

Wasps, beetles, botfly and beyond! In this episode we go for a Hampshire plod with the brilliant entomologist and presenter Dr George McGavin. We chat about incredible insects, his latest book, overcoming a stammer and the wonder of science.

George’s new book, All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World, is available now as an audio book.

The Hidden World: How Insects Sustain Life on Earth and Will Shape Our Lives Tomorrow will be published in hardback on 2nd February 2023.

Website: georgemcgavin.com/

Oxford Museum of Natural History: oumnh.ox.ac.uk/people/george-mcgavin

Twitter: @georgemcgavin

Management: jowandermanagement.com/clients/georgemcgavin.php

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Tom McDonald: ‘I’ve always felt my job was to be the audience’

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:01:06 +0000

Series 3 has landed! In this first episode of the new series we go for a wander with National Geographic executive vice president, Tom McDonald. In the heart of London we chat about commissioning in today’s TV landscape, avid soap-watching with his family and the solace of nature.

Tom McDonald on Linkedin Press: uk.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdonald-94551159

Press: variety.com/2022/tv/global/national-geographic-tom-mcdonald-bbc-1235207928/

realscreen.com/2022/03/17/nat-geo-brings-on-bbcs-tom-mcdonald-as-evp-global-factualunscripted/

www.televisual.com/news/wildscreen-festival-tom-mcdonald-reveals-nat-geo-wishlist/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Tom Walker: ‘It’s something that I never want to take for granted’

Wed, 04 May 2022 06:55:50 +0000

In the last episode of season 2, Mandi meets wildlife cameraman Tom Walker. While wandering on the Somerset coast they chat about capturing landscapes, his journey into the industry and filming hyenas for Dynasties II.

Website: www.tomwalkerphotography.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/tomwalkercam?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tom.walkerphotography.1

Dynasties II Hyena: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016ckz

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Gillian Burke: ‘A small little moment can alter someone’s course’

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:01:09 +0000

In a blustery Cornwall we meet biologist, writer and presenter Gillian Burke. We chat about Gillian’s career path from behind to in front of the camera, unpopular options and living like it’s 1999.

The Watches: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000ww4q

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09y9cpy

Website: www.gillianburkevoice.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gillians_voice?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Jordan Young: ‘I love Scotland, I love being Scottish’

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 23:20:49 +0000

Grease is the word! In this episode I take a walk down memory lane with one of the best-known faces on Scottish Television, the actor Jordan Young. Near his Dunbartonshire home we chew the fat about school days, his roles in River City and Scot Squad and the play that started it all.

Twitter: twitter.com/joskyn100

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joskyn/

Scot Squad: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b06kw5fq/scot-squad

River City: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016njm/river-city-18042022

Agent: theartistspartnership.co.uk/artist/jordan-young/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Kirsty Wark: ‘We are a programme where everybody’s idea is welcome’

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:01:09 +0000

In the grounds of Pollok House, Mandi searches for signs of spring with one of Britain’s most experienced television journalists, Kirsty Wark. They chat about the history of Pollok, working on Newsnight and raising awareness of issues affecting women of all ages.

Twitter: twitter.com/kirstywark?lang=en

Instagram: instagram.com/kirsty_wark_/

BBC Newsnight: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk25

Womanhood – BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011xgn

Website (with book links): www.blackpeppermedia.com/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Gavin Thurston: ‘There’s still lots of wild places’

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:01:06 +0000

In this episode we meet with multi-award-winning wildlife cinematographer Gavin Thurston. On his allotment, we chat about storytelling in natural history, filming the deep ocean from a submersible and finding the joy in nature close to home.

Instagram: instagram.com/thegavinthurston?utm_medium=copy_link

Twitter: twitter.com/GavinThurston

Book: www.waterstones.com/book/journeys-in-the-wild/gavin-thurston/sir-david-attenborough/9781841883113

TedX talk: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq0NzqLmLvA

2021 Emmy win: emmys.com/video/2021-cae/cinematography-nonfiction

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Max Cooper: ‘I’m drawn to complexity’

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:50:10 +0000

In this episode we go for a walk in the Kent countryside and a wander into the brilliant mind of Max Cooper. Drawing on his fascination with science and nature, Max is a genuinely unique artist whose live performances combine electronic music and audio-visuals to create a deeply immersive experience. While plodding in the forest we discuss nature as an inspiration, driving technology forward and the power of music.

Website: maxcooper.net

Spotify: open.spotify.com › artistMax Cooper | Spotify

Max’s YouTube channel: m.youtube.com/channel/UCuisDAMnvHMYuLFRedMgmVw

‘Live at the Acropolis’s’ trailer: Max Cooper - Live at the Acropolis trailer6.1K views4 months ago

m.youtube.com/watch?v=GvwayRd9gbw

Facebook: facebook.com/maxcoopermax

Instagram: instagram.com/maxcoopermax?utm_medium=copy_link

Music credit and with thanks to: meshmeshmesh.net

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

James Reed: ‘Suddenly I had a job in telly’

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:02:06 +0000

In this episode of Natural Wanders, we meet with director and producer, James Reed. From studying zoology to winning an academy award, we discuss James’ career path and three of his standout films to date; ‘Jago: A life underwater’, ‘Rise of the Warrior Apes and ‘My Octopus Teacher’.

