The Essay: Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea

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Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea: Wales and its Coastal Waters: Shearwater Nights

Shearwater Nights

Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea: Wales and its Coastal Waters

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea: Wales and its Coastal Waters, Shearwater Nights

Jon Gower gives an account of a rare species of bird found on the Welsh coastal islands.

Jon Gower introduces us to the Manx Shearwater, recounting the thrill of seeing one in flight and their endearing awkwardness on land.

In this series of Essays writer Jon Gower explores the patches of sea water around Wales, sailing past Viking slave traders, soft crumbling coastlines, industrial scale smuggling, marathon chess matches between lighthouse keepers, ghost ships, whales and walruses along the way. For the country of Wales, surrounded on three sides by the sea, that sea has always been important – a trade route, a means to export ideas such as Christianity, or as a source of fish - especially herring, so many herring.

Shearwater Nights - Jon introduces us to the rare seabird particular to the Welsh coastal islands: the Manx Shearwater. From the island of Skokholm, he describes the thrill of seeing one in flight, their long distance travels, their predators, their dinner time calls and their endearing awkwardness on land. We hear about the perilous waters surrounding Ynys Enlli, Bardsey Island, and the island’s holy, and kingly, connections. Jon also reminisces about his smelly summer of ’76 on account of the Manx’s self-defence method; shooting fish oil out of its bill at potential predators.

Produced by Megan Jones and Philippa Swallow.

The Essay: Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea: Wales and its Coastal Waters

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Writer Jon Gower explores the relationship between Wales and its coastal waters.

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