Shows
Chris Skinner's Countryside PodcastsEpisode 2.57 - Bypass Journeys and Thrush TunesSend us a textIn the cosy confines of High Ash Farm's office amid blustery rains, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin sift through aerial snapshots chronicling decades of agricultural evolution—from bustling dairy herds and beef cattle in clay barns to solitary stewardship amid modern uncertainties. Chris recounts a train odyssey to Papworth Hospital for his impending triple bypass, traversing Breckland's pine corridors and sandy warrens, then plunging into Cambridgeshire's jet-black fens teeming with lapwings, greylag geese, mute swans, and cormorant-laden trees, a vivid reminder of landscapes reclaimed from ancient reed beds and glacial sands. A detour to...
2026-02-0149 min
A Field Guide to the BrecksEpisode 10 - Farming in Partnership for BiodiversityThis week, Timo talks to Richard Evans, co-founder of the Breckland Farmers Wildlife Network (BFWN). They discuss:the ingredients that formed the BFWN, from Richard’s background and network, to the Breckland Biodiversity Audit in 2010, evidencing nearly 13,000 species, around 2,000 of which are priority species, in the Breckshow working collaboratively for ecology improvements has brought together otherwise isolated and competitive farms and businessesthe importance of facts and science when talking to farmers and how the standard advice for improving ecology is often a bad fit for the Brecksthe nitty-gritty of what farmers in the BFWN are doing on their la...
2026-01-2041 min
CountrySlide61: Poultices, Perfect Light and Analysing PupilsIn a bid to understand each other's work a little bit better, we divulge what we think Joe Public doesn't know about our jobs. Be prepared to hear about tame vets, styles, lighting, savoy cabbage, reading people and working to often awkward timelines.We also learn a bit more about the people who taught these guys!CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.Send us photos of your interesting trinkets that your other half wants to burn or bin as submissions to the calendar...
2026-01-091h 00A Field Guide to the BrecksEpisode 8 - The Running CommunityThis week, we’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation withGraham Wade, co-founder of Run Breckland. Timo talks to Graham in September 2025 on Butten Island, between the Little Ouse and the Thet in the centre of Thetford. They discuss:the running community in and around Thetfordhow Run Breckland got started and the building of their event calendar, including the first marathon in the areathe development of free, social runs outside of the big eventsthe connection Thetford has with large green spaces and its rich human heritagehow running opens people’s eyes to the area where they livevolunteering as a...
2026-01-0632 minA Field Guide to the BrecksEpisode 5 – The Watery Brecks with Imogen RadfordTimo talks to Imogen Radford about the role of water in one of the driest regions of the UK.Imogen is a volunteer who ran two projects for the Partnership: one collecting and sharing oral histories of river recreation and the other introducing people to outdoor swimming. She also supported the research for one of The Breckland Society’s projects under the Partnership, examining the history of river-based industry.This conversation takes place at Brandon Staunch, a popular river recreation spot. They discuss:how Imogen discovered outdoor swimming andstarted doing historical researchhow river access an...
2025-12-0249 minA Field Guide to the BrecksEpisode 3 - How Human History Shaped the BrecksTimo talks to James Parry from The Breckland Society about the often overlooked social and cultural history of the Brecks. They discuss:the story of how human activity has changed the landscape from a hostile land of sandstorms and hardship, to the hospitable and varied place we know today how striking the balance between commercial land use and environmental conservation can be used as a model for protecting heritage is there value in delineating the Brecks so it is a visibly marked area? why projects relating to the social and cultural history of the Brecks need extra support what’s...
2025-11-1848 minA Field Guide to the BrecksEpisode 2 - Making Projects Happen with Tina CunnellTimo talks to Tina Cunnell, Brandon Town Clerk and former Thetford Town Clerk. Today’s episode takes a walk through Brandon’s green spaces, from the public-access orchard, up the avenue of lime trees planted for Queen Victoria and the memorial playing fields behind the Leisure Centre to the staunch on the Little Ouse river. Join them as they discuss: the love Breckland people have for the outdoors Tina’s project to connect the towns of Thetford and Brandon by riverfinding the balance between preserving heritage structures and adapting our environment to meet today’s material needshow...
2025-11-1140 min
FlavourFlavour: Breckland Orchard, Market House, Camms Meals on WheelsWhat the new head chef at Market House is cooking up. A new refill station, in a van, with impressive quality foodstuffs, some from local independents. Camms Meals on Wheels, what they offer and their focus on nutritional quality and flexibility. Breckland Orchard and Hill Farm Oils, how these successful local companies started and what they offer. Presented by Matt Bentman and Alan Alder.