Website: https://www.underdog-films.com/

IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1624755/

My Octopus Teacher Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A

2021 Academy Awards win: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2T9f3RKLU5w

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Lucy Cooke: 'Variety is the grit that drives evolution forward’

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:01:05 +0000

Watch out Mr Darwin! In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet with author, presenter and zoologist Lucy Cooke. While plodding in Pett Level, we discuss the influences on Lucy’s career from Darwin to Dawkins and how her new book is redefining evolution and the female animal.

Website: www.lucycooke.tv/about/

New Book – Bitch: www.waterstones.com/book/bitch/lucy-cooke/9780857524133

Jo Sarsby: www.josarsby.com/lucy-cooke

TED Talk: www.ted.com/speakers/lucy_cooke

Radio 4 Woman's Hour: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014wt2

Political Animals: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014gt9

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Jeremy Wade: "Everybody is fascinated by predators”

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:06:39 +0000

In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet iconic angler and presenter Jeremy Wade. While walking the banks of his local river we chat about the plight of freshwater, catching River Monsters and how to think like a fish.

Website: jeremywade.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/thisisjeremywade?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: facebook.com/JeremyWadeOfficial

facebook.com/RiverMonsters

River Monsters YouTube: m.youtube.com/channel/UComwL29zYKujb1JhkB0EcGA

Book - ‘How to Think Like a Fish': jeremywade.co.uk/books

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Lizzie Daly: ‘You totally have a place in the conversation’

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:05:44 +0000

Natural Wanders returns! In this episode of the Plodcast we meet with scientist, presenter, and adventurer Lizzie Daly. Before taking a wintery dip, we chat about her route into broadcasting, her passion for British wildlife and how everyone can be involved in the fight for climate action.

Website: https://www.lizziedaly.com/

https://www.josarsby.com/lizzie-daly

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lizziedalywild?utm_medium=copy_link

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/c/LizzieDalyWildlifeTV

Billon Pound Fish doc: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xNypmawFLdI

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Professor Ben Garrod: 'There's still so much that we can do'

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:18:54 +0000

In this second episode of season 2 we go fossil hunting with evolutionary biologist and conservationist, Professor Ben Garrod. While combing the shores of the Severn we chat about being a geek, serving soup to Jane Goodall and what a 1.5 degree rise really means for the planet.

https://www.bengarrod.co.uk/about

Twitter: @Ben_garrod

Instagram: ben_garrod

Aust Cliffs: https://ukfossils.co.uk/2010/03/04/aust-cliff/

Secret Life of Bones

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03vrtkp

Baby Chimp Rescue

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000d8x8/baby-chimp-rescue-series-1-1-miracles-can-happen

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Gordon Buchanan: ‘What gives me hope’

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:59:32 +0000

The Plodcast is back! In the first episode of season 2 we go for a wander in one of Scotland’s most iconic locations with wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan. On the bonny banks, just a stone’s throw from his home in Glasgow, we chat about land use and rewilding, Gordon’s 30-year career behind and in front of the camera and his hopes for the future of our planet.

Animals With Cameras 2

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zqvw

Cheetah Family & Me

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000r03y

Trees for Life

https://treesforlife.org.uk

Loch Lomond

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/plan-your-visit/

West Highland Way

https://www.westhighlandway.org

https://www.josarsby.com/gordon-buchanan

Insta

https://www.instagram.com/gordonbuchanan_wildlife/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/gordonjbuchanan

For more information about the podcast, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Giles Clark: 'We have the knowledge'

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! In our last episode of the season, conservationist Giles Clark takes us for a Plod around the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent as we chat about big cats in captivity, being hands-on and protecting species in the wild.

Jason Singh: 'You can't put nature in a box and contain it'

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Artist Jason Singh takes us for a plod up north, as we chat about the sounds of nature, the power of music and finding his voice.

John Aitchison: 'I wish we could do more'

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000

In our first Plod on Scottish soil, wildlife cameraman John Aitchison takes us for a wander on the west coast as we chat about belonging, a big bunch of geese and the power of nature.

Briony Williams: "It's not just a cake"

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 08:00:00 +0000

On your marks, get set, plod! Bake Off's Briony Williams joins us for this episode of the Plodcast as we chat about cakes, disability, mental health and acceptance.

Sophie Darlington: 'I think we have an emotional connection to beauty'

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Wildlife camerawoman Sophie Darlington joins us for a wander in the rain in our latest Plodcast, as we chat about diversity, how we portray nature and the tree that started it all.

Marvin Rees: 'Once you're there, you can change things'

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Plodcast, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees takes us for a wander round his old stomping ground in Eastville Park as we talk childhood adventures, life in politics and being a voice for the voiceless.

Aldo Kane: 'Everything just went click into place'

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Plodcast, adventurer Aldo Kane takes us for a wander round the Avon Gorge as we chat about life beyond the Commandos, mental health and breaking into TV.

Steven Price: ‘That, to me, is a sound’

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

In our second Plodcast, composer Steven Price takes us for a wander in Surrey as we chat about his early fascination with music, writing for Sir David Attenborough and his Oscars acceptance speech.

To listen to Steven's Natural Wanders playlist click here

Joe Sims: 'Life's Short; Act Accordingly'

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 21:00:00 +0000

In our first ever Plodcast, Bristolian actor Joe Sims takes us for a wander around one of his favourite wild spaces as we chat about life, political broadcasts and almost appearing on The Really Wild Show.