Episodes

  • Ep15 - 'Actual walk' - Burcombe and the Punch Bowl W1
    Jan 22 2026

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    Summary

    In this episode of The Ramblers, hosts Nigel and Iain explore the stunning Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, discussing the beauty of the area, the challenges posed by weather, and the technology that aids in navigation. They share observations of local wildlife, geological features, and the cultural significance of the landscape, while also engaging with their listeners through emails and feedback. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures, emphasising the importance of community and nature appreciation.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cranbourne Chase National Landscape
    02:34 Exploring the Route and Technology in Navigation
    05:23 Weather Challenges and Walk Preparations
    07:41 Nature Observations and Local Wildlife
    09:34 Geological Features and Historical Context
    12:10 Technical Features of Navigation Tools
    14:24 Flora and Fauna Observations
    16:42 Ascent to the Punch Bowl and Scenic Views
    18:57 Descent and Reflections on the Walk
    21:02 Cultural and Historical Significance of the Area
    23:16 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

    https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

    https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/burcombe-and-the-punch-bowl/

    https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/

    https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/


    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    Artwork for Podcast
    created by Claire Atkinson

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    58 mins
  • Episode 14 - Virtual walk - Burcombe and the Punch Bowl – W1
    Dec 10 2025

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    Summary

    In this episode of The Ramblers podcast, hosts Nigel and Iain explore the Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, discussing their experiences and insights from a virtual walk. They delve into the history, wildlife, and community aspects of the area, while also engaging with listeners and reflecting on their podcast journey. The conversation highlights the importance of conservation and the rich cultural heritage of the region, setting the stage for future episodes.

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction and Setting the Scene

    02:34
    Exploring Cranbourne Chase National Landscape

    05:07
    Virtual Walk and Listener Engagement

    08:00
    Points of Interest in Burcombe Village

    10:26
    Historical Significance of the Area

    13:07
    Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

    15:47
    Future Plans and Listener Interaction

    18:25
    Wrap-Up and Reflections

    21:06
    Looking Ahead to Season Two

    https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/burcombe-and-the-punch-bowl/

    https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/


    Cranbourne Chase, podcast, walking, conservation, wildlife, history, community, virtual walk, listener engagement, local culture

    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    Artwork for Podcast
    created by Claire Atkinson

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    28 mins
  • Episode 13 - Martin Green: A Journey Through Time and Archaeology - Part Four
    Nov 5 2025

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    Summary

    In this episode of The Ramblers, Nigel and Iain explore the Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, delving into its rich history, archaeological significance, and the vibrant communities that inhabit the area. They discuss the Dorset Cursus, its construction, and the cultural practices surrounding burial mounds. The conversation also highlights the role of aerial photography in uncovering archaeological features and the importance of documenting findings for future generations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cranbourne Chase National Landscape
    00:56 Exploring the Dorset Cursus
    05:13 The Significance of the Cursus and Its Construction
    09:36 Cultural and Social Aspects of the Cursus
    12:15 Aerial Photography and Archaeological Discoveries
    16:08 Investigating Burial Practices and Mounds
    21:07 The Iron Age Settlement and Training Digs
    29:33 The Importance of Documentation in Archaeology

    Keywords

    Cranbourne Chase, Dorset Cursus, archaeology, burial mounds, Iron Age, aerial photography, conservation, Neolithic, historical landscape, community engagement

    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    Artwork for Podcast
    created by Claire Atkinson

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    37 mins
  • Episode 12 - Martin Green: A Journey Through Time and Archaeology - Part Three
    Oct 12 2025

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    Summary

    In this episode, we explore Martin Green's Farm, focusing on the archaeological significance of Fir Tree Field and its rich history. The conversation delves into the wildlife that inhabits the area, the discoveries made during excavations, and the relationship between archaeology and ecology. We also discuss future plans for excavations and community engagement in preserving this unique landscape.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cranbourne Chase National Landscape
    00:56 Exploring Fir Tree Field and Its Wildlife
    05:24 The Archaeological Significance of Fir Tree Field
    10:49 Discovering the Mesolithic Period
    16:10 The Bronze Age and Its Rituals
    21:43 The Relationship Between Archaeology and Ecology
    26:49 Future Excavations and Community Engagement

    Keywords

    Cranbourne Chase, archaeology, wildlife, conservation, history, Mesolithic, Bronze Age, environmental ecology, biodiversity, community engagement



    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    created by Claire Atkinson

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    42 mins
  • Episode 11 Martin Green: A Journey Through Time and Archaeology - Part Two
    Sep 14 2025

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    Summary

    This podcast episode explores the rich history and archaeology of the Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, covering various periods from the Iron Age to the medieval era. The conversation delves into significant archaeological finds, the importance of conservation, and the personal connection of the speakers to the land and its history. The discussion also highlights the role of metal detecting in uncovering artefacts and the geological significance of the area.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cranbourne Chase National Landscape
    01:41 Exploring Iron Age and Roman Archaeology
    05:13 Medieval History and the Declares Family
    10:28 Saxon Artefacts and Their Significance
    15:45 The Role of Metal Detecting in Archaeology
    20:29 Geology and Fossils of the Dorset Coast
    25:55 Personal Journey and Connection to the Land