2025-10-2055 minFlavourFlavour: Breckland Orchard, Market House, Camms Meals on WheelsWhat the new head chef at Market House is cooking up. A new refill station, in a van, with impressive quality foodstuffs, some from local independents. Camms Meals on Wheels, […]
2025-10-2055 min
BreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastRural Business SupportIn this episode we talk about our ground-breaking Rural Business Support. Listen to Breckland's Deputy Leader, Cllr Sarah Suggitt, Executive Member for Economic Development & Growth, Cllr Paul Claussen, and Breckland's Rural Business Adviser, Phil Garnham, talk about why Breckland established this service, the challenges rural businesses and the farming community face and what the council is doing to support them. Find out more about Breckland's Rural Business Support.
2025-09-0228 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastWhy does Breckland invest in property?In this episode we 'bust' some of the 'myths' that surround Breckland Council's investment in property as a way of generating income to fund public services. Listen to Breckland's Executive Member for Property, Projects and Procurement, Councillor Paul Hewett explain why we do it. Find out more about Breckland's Commercial Property.
2025-06-2634 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastLocal Government Reorganisation and DevolutionIn this episode we explore central government's plans for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk with Breckland's Executive Member for Devolution and LGR, Councillor Bill Borrett.Find out more about Breckland's stance on Devolution and LGR or take part in our consultation.
2025-04-1723 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastSocial Prescribing Day 2025In this episode we celebrate Social Prescribing Day 2025 by hearing from Breckland's Executive Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Tristan Ashby, and our Social Prescriber Team, including Jan, Barbara and Nic, talking about the impact of Social Prescribing in our community.Find out more about Social Prescribing here.
2025-03-1932 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastVirtual Town Hall with the EDP's Ian Clarke and Breckland Leader, Sam Chapman-AllenIn this special episode we hear a live 'Virtual Town Hall' hosted by the EDP's Ian Clarke (live on Microsoft Teams, 04 March 2025) with Breckland's Leader, Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen.To help shape the interview questions, members of the public were invited to submit suggested questions in advance of the meeting directly to Ian, plus people were able to submit additional questions during the live meeting. All of the questions were selected by the journalists supporting the event and these were not shared with the council in advance.The interview covered a broad range of topics, including:
2025-03-061h 02
Eastern Promise - The PodcastEpisode 120: Cambs & Peterborough in Parliament PLUS Brecks-Cambridge Housing Roundtable (Part 2)This Week: You join me in the Mother of Parliaments as a guest of Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough; North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling; and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Mayor Dr Nik Johnson.
I chat with Nik about the message behind the event; that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough stand ready to provide the growth that the UK needs. We also discuss his role as the East of England's ONLY metro mayor and we hear comments to the assembled from Local Growth Minister Alex Morris MP. But that's not even half of what this episode has for...
2025-01-3048 min
Eastern Promise - The PodcastEpisode 119: How the Brecks can Support the Housing Needs of Cambridge (Part 1)This Week: We return to our series on 'How the Brecks can Support the Growth of Cambridge'.
The Brecks area of Norfolk straddles the A11 and Cambridge railway line, and sits roughly equidistant between Cambridge and Norwich.
How the area might relieve the housing pressure on Cambridge for he benefit of all, and do so in a carefully created community is discussed by an all-star panel.
Joining host Mike Rigby from Breckland Council are Councillor Sarah Suggitt, Cabinet Member for housing and planning at along with Strategic Growth Manager Stephen Scowen. From Thetford Town...
2025-01-3044 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastWinter Warm PacksIn this short episode we hear from Breckland's Executive Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Tristan Ashby, on the council's Winter Warm Packs initiative. Find out more here.
2025-01-2802 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastBreckland Launches The LinkIn this episode we hear from Breckland Executive Director, Steve James, and Chair of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, Nick Francis, on the launch of The Link, in Dereham. Find out more here.
2025-01-2804 min
Meet The LeaderMeet the Leader with Cllr Sam Chapman-AllenIn this episode Nick is joined by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council. Sam shares his journey from a young councillor to council leader, inspired by his mother’s community work. They discuss the unique challenges young people face in politics, balancing career and public service, and Sam’s approach to mentorship. Sam highlights his vision for Breckland, focusing on community-driven planning and the award-winning “Inspiring Communities” program, tackling social issues like mental health and food insecurity. As chairman of the District Councils Network, Sam also gives an insider look at advocating for local councils o...
