Join us as we celebrate the season of blossom with poetry and music written and produced by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR. In this episode, Simon shares the inspiration behind his poetry, and the band discuss how they produced the song Blossom: A CV and collaborated with community choirs as part of the Blossomise album. Production Producer: Jesse Edbrooke Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about Simon Armitage and his poetry www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/news/poet-laureate-simon-armitage-creates-blossom-inspired-poem Watch videos about the Blossomise project shot by young film makers www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLgonOCHSWf0I_a_fhmX2K_r_3MoKXA2c Listen to the full tracks of Simon and LYR’s Blossomise music in collaboration with the National Trust and funded by the People’s lottery post code lyrband.bandcamp.com/track/blossom-a-cv [Appeal] Plant a tree with the National Trust and help us establish 20 million trees by 2030. Whatever the size of your donation to the Plant a Tree appeal, you’ll be helping to create beautiful green spaces for people and wildlife to thrive. And why not dedicate your donation to someone in your life? You’ll receive a digital certificate to customise and gift. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/plant-a-tree Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

In the 1930s, the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang captivated the British public with their daring and unusual stunts. Led by the enigmatic “Bill Stickers”, the group was unlike any other gangsters of the era. They were mask-wearing, all-women activists who gave money in quirky ways to help save the countryside.  In this docudrama, uncover the identities of the people behind the secretive Ferguson's Gang, and unravel a tale of intrigue, mischief and mayhem that made a lasting impact on British heritage.  [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast.  What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free. And find out how to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust  Actor voices Lizzie Crarer, Rae Alexander, Sally Rudd, and Caitlin Packer, courtesy of https://www.primetheatre.co.uk/ Ric Jerrom and James Turton. Production  Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck  Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Explore Further Discover more about the gang www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/who-were-fergusons-gang Learn more about Ferguson's Gang and their legacy on Polly Bagnall’s website, where you can discover more about the book- Ferguson's Gang: The Remarkable Story of the National Trust Gangsters.  www.pollybagnall.com/ferguson-s-gang Copies of Ferguson’s Gang’s ‘Boos’ are available for viewing at The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre by prior arrangement.  www.wshc.org.uk/visiting-the-centre. Ferguson’s Legacy While Shalford Mill remains closed to the public, you can still explore the legacy of Ferguson's Gang by visiting Newtown Old Town Hall on the Isle of Wight, Mayon and Trevescan cliffs in Cornwall, and Stonehenge. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/newtown-national-nature-reserve-and-old-town-hall/history-at-newtown-old-town-hall   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/coast-beaches/discover-mayon-cliff www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stonehenge-landscape

Google Podcasts is coming to an end between April and June this year. To keep up with the National Trust Podcast please follow or subscribe using an alternative app. Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4a88H3d Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/4a1nH2N Youtube (Coming Soon) - https://www.youtube.com/nationaltrustcharity More - https://audioboom.com/channels/4957126-national-trust-podcast Info from Google: After April 2, 2024, users in the US will no longer be able to listen to podcasts in Google Podcasts. After June 24, 2024 this will be the case for all users in all regions.  More info from Google/Youtube Music - https://bit.ly/3xeM8vd

National Trust Podcast is back with a new collection of immersive tales in nature, history and adventure. Look out for Series 8 launching 4 April.  Travel to the 1930s to unmask the eccentric Ferguson’s Gang, find out how the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree impacted the community, and discover what life was like for ancient workers in the UK’s only known Roman gold mine.  Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app to catch new episodes every fortnight. We’d love to hear from you. Please share your ratings and reviews on your podcast app. Or get in touch at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk Discover more about podcasts made by the National Trust at nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts

For the past few years Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, has been home to furry inhabitants engineering a solution to local flooding, and developing a habitat not seen in the UK for centuries.   In this episode we revisit the site to check in on its charismatic residents. And discover the exciting news of a growing brood of babies, just in time for Christmas.   Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Katy Kelly Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Learn more about Holnicote Estate and take a 360 degree tour of the beaver enclosure, which features trail camera footage of the beavers’ everyday lives.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holnicote-virtual-tour For more information about beavers visit nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife/our-guide-to-beavers   Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk Appeal Plant a tree with the National Trust and help us establish 20 million trees by 2030. Whatever the size of your donation to the Plant a Tree appeal, you’ll be helping to create beautiful green spaces for people and wildlife to thrive. And why not dedicate your donation to someone in your life? You’ll receive a digital certificate to customise and gift. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/plant-a-tree

