CountrySlide
CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation, wild food and life in the British countryside.Hosted by voices from across the SideCountry Network.
98: Pickled Eggs, Quantum Sheds and Muntjac
Richard P is joined by George Browne and Nick Adams for an unusually representative cross-section of the British countryside: a lazy wood botherer, an aesthetically elevated writing wrangler and an angry man who stares at trees.
George arrives bearing the signs of time spent butchering a Muntjac deer, Nick has celebrated turning another year over 40 by removing the roof from his shed just before heavy rain, and Richard has discovered that decades of questionable drainage decisions have created a sump beneath his house.
Elsewhere there are Highland cows taking over British homeware, barn owls, Grand Designs...
97: M&Ms, Yellowhammers and Hedges
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...
96: Sunday Roasts, Seasonal Food and Hash Browns
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...
95: Cheeseburgers and Old Tools
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 t...
94: Moths, Myths and Big Cats
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...
93: Posties, Pubs and Public Transport
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...
92: A Pint of Maggots and a Good Education
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 mu...
91: Shark Fishing, Smoking Tea and Summer Catch-Ups
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...
What The Hell is SideCountry?
What connects baking sourdough, climbing mountains, keeping chickens, deer stalking, forestry, fishing, farming and knowing how to sharpen a chainsaw?
In this episode - broqadcast across every show on the SideCountry Network - Richard Prideaux and George Browne attempt to explain what SideCountry actually is, why it was built, and where the network is heading.
They start with George’s idea of the “sourdough pipeline”: the idea that apparently unrelated countryside interests are often connected by the same desire to learn, make, understand and do things for yourself.
From there, they look at how SideCo...
90: Ground Cry with Jamie Blackett
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 - contact...
89: Our highlights of the Game Fair
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]
L...
88: Dank Memes, Kidney Beans and R.S. Surtees
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 t...
87: Wild Fire, Singed Brows and Charcoal
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...
86: Cheese, Salmon flies and Foreign food that you can't live without
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 f...
85: The Game Fair Prep Episode feat. George Browne
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 yo...
84: River shenanigans, Ferrets and Life as an Otter
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
...
83: Mr. Negus Comes To Wales
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...
82: Fishing the Test and a crutchless walk
A Negus-less episode including Callum's tales from the Test, a venue request from Prideaux, some talk about thermal imaging drones, beer labels, Callum's plan to make Britain shit again (for it's own good), and Wetherspoons.
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
- Essex Summer Solstice Champagne Festival
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
...
81: Planes, Gains and City Trips
We follow up on Callum's recent airborne booze cruise, discuss book ideas, hear about RN's latest speaking engagement and get a report about RP's recent trip to Liverpool to speak to real people who sell useful outdoor kit for a living.
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
- Essex Summer Solstice Champagne Festival
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
...
80: Farm Fest and The Big Farmland Bird Count
Jeremy Clarkson did a thing! The title may not sound like these topics are entirely related....although what a segue! Amongst the big topics of what went wrong with FarmFest and who won the Big Farmland Bird Count (in Negus' mind) Prideaux, Negus and McInerney Riley cover off topics as far ranging as weasel taming, mouse attacks, portrait photography and wedding anniversaries.
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
...
79: Oyster Farming and Tree Equity
Oyster farming has been banned by the Duchy of Cornwall and the Woodland Trust have created a map of Tree Equity Scores for urban areas....what else could we possibly talk about this week? Expect a non-linear thought from Richard P involving kings and we hear about Richard N's favourite writers and Callum's experience at a sports ball event thing...apparently the blue team won.
CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.You can contact us by email on: [email protected]
78: The Cost of Dry Stone Walling and Shifty Wildlife
This week's topics include: Guessing how much Defra thinks dry stone walling costs, escaped zoo animals, a little bit of politics, shifty wildlife and a real topic in the form of the Royal Forestry Society's latest Breaking Points survey report.
Hosted by your favourite Richard and Callum.
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
- RFS Breaking Points Survey report
- Subscribe on Patreon for...
77: Moorland Matters and Callum's Observations
Richard P and Callum delve into the reasoning behind the Why Moorland Matters events and discuss Callum's recent travels around the country attending awards dinners and Black Grouse Leks. Expect to hear about why keepered moors are good for wildlife, how to get more game and wild meat onto the radar of the general population and some thoughts about the 'community' argument for saving shooting.
CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.You can contact us by email on: [email protected]
...
76: Young Farmers of Suffolk
We talk about growing up rural and being a member of the Young Farmers Club with Will Pratt (Hadleigh Young Farmers) and Poppy Bingham (Debenham Young Farmers) With the usual grilling questions about fashion, drinking, shows and urban/rural differences. All hosted by Richard and Richard whilst Callum is out enjoying pizza!
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
- Poppy's coffee van business - @thelittleacorn_uk
...
75: SSSI Debacle
A recent article stated that there have been no new SSSIs (Sites of special scientific interest) designated since 2023, leaving important areas vulnerable to developments from housing and industry. The guys give their thoughts on this, the designation process and we learn about Negus' recent exploits as a demonstrator.
