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On a welcome rainy mid-May morning at High Ash Farm, after weeks of drought, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin celebrate 10mm of soaking rain on the overwinter wild bird seed mix. They reflect on past hedge removal and changing farming practices while exploring an old clay quarry where solitary bees nest in ancient clay-block walls.
The highlight is a remarkable stoat family: Chris shares stunning trail-camera footage of a female stoat (Mustela erminea) repeatedly returning to a wood-pile lair with fresh rabbit prey for her tiny kits. He explains their lightning speed, delayed implantation, extraordinary mating behaviour, ermine winter coats, and differences from weasels.
In the bird hide they enjoy close views of rooks, jackdaws, a carrion crow, yellowhammers and a grey squirrel as the rooks gather moistened grain for nestlings. Listener letters add delight: blackcaps as “northern nightingales,” hares in sugar beet, bee orchid queries, a magpie raiding a great tit nest, and more.
This episode is a rich celebration of rain-soaked relief, one of Britain’s most fascinating predators, and the bustling life of rooks and hedges — ideal for savouring nature’s resilience and the fast-paced drama of the countryside in May.
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Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to
Chris@highashfarm.com
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