Growing up, Drag Queen Misty Monique thought it was a bit unfair that at the weddings she went to, men wore suits while women could wear a variety of outfits and costumes.  Discovering drag opened a whole new world of expression and also a means to entertain.   Misty heads to the stage at Smallhythe Place, Kent, where she uncovers the history of drag and its roots in British theatre and pantomime. And she even puts on a show of her own. Production Host: Misty Monique Producer: Jack Glover Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more To find out more about Smallhythe Place please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/smallhythe-place Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Embark on the last voyage of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship and learn how its discovery changed our understanding of a civilisation.  In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a “ghost ship” under the acidic sandy soil of Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk. Now, presenter James Grasby reimagines the last journey of that vessel, and who was aboard, as it was hauled from the water and dragged to its final resting place at Sutton Hoo some 1,400 years ago.   Production Host: James Grasby Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Free guided tours of the Royal Burial Ground are available daily from February to October. You can book onto a tour with the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive at Sutton Hoo.  The replica ship is being built by the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company. To follow the progress of the project and how you can support it, please visit saxonship.org The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company are using authentic Anglo- Saxon ship building methods in their build and are supporting the Heritage Crafts apprenticeship programme. This programme is aimed at tackling the heritage skills shortage and is made possible thanks to a £6.2 million gift from the Hamish Ogston Foundation. The programme is open to people of all ages and provides the skills and experience to embark on a career that will make a significant contribution towards protecting and preserving the nation’s heritage. Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamish-ogston Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

In March 1939 a group of 23 children and their two adult guardians stepped off a coach in Waddesdon village, Buckinghamshire. The arrivals were Jewish refugees who had escaped Nazi Germany, where they had been forced to leave behind their homes and loved ones. With support from their sponsors James and Dorothy de Rothschild and the local community, the children began a new life in England. Presenter Diane Kenwood uncovers an extraordinary story of survival and hope in one of history’s darkest periods, and with the help of their families retraces the steps of the Cedar Children. Production Host: Diane Kenwood Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) Read more about the Kindertransport: www.ajrrefugeevoices.org.uk/Historical-Background Explore the AJR’s interactive UK Holocaust map: www.ukholocaustmap.org.uk/  Visiting Waddesdon Find out more about the history and visiting experience at Waddesdon house and gardens:  waddesdon.org.uk/  The Jewish Country Houses project Read about the Jewish Country Houses research project led by the University of Oxford:  jch.history.ox.ac.uk/home A major publication based on the Jewish Country Houses research project is currently being prepared for publication in 2024 by Profile Books in association with the National Trust The Country Houses, Jewish Homes mobile exhibition will be on display at the following National Trust properties in autumn 2023. Upton House –  'Country Houses, Jewish Homes' | National Trust Ightham Mote – Exhibition: Jewish Country Homes | National Trust  The consultant for this episode was Marcus Roberts, founder of JTrails - Jewish Heritage Routes: www.jtrails.org.uk/    Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Geocaching is the 21st century answer to treasure hunting with items hidden across the world in towns, cities, forests and wild expanses. Novice Jo Dyson and expert Rich Foster embark on a modern-day adventure at the 320-million-year-old Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire. Follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs, druids and Victorian day-trippers across this rugged landscape in search of hidden gems. Production Host: Jo Dyson and Rich Foster Producer: Jack Glover/Claire Hickinbotham Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more For more on geocaching you can explore the official site: https://www.geocaching.com/ or find plenty of places to explore with family and friends at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/outdoor-activities/geocaching-for-families To find out more about Brimham Rocks please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/brimham-rocks And if you’re a little too far away from our audio geocache but would still like to hear it please visit https://link.chtbl.com/NTABrimham Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Join a tour of a garden designed for pleasure, as we relive its party heyday.  Claremont in Surrey once played host to events described as the lovechild of a festival and a palace garden party.  Presenter James Grasby uncovers the best spots, the shenanigans they elicited, and the most incredible views reminiscent of scenes from hit Netflix drama, Bridgerton. Production Host: James Grasby Producer: Claire Hickinbotham Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about Claremont Landscape Garden and download a map to follow the route taken by James and Curator Rebecca Wallis: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/claremont-landscape-garden Discover National Trust places used for Film and TV: nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/film-tv With thanks to Author David Coke and Hannah Greig, Professor of History at Royal Holloway, University of London. Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Journey to a tiny island renowned for adventure. Brownsea Island, off England’s southwest coast is the birthplace of the Scout movement and where history and the outdoors collide for a favourite British pastime, camping. Join presenter Jo Dyson as she spends the night in a tree tent and discovers what this unique island has to offer after dark. Production Host: Jo Dyson Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more If you’d like to book a stay at the Brownsea Island campsite, you can do so here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/dorset/brownsea-island-campsite [Ad] This podcast is supported by Vango, connect with nature in a sustainable way with the National Trust camping collection. The collection is available to purchase at https://www.vango.co.uk/gb/content/141-national-trust-collaboration. A minimum of £50,000 from the sales of the collection will be given to support the National Trust’s vital conservation efforts. [Ad] Discover unforgettable locations in Britain’s Wild corners with the Wild Escapes book, written by Sian Lewis. You can purchase a copy here:   https://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/wild-escapes-incredible-places-to-unwind-and-explore.html  Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Take a tour through time as we explore the rich past and promising future of Castlefield Viaduct – a Victorian railway bridge transformed into a green oasis and bustling garden in the heart of the Manchester city skyline. Production Host: Michelle Douglass Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about visiting Castlefield Viaduct: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/castlefield-viaduct  Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Revisit a favourite episode from our mini series 125 Treasures. Join actor Alison Steadman and explore the story behind Hambletonian, Rubbing Down, a painting by George Stubbs at Mount Stewart in County Down.  Delve into the world of horse racing and uncover the hidden criticisms of this treasure's past owner. Production Host: Alison Steadman Producer: Claire Hickinbotham/Sean Douglas Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more This mini series shares it's name with a National Trust book, to find out more and to browse other reads in our collection please visit: shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/national-trust-125-treasures.html To find out more about Mount Stewart please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