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
- Richard Prideaux's recent scribehound piece
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (y...
74: Thatching, Bittern, White-tailed eagle and Snails
Callum and Richard N discuss recent developments with government plans for funding rare species and weigh up the benefits vs potential better choices. Meanwhile Richard P is focussing on fixing his leg!
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
- Reedbeds and Thatching with Andy Dodson
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
- If you enjoy what we do, consider...
73: The Accident and Emergency Special
The full stories behind why Richard P and Callum were both rushed to A and E.
In true CountrySlide style there is a complete lack of sympathy and instead a rather thoughtful conversation about the NHS, particularly in rural areas.
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
- If you enjoy what...
The Mullet: Social media time allocation
The Mullet is our small rural business and marketing advice mini-series, brought to you by Richard P and Callum of CountrySlide.This episode the discussion turns to how much time small businesses should spend on Social Media around running the day-to-day, admin and having a life outside of work.
If you have a question, please DM us or send an email on [email protected]
CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.
Links
- Subscribe on Patreon for...
Breaking News: Defra Consultation on Influencer Impact
DEFRA to consult on licences for influencers, wild campers and nature writers using countryside as ‘healing resource’, listen now for more info on this breaking story.
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
- 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...
72: Land Use Framework, Energy, and Traditions
After a slightly hyperactive start to the show the guys settle in to talk about the Land use framework, licencing issues, the impact of energy prices on rural life and agricultural production, hunting traditions and respect in the UK and Europe, and Asbestos Wormhouses.
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
- If you enjoy...
71: A Glimpse into the Past
This week, we’re doing something a little different. Richard Negus sits down for a chat with his mother. Together, they travel back 90 years to explore a bygone era of Southwold and Lowestoft, sharing first-hand memories of growing up in the heart of rural Suffolk.
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
- If you en...
70: One for the Fans
We welcome Forester (in every sense) Nicholas Adams onto the podcast. Richard, Callum and Nick discuss everything from the voices in your head, to who killed the bear and how to get your Fern ticket in a conversation which takes a few minor detours down MOT lane, the Wickerman and into Wardrobe Close.
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content...
69: No, not that kind
The two Richard's.... try to hold it together and have an honest talk about everything from politics, to education, to brain types, to villages within cities and the economy of rural villages.
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
- 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
...
68: Are you on the list that no one knows about?
Your three hapless hosts sat down with it in mind to record a serious episode about Deer culls, subsidies and fly tipping. Instead they pulled each other off the rails and swan dived into elephant shaped deer and how to discover businesses which may be more aligned with rural life or at least tolerant of rural traditions.
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
- Subscribe...
67: Purdey, NEC and Beavers
A random mix of topics crop up this time with tenuous links more fragile than a spider's web (one of those wispy ones you find in the UK, not a real thick Australian/jungle species) Join us to catch up on the Purdey Awards, the Great British Shooting Show, African conservation, and Derek Gow.
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you...
Bonus: Great British Shooting Show 2026
As appears to be becoming tradition, Richard P and Callum once again went to the Great British Shooting Show and after a day of wandering the hall, fondling shiny things, eating and drinking rubbish and talking to hundreds....well, probably dozens...of people, they decided to record a little episode about it all. Hear about what they saw, what they liked, what you missed out on, and it may even help you to decide if it's worth you attending next year!
Links
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any...
66: Life, Education and Sheds
Richard and Callum are left to their own devices talking about life recently, attending educational training as an adult, sheds, Asian Hornets, the British Shooting Show, Peter Mandelson and Tripods. Not a particularly rural episode this week, we'll get back into that stride next week!
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
- Subscribe on Patreon for extra content (you can cancel at any time)
- If you...
65: Awards, Advice and Announcements
This episode encompasses the Eat Game Awards, Schoffel and GWCT Awards, Advice for the government about how to help rural communities and livelihoods, and a few special announcements!
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
- 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
- Eat Game Awards
- S...
64: Big Farmland Bird Count and Operation Turtle Dove with Mark Nowers
Mark Nowers is our guest on the podcast this week to talk about the upcoming GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count and his day job with Operation Turtle Dove.
Mark's interest in the natural world and particularly birds started at a young age and the knowledge and enthusiasm that he shares with others is just fantastic. In the show, they talk about why Turtle Doves have their own special project, what the Big Farmland Bird Count is and how you can get involved as well as some of the experiences that Richard and Callum have had whilst out with...
63: Irreplaceable Kit, Unwanted Skills and Food Culture
A last minute double booking leaves Richard P and Callum at the helm to answer questions sent in by our patrons.Topics vary from what's been googled recently to how we can improve connection to rural matters through food, to favourite flavours, a particularly soppy answer from RP and derailing of all sorts.
Next week we have the fabulous Mark Nowers on to talk about the Big Farmland Bird Count!
CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.Send us photos of your interesting trinkets that your...
