The National Trust is set to take audiences on an enthralling journey through time and nature with the launch of two brand-new podcast series: Wild Tales and Back When. These shows promise to offer fascinating insights into the hidden wonders of wildlife and pivotal historical moments, making history and nature accessible in a way like never before.
A Fresh Approach to Storytelling
With a keen focus on immersive storytelling, these two distinct series will be available across all major podcast platforms, replacing the previous National Trust Podcast. The first of the two, Wild Tales, debuts on March 26, while Back When is set to launch on April 2.
Wild Tales: Unveiling the Secrets of Nature
A Deep Dive into the Natural World
Wild Tales will take listeners on an extraordinary exploration of nature’s most intriguing secrets. From the complex social structures of dolphins to the unexpected behaviors of seagulls, this series will unravel fascinating insights into the world of wildlife.
Exciting Episodes to Look Forward To:
- Gangster Gull – An eye-opening look at the dramatic lives of seagulls.
- The Strange World of Spider Sex – A deep dive into the bizarre mating rituals of spiders.
- Chaffinch Accents – Investigating how these songbirds develop unique regional dialects.
- Thresher Sharks’ Aerial Acrobatics – Discover how these sharks use their tails to launch into the air.
- Dolphin Social Networks – Tracking dolphin interactions off the coast of Cardigan Bay.
- Dinosaur Discoveries on the Isle of Wight – Exploring one of the UK’s most complete dinosaur fossils.
Meet the Expert Hosts
Wild Tales will be hosted by a passionate team of National Trust nature experts, including:
- Rosie Holdsworth – Ranger at North Yorkshire Moors.
- Heather Birkett – Garden and Outdoors Manager at Acorn Bank.
- Ajay Tegala – Wildlife Presenter, Author, and former Ranger at Wicken Fen.
Ajay Tegala shares his enthusiasm for the new series:
“Listeners will uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, be captivated by rare and resplendent wildlife, and discover the hidden wonders of nature through engaging narratives and expert insights.”
Back When: A Time Capsule of History
Unraveling the Past One Story at a Time
Back When will transport listeners through some of the most compelling moments in history. Whether it’s Britain’s foray into the Space Race or the underground tunnels of World War Two, each episode will bring historical events to life.
Intriguing Episodes Include:
- Black Arrow Rocket – Britain’s pivotal role in the Space Race.
- The Great Stink – The engineering marvel that saved Victorian London from a sanitation crisis.
- Fan Bay Tunnels – Unveiling the secret underground network from World War Two.
- Plague Chronicles – A gripping look at life and death during historical pandemics.
- The Evolution of Travelling Fairgrounds – How entertainment on the move shaped British culture.
- The Battle of Culloden – A collaboration with National Trust for Scotland, presenting different perspectives on the 1746 battle.
Meet the History Experts
Leading the storytelling for Back When are two knowledgeable National Trust curators:
- James Grasby – Expert in historical sites and events.
- Helen Antrobus – Author and curator specializing in British history.
James Grasby expresses his excitement for the series:
“The National Trust safeguards an incredible variety of historic sites spanning from the Neolithic era to modern times. Through Back When, listeners will embark on a captivating journey into these rich stories.”
What’s Next? More Exciting National Trust Audio Content
- Nature Escape (Launching in May) – A monthly series inspiring outdoor adventures.
- Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers (Returning This Autumn) – A fun and educational kids’ podcast in collaboration with FunKids Radio.
How to Listen
Fans of the original National Trust Podcast will automatically receive Wild Tales and Back When as they launch. The episodes will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major streaming platforms.