The rolling hills of Stockbridge Down in Hampshire have a secret that comes after night falls. Ranger Kate Martin is hot on the trail of a mysterious species you might be surprised to meet in the UK, and uncover why this high vantage point was a perfect spot for grisly goings on. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Claire Hickinbotham Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more For information about visiting Stockbridge Down, walks, wildlife and heritage please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/stockbridge-down/stockbridge-down-wildlife-and-history-walk Information about Glow-Worms and other creepy crawlies can be found with our friends from the Wildlife Trusts. www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/beetles/glow-worm Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wildlife and nature is not just found in the countryside. Meet the buzzing birding community in the unlikely location of Leeds city centre. Ranger Kate Martin meets experts watching the skies for Peregrine Falcons, learns how listen for bird calls and discovers how even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a haven for winged companions. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Nikki Ruck Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about birdwatching and creating a wildlife garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife  Meet the University of Leeds peregrines and watch the live webcam  sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/our-work/biodiversity/university-of-leeds-peregrines/ [Ad] This podcast episode is supported by CJ Wildlife, caring for nature and bringing joy to your garden. Their National Trust Garden Wildlife Range is available for purchase at birdfood.co.uk/national-trust-garden-wildlife-range. A minimum of £190,000 from sales of the range will be given to support the National Trust’s vital conservation efforts. Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Hear the story of how an eccentric Victorian and a potato helped save Japan’s lost cherry blossom blooms. Visit an international Hanami party in London and wander through an underwater flowering meadow. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of blossom. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Jesse Edbrooke Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find the best places to see blossom: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gardens-parks/best-places-to-see-blossom Share your blossom experience on social media with #blossomwatch [Ad] This episode is supported by Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Celebrate the unsung heroes of the tree world with the National Trust Native Tree Collection, available to purchase in store and from National Trust Native Tree Collection | Blue Diamond. A minimum of 10% of the retail selling price will be given to support the National Trust’s conservation work and ambitions to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Get set for adventure with the National Trust Kids’ Podcast. Join a host of colourful characters in stories exploring the world around us, from going wild outdoors to uncovering scientific marvels.  Dive into our first story, Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. When some humans get in a pickle on a kayak, Ranger Rae and a band of animal heroes rush in to help with the rescue. Discover the wonderful world of the waterways and get to know one charismatic critter with the unique skills needed to help in an aquatic quest.   Listen to Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, from the National Trust Kids’ Podcast, available on your favourite podcast app and at the link below. https://link.chtbl.com/NTKP1 We’re trying out special audio adventures for 5-8 year old and their families as part of a pilot project in 2023. And we’d love to know what you, our valued listener, think. Please share your feedback with the National Trust podcast team at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

Experience life on Blakeney Point in Norfolk as it transforms throughout the year. From the mass arrival of seal pups in winter to the noisy feathered-frenzy of summer, discover how a remote stretch of shingle coastline is home to some of the UK's most unique marine wildlife. Production Host: Michelle Douglass Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Please follow our seal-spotting guidance nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife/seal-spotting-guidance  Find out more about visiting Blakeney National Nature Reserve nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blakeney-national-nature-reserve  Read about the Sea Mammal Research Unit’s work www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk   Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

A disco ball, a pirate ship and portraits with speech bubbles are perhaps not what you’d expect to see when visiting a historic property, but at the UK’s first Children’s Country House, anything could happen. Join Curator James Grasby, as he explores this place filled with surprises at every turn. Production Hosts: James Grasby and Manhoor Producer: Nikki Ruck Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about visiting the Children's Country House at Sudbury nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/the-childrens-country-house-at-sudbury   Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

A covert and secretive wilderness lies just off the Suffolk coast.   Until recently the history of Orford Ness has been kept top secret but now is home to endangered plants and animals making their home alongside eerie abandoned buildings once the hub of historic and world changing science experiments.   Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Jack Glover Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more For more information on visiting Orford Ness go to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve   Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk