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Artwork for Open Country

Open Country

BBC Radio 4
Conservation
Broomway
Thames
Holloways
Biodiversity
Epping Forest
Climate Change
Postal Paths
Great Wakering
Foulness Island
Wiltshire
Charles Darwin
Vindolanda
Bristol
Fylde
Cornwall
Nature Conservation
Salt Production
Derry
Local History

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes463Founded17 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScienceSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Open Country

Latest Episodes

When Donald Campbell died on Coniston Water in Cumbria in January 1967, attempting to break his own water speed record it was, to many people, the end of an era. Many would always remember where they were when the images of Bluebird K7, the jet hydro... more

Martha Kearney is in Norfolk to walk the heathland that is being returned to its ancient grassland habitat by Olly Birkbeck. The Society of Wildlife Artists is holding a year-long residency documenting the recovery of the land and the flora and fauna... more

Britain's roadside verges rarely get much attention, but can play host to a whole range of plant and animal species. In this programme Martha Kearney finds out about this overlooked habitat. She meets a community group in East Sussex whose members gr... more

Jon Gower is in Criccieth in Gwynedd, to explore the area’s connection to Robert Graves’s 1929 poem, Welsh Incident.

Robert Graves wrote the poem after inspiration struck on his train travels in the area with his father, after a Welsh policeman abo... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Gina Campbell
Donald Campbell's daughter, featured as a key interviewee discussing the recovery and significance of Bluebird
Campbell family legacy
Episode: Bluebird returns to Coniston
Olly Birkbeck
Landowner of Massingham Heath, driving force behind restoration
Private landownership / Massingham Heath project
Episode: Wildlife Artists on Massingham Heath
John Eppage
Natural England adviser who helped design the restoration plan
Natural England
Episode: Wildlife Artists on Massingham Heath
Harriet Mead
President of the Society of Wildlife Artists, Norfolk-based sculptor
Society of Wildlife Artists
Episode: Wildlife Artists on Massingham Heath
Darren Woodhead
Bird artist who works outdoors, specializes in painting birds
Independent artist
Episode: Wildlife Artists on Massingham Heath
Nessie Ramm
Artist painting roadside verges
Independent artist
Episode: Roadside Verges
Matt Pitts
Grassland specialist for Plantlife
Plantlife
Episode: Roadside Verges
Sarah Glyn Ives
Volunteer involved in social prescribing
Volunteer in Wadhurst
Episode: Roadside Verges
Helen Yem
Local gardener who inspired verge groups
Local gardener
Episode: Roadside Verges

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 379 ratings
  • Just a thought!

    Please let’s have a fresh presenter! It’s getting really tired! Helen has been incredible, but it’s now time!

    Please take a bow x

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    nigel d stabler
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Many Thanks!

    Always a most refreshing and delightful view.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bechill59
    United States2 years ago
  • Mountain Rescue

    Anyone who is traveling into the back country? Should listen to this if they do not know about the 10 essentials and hiking safety. Thank you to all the volunteers who are involved in certain rescue. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to be rescued… Yet! You are true heroes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Klingrid
    United States3 years ago
  • Open Country

    Why is this podcast not updated when it is fully up to date on the BBC Sounds app?

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    ceeebeeebee
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • Glorious Mix of Countryside Listening

    As a lover of nature and the countryside as well as a passionate supporter of British food and farming, this podcast is just perfect listening.

    They cover a huge range of topics and without exception every programme is relevant, informative, interesting and well presented.

    I always smile when I see a new episode has been uploaded in the knowledge that I have 30 minutes of quality listening to look forward to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Little Bevie B
    United Kingdom5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise informative, well-produced countryside storytelling and vivid on-site descriptions.
Feedback ranges from high praise for hosts and guests to requests for fresh hosting/format changes.
Audience appreciates practical conservation insights and the feeling of being outdoors through audio.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#89
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#27
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#134
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#179
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#31
France/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#51
Australia/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Black Poplars: How to Save a Tree
Q: What are you doing to help the Black Poplar population?
We generate new Black Poplar saplings every year and distribute them free of charge to various groups and landowners.
Black Poplars: How to Save a Tree
Q: What's special about the Black Poplar?
The Black Poplar is crucial for preserving biodiversity and is characterized by its unusual shape and cultural significance.
Shivering Sands
Q: What was it like to be a DJ on the fort?
It was an incredible experience, broadcasting illegally from a precarious structure on the sea.
Shivering Sands
Q: How effective were they as forts?
They shot down 22 enemy aircraft and 30 doodlebugs, saving many lives.
Anneka Rice and Maggi Hambling in Suffolk
Q: Did you drink your coffee?
Not sure if I did, to be honest.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Country

What is Open Country about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Open Country covers countryside life, conservation, and wildlife across the British Isles through on-site reporting, expert interviews, and human-interest storytelling. Episodes repeatedly explore habitat restoration, biodiversity, and community-led projects, often weaving in art, heritage, and practical how-tos—from verges and hedgerows to large-scale ecological restorations and traditional crafts. Noteworthy is the blend of field observation, citizen involvement, and expert context, which helps listeners understand both the science and the lived experience of managing landscapes. The show stands out for its hands-on, place-based storytelling that connects people, places, and policy in a relatable way, making it appealing to outdoors enthu... more

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How many listeners does Open Country get?

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How many subscribers and views does Open Country have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Open Country has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Open Country?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Open Country:

1. Ramblings
2. The Plodcast
3. Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
4. Scotland Outdoors
5. A Life More Wild

How many episodes of Open Country are there?

Open Country launched 17 years ago and published 463 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Open Country?

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What guests have appeared on Open Country?

Recent guests on Open Country include:

1. Gina Campbell
2. Olly Birkbeck
3. John Eppage
4. Harriet Mead
5. Darren Woodhead
6. Nessie Ramm
7. Matt Pitts
8. Sarah Glyn Ives

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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