As the Season Turns

In this engaging conversation, novelist Zoe Gilbert, known for her enchanting works like "Mischief Acts," shares insights into nature's beauty and the vibrant essence of June. Listeners are taken on a journey through lush landscapes, exploring midsummer traditions and the significance of the rose moon. Zoe reveals the historical ties between roses and fragrance, while intertwining folklore that tests themes of kindness and cleverness. The magic of the season resonates through stories of nightjars and mystical encounters by the bonfire.

For May's Found Sound, Alice Boyd heads to Bristol to record the dawn chorus and meet wildlife presenter, activist and birder Nadeem Perera. We hear about how birdwatching has changed Nadeem’s life, and his role in building community as a founder of Flock Together. Found Sounds are sonic scrapbooks of field recordings and interviews with people keeping heritage crafts alive. They are part of As the Season Turns, an award-winning podcast created by Ffern, makers of small-batch, seasonal perfume. To find out more visit www.ffern.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zoe Gilbert, a talented novelist and author of 'Mischief Acts,' joins the conversation this month. They dive into the vibrant happenings of May, covering traditional songs, the decline of pollinators, and communal rituals that celebrate nature's bounty. Zoe shares fascinating folklore about the hawthorn tree and discusses the importance of respecting nature while foraging. There's also a delightful exploration of aromatic plants in culture, along with charming tales of otters and their legendary stories. Get ready for a joyful celebration of the season!

For April's Found Sound, Alice Boyd meets artist Lucy May Schofield in her studio in rural Northumberland. We hear about Lucy’s water-based woodcut printing practice, as well as her fascination with the passage of time, our place in the cosmos and our relationship to the earth. Found Sounds are sonic scrapbooks of field recordings and interviews with people keeping heritage crafts alive. They are part of As the Season Turns, an award-winning podcast created by Ffern, makers of small-batch, seasonal perfume. To find out more visit www.ffern.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Folk singer Sam Lee joins the discussion, bringing his passion for nature and music to life. The conversation highlights the vibrant transformation of April, weaving folklore about bees and trees with practical spring recipes. Listeners are taken on a journey to Japan for the cherry blossom tradition of Hanami, celebrating fleeting beauty. The significance of moon phases is explored, along with the enchanting allure of bats at night. Sam's original song, 'The Cuckoo', enriches these themes, adding a melodic touch to the wonders of spring.

In March, Alice meets organic food grower and author Claire Ratinon in her garden in East Sussex. Sheltering from the rain, they plant the first seeds of the year in Claire’s greenhouse and meet some feathered friends - discussing signs of spring, tomatoes and the enormous value of growing. Found Sounds are sonic scrapbooks of field recordings and interviews with people keeping heritage crafts alive. They are part of As the Season Turns, an award-winning podcast created by Ffern, makers of small-batch, seasonal perfume. To find out more visit www.ffern.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March is the start of spring - to celebrate, Sam Lee sings an uplifting new arrangement of the folk anthem 'Birds in the Spring'. Our mammal of the month is the mad March hare, while in the woods we look for bear garlic and go birch tapping. Meanwhile, Lia tells the Cornish folktale of The Fairies and the Bees. As the Season Turns is an award-winning podcast presented by Lia Leendertz and created by Ffern, makers of small-batch, seasonal perfume. To find out more visit www.ffern.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For February's Found Sound, Alice Boyd meets wood artist Darren Appiagyei in Greenwich Park in south-east London, before heading to his studio to learn more about his wood turning practice. In the background, you’ll hear chirping parakeets, the rumble of traffic and the occasional plane overhead, all of which are part of the sonic tapestry of this urban landscape. Found Sounds are sonic scrapbooks of field recordings and interviews with people keeping heritage crafts alive. They are part of As the Season Turns, an award-winning podcast created by Ffern, makers of small-batch, seasonal perfume. To find out more visit www.ffern.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February, Sam Lee breathes new life into the traditional ballad 'Oakham Poachers.' Listeners dive into mistletoe folklore while exploring the art of foraging, including the charming jack by the hedge. The month reveals a striped-faced mammal with a big personality. Lia recounts a captivating Norse tale about love and jealousy. There's also a focus on February's unique festival of Imbolc, with a heartwarming look at clouty trees for wish-making, blending nature's rhythms with cultural traditions.

Morvern Graham, a Scottish-Scandinavian illustrator, printmaker, and storyteller, takes listeners on an artistic adventure along the East Scottish coast. She shares her deep connection with the sea and how it inspires her creative process. Graham discusses the enchanting folklore character, Shellycoat, and the role of natural materials in her printmaking. The conversation also reflects on the balance of productivity and introspection in January while celebrating the beauty of nature's rhythms and imperfections, inspiring a more compassionate approach to the new year.