    Cranbourne Chase, archaeology, Iron Age, Roman history, medieval artefacts, Saxon history, metal detecting, geology, fossils, conservation

    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    created by Claire Atkinson

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    36 mins
  • Episode 10 Martin Green: A Journey Through Time and Archaeology - Part One
    Aug 12 2025

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    Summary

    This podcast episode explores the rich archaeological landscape of Cranbourne Chase, featuring an in-depth conversation with Martin Green, an archaeologist who shares insights about the area's history, significant archaeological finds, and the importance of conservation. The discussion covers various topics, including the Stone Age, the Dorset Cursus, flint knapping, and the role of community in archaeology, all while highlighting Martin's personal journey and contributions to the field.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast
    01:47 Exploring Martin Green's Archaeological Journey
    02:42 The Museum Tour Begins
    04:52 Local Archaeological Finds
    08:47 Understanding the Stone Age and Its Context
    11:14 Cranborne Chase: A Landscape of Archaeology
    13:13 Excavation Insights and Discoveries
    14:54 The Purpose of Cursus Monuments
    17:36 Celebration and Rituals in Neolithic Times
    18:21 Unique Flint Artefacts and Their Significance
    22:53 Personal Connections to Archaeology
    25:57 The Craft of Flint Knapping
    28:00 The Transition to Biodynamic Farming
    32:58 Exploring Archaeological Discoveries
    40:32 Layers of History in Farming
    48:06 Connections to the Past through Artefacts

    https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

    https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

    https://www.digitaldigging.net/neolithic-complex-monkton-wimborne/

    https://heritage.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/Event/EDO6985

    https://archaeology.co.uk/join-in/research-body/martin-green.htm

    https://hbsmrweb-dorset.esdm.co.uk/Monument/MDO40187

    https://cranbornechase.org.uk/chalkeboard/casting-back-to-iron-age-chettle-with-martin-green/

    https://www.davidabram.co.uk/


    Cranborne Chase, archaeology, Martin Green, Neolithic history, Dorset Cursus, prehistoric Dorset, flint knapping, ancient tools, conservation, wildlife, local history, community heritage, rural archaeology, Neolithic Britain, historical landscapes

    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    1 hr
  • Looking Ahead: A Message from "The Ramblers”
    Jul 22 2025

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    In this short message from The Ramblers, Nigel and Iain check in with listeners to share what's ahead for the podcast. While July passed without a new episode—thanks to Iain's travels in Australia—August brings the start of a three-part mini-series featuring Dr. Martin Green, an award-winning but self-taught archaeologist from Cranborne Chase.

    Known intimately by those in his field yet largely invisible to the wider public, Martin has spent a lifetime uncovering the stories of the land he loves. These upcoming episodes will not only document his archaeological contributions but also spotlight the man behind the work—a local hero whose "amateur" status is worn as a badge of honour.

    The Ramblers invite listeners to tune in, subscribe, and share their thoughts as they celebrate Martin’s enduring legacy.

    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    2 mins
  • Episode 8 - Clive Whitbourn - National Trust Ranger for North Dorset
    Jun 2 2025

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    In this episode of The Ramblers, Nigel interviews Clive Whitborn, an Area Ranger for the National Trust in North Dorset. They discuss Clive's journey into conservation, the challenges faced in modern conservation efforts, and the importance of balancing nature with heritage. Clive shares success stories, particularly regarding biodiversity management and the role of grazing. The conversation also touches on the impact of climate change, project prioritisation, and the significant contributions of volunteers. Additionally, they explore how technology has transformed conservation work. In this conversation, Clive discusses the collaborative efforts in conservation, the impact of climate change on landscapes, and the importance of trees and biodiversity. He reflects on the historical significance of conservation areas and the balance between preservation and environmental protection. Clive shares his passion for nature and conservation, the future of conservation efforts in Dorset, and offers advice for those aspiring to become Rangers.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast

    01:12 Meet the Area Ranger: Clive's Journey

    04:08 A Day in the Life of a Ranger

    06:27 Challenges in Modern Conservation

    08:50 Success Stories in Conservation

    10:15 Balancing Nature and Heritage

    12:37 Grazing and Biodiversity Management

    14:30 Addressing Climate Change Threats

    15:58 Project Prioritisation in Conservation

    16:53 The Juniper Regeneration Project

    19:50 The Role of Volunteers in Conservation

    22:47 Technology in Conservation Work

    26:08 Collaboration and Support in Conservation

    28:30 Impact of Climate Change on Landscapes

    31:52 The Importance of Trees and Biodiversity

    34:14 Historical Significance of Conservation Areas

    36:10 Balancing Preservation and Environmental Protection

    39:02 Passion for Conservation and Nature

    42:23 Future of Conservation in Dorset

    45:43 Advice for Aspiring Rangers

    #conservation, #wildlife, #National Trust, #Dorset, #Cranborne Chase, #Area Ranger, #biodiversity, #climate change, #volunteers, #technology, #conservation, #trees, #historical preservation, #environmental protection, #nature, #landscape recovery, #volunteering

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteer

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/research/climate-change-adaptation-guidance


    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.




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    Artwork for Podcast
    created by Claire Atkinson

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    53 mins