Second Nature
Celebrating the seasons with farming stories, garden tips & homegrown recipes 🚜🌱🍅 Join award-winning podcaster, Lizzie McLaughlin and her corgi Willow, for a new podcast episode every Friday 🎙️👇Instagram: @second_natureukHost: @lizziemuddyheelsmacwww.second-nature.co.uk
From Sizzling Summers to Wet Winters: Down in Dorset Episode 10
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"From scorching summers to autumn named storms, the weather has been a relentless topic for all of us this year..."
Welcome back to another episode of Down in Dorset, the seasonal mini-series from Second Nature! It is so good to be back with Tim. Recorded right on the heels of our first major autumn storms, this episode tackles a subject that couldn't be more apt or urgent: how extreme weather patterns, from sun-baked droughts to heavy winter deluges, are impacting Dorset's land, livestock, soils, and local communities.
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Telling the Countryside’s Story with The Telegraph’s Patrick Galbraith
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It feels so good to be back in the podcast chair! After a super busy stretch with the Down in Dorset series, behind-the-scenes projects, and nursing my corgi Willow through a little operation (she’s doing great!), I am thrilled to share this week's episode with you.
Today, I’m joined by an incredible guest: Patrick Galbraith, Environment Correspondent for The Telegraph and author of Uncommon Ground and In Search of One Last Song.
Interviewing a seasoned journalist is always an exciting challenge, but Patrick and I had...
Restoring Dorset’s Hedgerows and Woodlands: Down in Dorset Episode 9
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"When you think of the British countryside, it’s the hedgerows and towering trees that truly define the landscape..."
Welcome back to another episode of Down in Dorset, the mini-series from Second Nature! Autumn is officially setting in across the county, and after a busy couple of months, Tim and I are back together to tackle one of the most vital-and topical-conversations in farming and conservation today: the state of our hedges and trees.
From the historic decline of UK woodlands to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) an...
Live from the Melplash Show! 🐄🌾🎪 Down in Dorset Episode 8
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"I brought twenty day-old chicks, the Northern sunshine, and plenty of excitement!"
Tim and I are back together in person, broadcasting straight from the heart of West Dorset at the legendary Melplash Agricultural Show! Hosted on the NFU Mutual stand, this episode is a celebration of rural community, agricultural heritage, and connecting people of all ages to where their food really comes from.
We kick things off by chatting with the Society’s President and Chairman to uncover the fascinating history of the show- from it...
Harvesting Dorset: Down in Dorset Episode 7
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"When you think of summer in the countryside, the iconic scene is always a combine harvester rolling through a golden field of wheat..."
It is the end of July; it is absolute sweltering heat here in Dorset, and harvest is in full swing! In this episode of Down in Dorset, Tim and I are diving headfirst into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of arable farming during one of the hottest, driest summers we've seen in years.
To kick things off, Tim headed out into the field to jump...
Magic, Myths, and the Six-Month Herb Rule - Live from Gardeners’ World 🌿🌸
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Hello, lovely listeners! Welcome back to Second Nature. Willow the corgi and I are coming to you after an absolute whirlwind couple of weeks. If you’ve been tracking the UK weather lately, you know we've been melting in a serious summer heatwave, but that hasn't slowed things down one bit.
I recently had the absolute joy of being an ambassador for the Great British Farm Fest alongside the Clarkson’s Farm crew- sharing the stage with Charlie Ireland, Harriet Cowen, and Countryfile’s Adam Henson to talk about my own journe...
What Lies Beneath Our Feet? Dorset Geology and Soil Health- Down In Dorset Episode 6
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This week, Tim and I are digging deep, quite literally, into the fascinating layers of the Dorset landscape. I caught up with Tim on a blazing hot summer afternoon while he was out in his tractor wrapping up fresh bales of haylage (or as I used to call them when I first joined farming: the giant cheese wheels in the field 🧀🚜).
Once we sorted out the geometry of square bales, we sat down for an absolutely mind-blowing episode all about Dorset's incredible geology and what it actually means for the food on our...
From Open Farm Sunday to Country Shows: Your Summer Guide to the Countryside - Down in Dorset Episode 5
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Welcome back to Down in Dorset, a special series within the Second Nature podcast. I’m your host, Lizzie McLaughlin, and today I’m joined once again by my co-host and local eyes-and-ears on the ground, Tim, for a look at how Dorset is opening its farm gates to the public this summer.
Tim has been absolutely running himself ragged across the county, catching up with the farmers, teachers, and organisers who are working tirelessly to connect town and country. From bustling spring shows to interactive farm visits, this epis...
Dairy Farming in Dorset: More Than Just a Pint- Down in Dorset Episode 4
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Welcome back to Down in Dorset, a special series within the Second Nature podcast. I’m your host, Lizzie McLaughlin, and today we are joined by my co-host and local farming expert, Tim, for a deep dive into one of West Dorset’s most iconic industries: Dairy Farming.
The sun is finally shining over the rolling hills, the cows are out on grass, and while the winter slog is over, "farm busy" has taken on a whole new meaning. Before we head into the...
The Diddly Squat Preview: Clarkson, Kaleb & Charlie’s Guide to Cereals
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Hello and welcome back! I have a very special episode for you today—one that has been on my podcasting bucket list since the very beginning. I finally headed to Diddly Squat Farm to sit down with the team everyone knows and loves: Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, and Charlie Ireland.
With the massive Cereals event coming to the Cotswolds this year, I wanted to find out what it’s really like for Jeremy to play "host farmer" for 25,000 visitors. From digging trenches to study root stru...
Dorset Waterways and its Pollution Problems - Down In Dorset Episode 3
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Hello and welcome back! It has been such a whirlwind of a week. I’ve officially travelled down to Dorset to host a session for the Dorset Local Nature Partnership Annual Forum, where Tim was actually one of our guests! It was such an inspiring morning, seeing everyone from farmers and gardeners to the NHS coming together to talk about nature recovery.
That spirit of collaboration leads us perfectly into today’s episode, thew third instalment of the Down in Dorset series.
We’re moving on from our "aq...
Spring Sunshine, New Life, and My First Ever Lambing! with Bizza Walters 🌷🐑
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It officially feels like spring! The sun has finally made an appearance here in the UK, and there is nothing quite like that shot of positivity that makes you want to get back into the garden and out onto the farm.
I’ve been busy in my own greenhouse—planting "tennis ball" melons and edible flowers (fingers crossed they actually grow!)—but I knew I couldn't let March pass without visiting a farming friend to see the real stars of the season.
In this episode, I’m heading over to the M...
Wuthering Heights, The Witcher, and Bridgerton: Life as a Riding Double with Freddy Steele
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It is officially March! 🌷 The sun has finally made an appearance (though my greenhouse plans are currently on hold thanks to the rain!), and I have been so excited to share this week’s episode with you.
A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media and saw an incredible video of a rider on the set of the new Wuthering Heights movie. I went down a total rabbit hole researching his work on The Witcher and Bridgerton, and I just knew I had to get him on the show.
...
Dorset's Big Five - Down In Dorset Episode 2
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Following the incredible response to our launch, we are back with the second episode of our Down in Dorset mini-series! This month, I’m joined once again by my guest co-host, local farmer Tim Gelfs, for a deep dive into the wild side of the county.
In partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, we are exploring the delicate balance between productive agriculture and thriving wildlife. From the "Big Five" mammals roaming our fields to the shifting tides of government farming policy, this episode gets to the he...
Seasons Change: Mind Your Head Week with the Suffolk Farming Community Group
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⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains deeply personal discussions regarding mental health, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. If you are currently struggling, please consider listening with a friend or reaching out to the resources listed below.
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Welcome back to your usual episode of Second Nature! I am still pinching myself after seeing us hit #11 on the Apple Podcasts Top 200 for Home and Garden following the release of the Down in Dorset mini-series last week. Honestly, thank you so much for the support—it means the world to Tim an...
From Dorset Fields To Dorset Plates - Down In Dorset Episode 1
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Welcome to the very first episode of Down in Dorset, a brand-new mini-series brought to you by Second Nature! I am so excited to launch this special project in partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, as we explore the vital work being done across the county to restore our landscapes and celebrate the incredible food produced right here on our doorstep.
Joining me as my guest co-host for this series is local farmer Tim Gelfs. Together, we’re heading out to meet the fantastic pe...
🎄 A Sensational Christmas Special: Turkeys, Sandwiches & Making It Big!
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Welcome back! With December in full swing, I'm getting into the festive spirit the best way I know how: talking food! This week, we're diving into the history of the classic British Christmas turkey and getting advice from two incredible, successful guests.
🥪 The Social Media King: Fraser of Sensational Sandwiches
I head down to London to celebrate the launch of my good friend Fraser's (Sensational Sandwiches) first-ever shop! Fraser has built a massive following (over 1 million on Instagram!) by making incredible, mouth-watering food content. He sits down wit...
Collab Launch! Lizzie Muddy Heels & Curly Wurly Creations for Yellow Wellies Charity
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Hello, hello! 👋 I hope you're very well! Can you believe it's already November? Where has the year gone?!
