Share

cover art for Series 1: Episode 1 - Chris Packham, Jason Singh

Get Birding

Series 1: Episode 1 - Chris Packham, Jason Singh

Season 1, Ep. 1
•

Mya-Rose Craig talks to BBC nature presenter Chris Packham about the magic of birdwatching, the need for diversity in nature, his Bird To Watch and the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend - the biggest citizen science project in the UK. Nature beatboxer, composer and sound artist Jason Singh - whose work has featured at the BBC Proms, on Countryfile and the V&A - explains how he started mimicking birdsong alongside drum and bass to create beautiful forestry environments with his voice alone.


Find out more about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch here: rspb.org.uk/birdwatch


Resources to help, including a printable bird ID guide here https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/biggardenbirdwatch/2021/how-to-resources/eng_id-print_at_home--min.pdf


And further resources https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/everything-you-need-to-know-about-big-garden-birdwatch/


Discover Jason Singh's music at: http://jasonsinghthing.com/


Host: Dr Mya-Rose Craig

Guests: Chris Packham & Jason Singh

Producer: Tom Bonnett

Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham

Production Manager: Cara Ghoshal

Production Assistant: Louis Facey


Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski Optik


Music from Jason Singh in this episode: Mystery Bird, Afternoon from Tweet Music, Awekids Collective - Sounds from the Grassland Village

Music from Podington Bear (soundofpicture.com) in this episode: Platformer, Moonrise, Dusk


Podcast art by Make Productions


Follow us:

www.twitter.com/getbirdingpod

www.facebook.com/getbirdingpod

www.instagram.com/getbirdingpod 


Find out more about Severn Trent & biodiversity: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/

Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027. 


Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding

Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 3. The Wild Patch

    35:12||Season 4, Ep. 3
    Host Sean Bean swaps the perfectly pruned for the beautifully wild, discovering how ponds, hedgerows and a little untidiness can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife.Along the way he's joined by broadcast legends and keen gardeners Zoë Ball and Jo While, ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, and NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan to explore why “messy” gardens are better for birds — and for our own heads too.We head to the Forest of Dean with a Forest Holidays ranger, hear from our resident beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh on the great mimics of the sky, and dig into the science behind starling murmurations with Professor Anne Goodenough and artist Steve Geliot — exploring how these vast winter gatherings can lift us through life’s hardest moments.Follow Get Birding on Instagram.This episode was produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.This is a Get Birding Production. The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.ukAn open access publication on starling murmurations (using citizen science) by Professor Anne Goodenough is available here https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0179277

  • 2. Garden Symphony

    31:28||Season 4, Ep. 2
    From the distinctive whistle of the Blackbird to the drumming of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, in this episode we’re tuning into the soundscape of the natural world.Host Sean Bean is joined by an all-star chorus of birders, broadcasters, and musicians to discover how listening to birdsong doesn't just lift the soul—it physically lowers your blood pressure.With contributions from NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan, music broadcast legends Zoë Ball and Jo Whiley, Elbow frontman and keen birder Guy Garvey, ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, YouTuber City Girl in Nature, beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh and folk musician, nature activist and the founder of Singing with Nightingales, Sam Lee.Follow Get Birding on Instagram. This episode was produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.This is a Get Birding Production. The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.ukSinging With Nightingales events are hosted by nature lover and folk singer, Sam Lee. Each event is joined by a different special guest musician. The evening includes musical performances by the campfire, an ecological tour of the woods, and post-dinner tales of this majestic bird’s life, songs and folklore, culminating in the now-famous finale: a silent walk in the dark to hear our signature human-avian musical collaboration under the stars before returning to the campsite.Tickets for Singing with Nightingales are available now https://www.singingwithnightingales.co.uk/tickets

  • 1. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

    30:45||Season 4, Ep. 1
    Get Birding is back for a brand new, fortnightly season—hosted by actor and longtime birder Sean Bean. In this opening episode, Sean grabs his binoculars and invites listeners into his garden to slow down, look up, and join the UK’s biggest citizen science event, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.He is joined by NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan, fellow birder, Elbow frontman and BBC 6 Music DJ Guy Garvey; ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig; YouTuber City Girl in Nature; and beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh.The Big Garden Birdwatch runs from 23–25 January. All you need is one hour, a view outdoors, and a kettle on.Follow Get Birding on Instagram.This episode was produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.This is a Get Birding Production. The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

  • 6. Crisis Talks

    39:18||Season 3, Ep. 6
    The UK is nature-depleted and degraded, and the globe is living through climate crisis. How can we get where we need to be, empowered and living as part of a flourishing ecosystem?As Get Birding closes its third series, Kwesia learns about the citizen's assembly that created the People's Plan for Nature, which sets out a public vision for reversing declines in Britain’s biodiversity.Meanwhile she goes on a London nature walk with The Guardian's biodiversity writer Phoebe Weston, and chats to Southwark councillor James McCash about action required to protect nature.Finally, Nemone Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful meditation for all of us experience eco-anxiety.Follow Get Birding on Twitter & Instagram. Series 3 of the podcast was a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.

  • 5. Music Of The Skies

    26:52||Season 3, Ep. 5
    Can paying attention to birdsong improve our music-making skills? And why do birds sing anyway?Indie artist Albertine Sarges reveals how birdwatching in a Berlin park made her a better musician (and friend!)Professor of philosophy & music David Rothenberg goes out in the world to improvise with the wildlife.Meanwhile Nemone Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful birdsong meditation.Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, presented by Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature, and proudly supported by Canada Water.Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.

  • 4. Safety In Nature

    25:09||Season 3, Ep. 4
    Why is the outdoors so often still seen as a male realm? How can women feel protected and at ease when out in nature? What are the risks when birding alone, and how should we mitigate them? Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature finds out ...BBC Springwatch naturalist Lucy Lapwing details a horrible incident of sexual assault she experienced whilst birding, while Sheridan Alford discusses why she set up a Black Birders Week.Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.

  • 3. Words & Birds

    31:07||Season 3, Ep. 3
    Iconic actor Alison Steadman and bestselling author Jonathan Franzen talk about how a love of birds inspires creativity.Meanwhile host Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature delivers some nature-inspired spoken word poetry.Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.

  • 2. Nesting

    30:12||Season 3, Ep. 2
    As well as being a podcast presenter & wildlife ambassador, Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature is a new mother & qualified doula. In this episode she asks what we can learn about parenting by observing birds with their chicks.Nathalie Mahieu shows how to spot Peregrine Falcons nesting in the heart of London.Writer and podcaster Charlie Bingham gives tips on how to get kids engaged with nature.And behavioural ecologist Antone Martinho-Truswell gives his expert analysis on the similarities between birds & humans giving birth.Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.

  • 1. City Girl In Nature

    37:09||Season 3, Ep. 1
    Get Birding returns for another series, making birdwatching & nature accessible for all. Your new host is the inspirational Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature.Episode 1 finds Kwesia exploring busy, bustling London, in search of emotional wellbeing, nature, and feathered friends.What better first guest than David Lindo, who made his name as the original Urban Birder? Lindo spells out some home truths about the lack of diversity in wildlife media.Meanwhile Nemone Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful meditation for city dwellers.Kwesia also hears from record breaking global birder Noah Strycker, as well as David Mooney of the London Wildlife Trust.Follow Get Birding on Twitter & Instagram. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.