2024-11-0440 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastBreckland's new Corporate PlanIn this episode we hear from Breckland Leader, Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Chief Executive, Maxine O'Mahony, Deputy Chief Executive, Rob Walker, and Executive Directors, Steve James and Jason Cole, talking about the organisations new Corporate Plan. Find out more about the new Corporate Plan here.
2024-08-0416 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastSwaffham Heritage RegenerationIn this episode we take to the Market Square in Swaffham to speak to members of Breckland's Cabinet and representatives of Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, on working in partnership to deliver meaningful regeneration through heritage projects. To find out more click here.
2024-07-2808 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastBreckland's Armed Forces Week with Lt. Col. (rtd) Rod EldridgeThis feature-length episode is a live recording of a presentation given to staff at Breckland Council during our Armed Forces Week Campaign 2024. Lt. Col. (rtd) Rod Eldridge joined Team Breckland to give a professional insight into mental health in the Armed Force's and Veteran's Communities. To find out more about Breckland's work with the Armed Forces Community click here.
2024-07-2845 minBreckCast - The Breckland Council PodcastBreckland's NetZero Business ConferenceIn this episode we hear from council officers, partner organisations and Breckland businesses on the launch of the councils Net Zero Business Support Programme. Find out more about our NetZero efforts.
2024-07-1512 min
Truth about Local GovernmentThe role, motivation and journey of a district Councillor with Sam Chapman-Allen Great to sit down with Sam Chapman-Allen, Chairman of the DIstrict Council Network and Leader of Breckland Council. We discussed the role, motivation and journey of a district Councillor. An authentic leader with a passion for helping. Lots of helpful tips for leaders, members and anyone wanting to help their local community. One to watch for the future!
2024-02-2921 min
Eastern Promise - The PodcastPanel 4: How Snetterton Aids Regional Economic Growth & The Norfolk Economic StrategyWe reconvene our fourth Cam-Brecks Panel, examining how the Norfolk Brecks can support the growth of Cambridge.
In this fourth panel of our occasional series, Mike is joined by Chris Starkie of Norfolk County Council, Anna Aldous of Mills & Reeve, Andrew Holdsworth of Breckland District Council and Paul Downing of Snetterton Business Park, to look at the importance of the park's commercial offer in proximity to Cambridge. We also learn more about the emerging Norfolk Economic Strategy from Chris Starkie!
Thank you to our sponsors Mills & Reeve
For more information, visit: http...
2023-12-0828 min
Hodder BooksECHOLANDS written and read by Duncan Mackay - audiobook extractAn original, revelatory, enthralling narrative history of how Queen Boudica led the greatest rebellion Britain has ever seen.
Almost 2000 years ago, Boudica led the greatest rebellion Britain has ever seen. Within the space of a single blood-soaked year, she united the tribes to deliver blow after devastating blow to the Roman regime, culminating in a brutal, decisive battle.
Archaeologist Duncan Mackay has spent a lifetime on the trail of Boudica. Beginning near his home in Norfolk, in the heart of Boudica's tribal territory, he embarks on a journey in the footsteps of Romans and Britons, exploring their villages, towns, forts...
2023-02-1503 minHodderPod - Hodder books podcastECHOLANDS written and read by Duncan Mackay - audiobook extractAn original, revelatory, enthralling narrative history of how Queen Boudica led the greatest rebellion Britain has ever seen.
Almost 2000 years ago, Boudica led the greatest rebellion Britain has ever seen. Within the space of a single blood-soaked year, she united the tribes to deliver blow after devastating blow to the Roman regime, culminating in a brutal, decisive battle.
Archaeologist Duncan Mackay has spent a lifetime on the trail of Boudica. Beginning near his home in Norfolk, in the heart of Boudica's tribal territory, he embarks on a journey in the footsteps of Romans and Britons, exploring their villages, towns, forts...
2023-02-1503 min
Open Country26/01/2012Deep in the countryside of eastern England, British troops train in a mock Afghan village designed to look, feel, and sound like the real thing. The 30,000-acre training complex allows soldiers to prepare themselves for the cultural and tactical challenges operating in Afghanistan. The facility, built in 2008, is meant to replicate a typical village in Helmand, with houses, shops and open markets, and the exiles playing the role of villagers.
In July 1942 about a thousand men, women and children were compulsorily evacuated from the site north of Thetford. It is an area of heath forming a large part of...
2012-01-2624 min