Things have been busy, but I've managed to clear the decks for a very exciting announcement: I'm launching a collaboration! 🥳
I'm partnering with the incredibly talented Annie Gray of Curly Wurly Creations to launch a brand new pattern celebrating the countryside, gardening, and my life at home! We've poured months into designing a beautiful pattern featuring everything from garden tools and homegrown veggies to my very own Corgi...
Essex's Fluffiest Guests: Highland Cows Take Over the Scotts of Southend Patch! with Chloe Lucas
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Hey everyone, Lizzie here! 👋
It feels great to be back with a new episode, and this one is a special spooky-season celebration! I headed to Essex to catch up with my brilliant friend, the finalist for this year's British Farming Awards, Chloe from @chloe_at_the_farm!
Chloe is a former city girl (just like me!) who found her passion for farming and Highland cows during the pandemic. We meet her incredibly gentle, fluffy fold—including Murphy, Dally, and Beatrix—who are currently on a very special Hallowe...
BBC CountryFile Stars: Matt Baker, John Craven & Anita Rani on Unexpected Filming Moments
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If you enjoyed the Gardener's World episode, welcome back! If you're new, thank you for joining me for a very special look behind the scenes of one of the UK's most beloved shows.
I was thrilled to return to the beautiful Kew Gardens for the In Conversation Live with BBC CountryFile event! I managed to sit down with the incredible team of Matt Baker, John Craven, and Anita Rani for a group chat where we discussed the show's massive shift to prime time, the power of connecting...
What to Do in Your Garden This Autumn? Tips from Adam Frost, Frances Tophill & Nicki Chapman
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Hey everyone, it’s Lizzie!
This week on Second Nature, I’m bringing you something really special. I recently got to visit the incredible Kew Gardens for the In Conversation with BBC Gardeners' World event!
I felt completely immersed in the greenery of Kew Gardens, and what a fantastic setting for an intimate chat with some of the best minds in gardening.
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with three of my favourite BBC Gardeners' World presenters: Frances Tophill, Adam Frost, and N...
Beyond the Garden Gate: Autumn Gardening with Rachel de Thame & Gardening with Ish
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Hello and welcome to Second Nature! Get ready to celebrate the seasons as I take you on an autumn adventure to BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair! This episode is a fantastic celebration of all things gardening and homegrown, filled with amazing conversations and plenty of inspiration.
I was lucky enough to walk around the event and catch up with some incredible people. You'll hear from the much-loved TV presenter, Rachel de Thame, who shares her top tips for autumn gardening and how to deal with the changing...
Growing, Baking, and Talking Flavour with Great British Bake Off's Josh Smalley
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In this week's episode, I'm so excited to be back for a new season of Second Nature! It's been a busy few months in my garden, and I can't wait to share some of the highlights from my greenhouse, including updates on my first tomato and cucumber harvests. But that's not all—I'm thrilled to be joined by a very special guest, the incredibly talented Josh Smalley, a contestant from the Great British Bake Off.
Josh and I dive into a fascinating conversation about the in...
Can You Shampoo Cows? My Weekend Prepping Calves for Show with Young Farmer Seth Davidson
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Hello and welcome to Second Nature! What a couple of weeks it's been – full of fun experiences that I can't wait to share with you. Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as we talk all things food, farming and homegrown.
First, I'm taking you behind the scenes of Farm Safety Week. I was so privileged to attend a powerful lunch hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Hearing the raw, honest stories from individuals who've faced immense physical and mental challenges in farming was incredibly moving. We delve in...
Groundswell: Real Talk on Regen's Meaning, Ft. Zoe Colville & Wildfarmed's Ed Brown
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"Hello and welcome to Second Nature!" Oh my goodness, what an event! Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I take you on an exciting journey to Groundswell, which is just the most vibrant and inspiring gathering for regenerative agriculture in the UK. I recently spent time completely immersed in this incredible festival of farming, and I honestly can't wait to share my experiences and all the amazing insights with you.
My first time at Groundswell was absolutely delightful – I'm still basking in the afterglow of all the connections I...
Sustainable Gardening & Gluten-Free Recipes Featuring Becky Excell: More from Gardeners' World Live:
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Welcome back to Second Nature! I'm Lizzie McLaughlin, and in this episode, I'm bringing you even more vibrant insights and exciting interviews from my visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live which ran from June 12-15th. This is Part 2 of our special series, diving deeper into the worlds of gardening and cooking with a focus on creativity, community, and sustainability.
I had such a fantastic time chatting with some incredible people! You'll hear from Becky Excell, who makes gluten-free cooking fun and colourful...
