Out of Doors

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Factual: Science & Nature

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Out of Doors: Butterflies, Blacksmiths and the once abandoned Village of Burnbanks

Butterflies, Blacksmiths and the once abandoned Village of Burnbanks

BBC Radio Scotland - Out of Doors, Butterflies, Blacksmiths and the once abandoned Village of Burnbanks

Mark Stephen and Rachel Stewart with stories from the great outdoors.

Rachel visits Rewilding Denmarkfield, an urban rewilding project based just north of Perth. She chats with ecologist, Ellie Corsie, about the challenges faced in rewilding an urban space, and the joys of seeing life return to the land. 

Mark explores the previously abandoned village of Burnbanks, with local resident Joe McLeod. Joe has spent years pouring over the history of the village and has penned a book detailing his findings.

Maud Start meets Landscape Architects Johanna Gibbons and Neil Davidson, and Isobel Filor from the John Muir Trust, to find out how they hope to restore the natural montane scrub habitat of Schiehallion. 

After intense flooding in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire last week, Mark studies the wreckage with Jane McInnes, whose land was submerged in the rising waters of the River Don. 
 
Rachel is discussing what makes an ideal habitat for a butterfly, with David Hill, from Butterfly Conservation Scotland.

In 1931, 17-year-old Mary Harvie documented the trips she took with her sisters, cycling to the Western Isles, and staying in hostels. Mark travels to Shotts, to meet with Mary’s son, Harvie Paterson, who has transcribed the diaries, and fostered his own love of cycling. 

Over on the Cowal Peninsula, Strachur Smiddy dates all the way back to the 18th Century. Mark goes along to meet with blacksmith’s daughter, Catherine Montgomery, who has reopened the family Smiddy as a working museum. 

Plus, we have a mystery sound for you! Listen closely.

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