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Bitten by the Bug

Bitten by the Bug: Episode 5: Sorby

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Episode 5

Episode 5: Sorby

Sorby

BBC Radio 4 - Bitten by the Bug, Sorby

Brett Westwood meets mountain hares in Sheffield with the Sorby Natural History Society.

Brett Westwood searches for mountain hares on the Sheffield moors with the Sorby Natural History Society and discusses the future of natural history societies here in the UK.

In the last of this series of five programmes exploring the aims and enthusiasms of their members, Brett Westwood gets to the heart of our natural history societies and finds that here in the UK they are in surprisingly good shape.

The Sorby Natural History Society, based around Sheffield, is one of the largest and most active such societies in the UK, with groups covering every single aspect of British natural history. They are particularly keen to encourage the naturalists of the future. Brett meets Derek Whiteley, the Society's secretary and Val Clinging, the mammal recorder, to discuss the importance of involving as many people as possible in field trips and identification workshops. One of the highlights of the Sorby calendar is a late-winter count of the local mountain hares which were introduced for hunting in the 19th Century, but have thrived on the moors. Surrounded by hares and heather, Derek and Val are optimistic about the growth of amateur natural history in the future. 

Presented and Produced by Brett Westwood.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Brett Westwood explores the UK's natural history societies

Series of programmes in which Brett Westwood explores the UK's natural history societies

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Episode 5: Sorby

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