From Plot to Plate with Nick Bailey & Jane Dunn: Gardeners' World Live
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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share my exciting experiences and discoveries from BBC Gardeners' World Live! I recently visited the show, which ran from June 12-15th, and in part one, this episode of Second Nature, we're diving deep into the vital theme of sustainability in both gardening and cooking.
I chat with incredible guests, including Nick Bailey, who unveils the innovative Plant-Based Garden and discusses his inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" campaign – showing how even small spaces ca...
BBC Gardener's World Live 2025: Weekend Highlights
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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share the highlights from my recent visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live! I had the incredible opportunity to chat with a variety of gardening experts and enthusiasts, uncovering innovative techniques and hearing the heartfelt stories behind beautiful garden designs. The show is running until Sunday, June 15th, so make sure to catch it if you can!
In this episode, I caught up with Nick Bailey, who introduced me to the inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" initiative, showing...
Behind the Scenes: Exploring an Organic Dairy Farm on Open Farm Sunday with Sophie Gregory
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Welcome to Second Nature! I'm Lizzie McLaughlin, and in this episode, I'm taking you on an incredible journey to Open Farm Sunday! Willow and I headed down to Somerset to help Sophie Gregory, organic dairy farmer, and MarshwoodVale Farmers with their fantastic event. It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the amazing efforts farmers are making to educate the public, champion regenerative agriculture, and build stronger communities.
I had the pleasure of chatting with so many passionate people, including Tim Mead from Yeo Valley<...
Open Farm Sunday Unpacked with Pippa Streatfeild: What to Expect + Win Gardeners' World Tickets!
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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I welcome Pippa Streatfeild to the show! We discuss her fascinating transition from a London PA to managing her family's farm, exploring the power of regenerative agriculture in boosting soil health and welcoming back wildlife. We also touch on how glamping and camping are bringing new life (and families!) to the farm.
One of the most exciting parts of our conversation centers around Open Farm Sunday. As I'm personally looking forward to visiting Sophie Gregory's Home Farm<...
Why Lavender? The Story Behind the UK's Largest Organic Lavender Farm with Fergus Corrigan
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This week, I headed to North Yorkshire to speak with Fergus Corrigan from Northern Lavender. Not only has Fergus built a thriving lavender farm from a non-farming background, but Northern Lavender stands as the UK's largest organic lavender farm! Join me as we delve into his inspiring journey, uncovering the realities of establishing this vast and aromatic haven right here in the north.
We explore the nitty-gritty of building Northern Lavender from the ground up, discussing the unique hurdles Fergus faced in scaling an organic operation to such a si...
500,000 Tulips & a Thriving Farm Business: What Makes Farmer Copleys a Great Day Out (and a Smart Operation!)
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Welcome back to Second Nature! This week, I'm so excited to share a blooming lovely episode focused on the heart of farming and community spirit.
First up, I had the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring Heather Copley, owner of the wonderful Farmer Copleys in Yorkshire. You'll hear all about the captivating journey of their farm, including the beautiful introduction of tulips and the incredible community engagement it has sparked. Heather shared her insights on why supporting local produce and embracing seasonal eating are so important, as...
Why Dairy Welfare Matters: Connecting with Consumers & Educating Children with Anna Bowen
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This week, Willow and I are heading into the depths of Wales to for an insightful discussion with our guest, Anna Bowen, a dedicated dairy farmer and consultant.
We explore the practicalities of running a modern dairy farm while embracing innovative practices like cow-calf contact. Anna shares her perspective on consumer perceptions, the importance of agricultural education, and exciting initiatives to connect farming with schools.
We also delve into the personal and professional growth spurred by her Nuffield Scholarship, examining global challenges and the ambitious future aspirations th...
Welcome to Second Nature
Send Lizzie a message!
Celebrating the seasons with farming stories, garden tips & homegrown recipes 🚜🌱🍅
Join award-winning podcaster, Lizzie McLaughlin for a new episode every Friday 🎙️
Instagram: @second_natureuk
Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac
www.second-nature.co.uk
Website: www.second-nature.co.uk
Email us: [email protected]
Social media: @second_natureuk
Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac
The Ultimate Hot Tub Farm Stay: TV Star, Ally Hunter Blair's Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Making (and Experiencing!) It
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Join me, Lizzie, and my corgi Willow, embark on our first on-location adventure, heading to the beautiful county of Herefordshire to chat with a very special guest: Ally Hunter Blair, a familiar face to many from the TV series Born Mucky and First Time Farmers!
For the first episode, we chat what's in season, hear our first listener question and delve into the heart of modern farming with Ally, exploring the ever-present challenges of weather and the exciting potential of agricultural technology.
Ally shares his unique perspective a...
