Whale Secrets of a Stranding: BBC Podcast Reveals Five-Year Cornwall Whale Excavation
When a 20-metre fin whale washed up on the rugged shores of Parbean Cove, Cornwall, in 2020, locals could never have imagined that its story would evolve into one of the most ambitious marine excavations ever attempted in the UK. Now, five years later, the BBC South West podcast Whale, Secrets of a Stranding brings listeners inside the extraordinary journey of this whale — from its final hours at sea to its monumental excavation on university grounds.
The series is more than a scientific chronicle. It is a story about community, ocean health, climate change, curiosity, and the quiet perseverance of the researchers who refused to let this whale’s legacy fade with the tide.
A 20-Metre Giant: The Day Cornwall Stopped to Save a Whale
Fin whales are the second-largest animals on Earth, exceeded only by the blue whale. Sleek, fast, and typically elusive, they rarely come close to British shores. But on a cold morning in 2020, residents of Parbean Cove found a young female fin whale stranded on the sand, exhausted and disoriented.
The Rescue Attempt
Local volunteers, wildlife groups, and marine medics rushed to the site. Working for hours, they attempted to stabilise the whale, keeping her wet and shaded in the hope the tide would lift her back to safety.
But despite their efforts, the whale eventually succumbed to her injuries and distress.
The event was devastating — but it marked the beginning of a remarkable scientific project that would span half a decade.
Why Bury a Whale Skull? The Science Behind a Strange Decision
When a marine mammal strands and dies, scientists often study the carcass to determine cause of death, environmental factors, and broader ecological patterns. But in this case, researchers from the University of Exeter had a bigger plan.
Natural Decomposition: Letting Nature Do the Work
The whale’s massive skull — weighing roughly two tonnes — was carefully removed and:
transported to the university’s grounds
lowered into a two-metre-deep pit
buried under layers of earth to allow natural decomposition
This process allows bacteria, insects, and soil organisms to strip away soft tissue that would be impossible to remove manually.
Why It Matters
Fin whales are rarely found intact. Their bones offer unparalleled insight into:
ocean pollutants
migratory health
injury patterns
acoustic behaviour (via ear structures)
evolutionary traits
The skull, once fully cleaned by nature, would become a museum-quality specimen for research and public display.
The 2025 Excavation: A Delicate Ten-Hour Operation
Five years after burial, the team began the long-anticipated extraction. But retrieving a skull the size of a minibus from compacted earth isn’t simple.
Cutting-Edge Tools Used
A powerful crane to lift the skull safely
An industrial vacuum excavator to remove earth without damaging bone
Protective supports to stabilise fragile sections
Real-time scanning equipment to identify stress points
A Race Against Time
The excavation took ten continuous hours, during which:
soil was carefully removed layer by layer
bone fragments were inspected and cleaned
stabilising materials were added
the skull was slowly hoisted into daylight for the first time since 2020
What the Scientists Found
Professor Robbie McDonald, who led the project, expressed amazement at the condition of the skull:
“It’s fantastic. We didn’t know what to expect after five years underground, but it’s come out really clean. This skull is a gargantuan reminder of what we can do to improve the marine environment.”
Why the Clean Condition Matters
A well-preserved skull means researchers can perform:
detailed anatomical studies
DNA sampling
toxin and pollutant testing
isotopic analysis to understand diet and migration
The cleaner the specimen, the more precise the research — and the greater the global scientific value.
A Whale’s Journey: What Might Have Gone Wrong?
Although fin whales rarely strand, when they do, the causes often relate to broader ecological challenges.
Possible Factors in This Case
Acoustic disturbance Noise pollution from ships can disorient whales.
Illness or injury Parasites, infections, or collisions may weaken whales.
Toxins or pollutants Heavy metals or plastics may impair navigation and health.
Researchers hope the excavated skull — and associated bone material — will help confirm which of these played a role.
Cornwall’s Marine Heritage: Why the Region Is a Global Hotspot
Cornwall has long been a sentinel for marine conservation. Its coastline sees regular visits from:
fin whales
humpbacks
basking sharks
dolphins
porpoises
The region’s unique geography makes it a critical indicator of ocean health.
Community-Led Conservation
The whale’s stranding sparked a massive local response, highlighting:
Cornwall’s deep maritime culture
strong community bonds
a collective desire to protect marine life
This story, as the podcast reveals, belongs not only to scientists — but to everyone who stepped forward that day.
Inside the Podcast: What Whale, Secrets of a Stranding Reveals
The new BBC podcast, available on BBC Sounds, explores the whale’s journey from multiple angles.
Themes Covered
The dramatic rescue attempt
The decision to preserve the skull
The five-year underground decomposition
The excavation process
Emotional accounts from locals
Commentary from marine experts
Conversations about climate and conservation
Voices Featured in the Series
Professor Robbie McDonald – Project Lead
Marine biologists and oceanographers
Local residents who witnessed the stranding
Conservation organisations
Environmental policy advocates
The series is both scientific and deeply human.
“An Extraordinary Story”: Behind the Scenes at BBC South West
Stephanie Marshall, Senior Head of Content Production for the West and South West, praised the project:
“This is an extraordinary story – a tale that begins on a Cornish beach and ends with a scientific triumph. It’s about community, conservation, and curiosity. Whale: Secrets of a Stranding captures the spirit of our region and the global importance of protecting our oceans.”
This perspective reflects the BBC’s commitment to elevating local stories with international relevance.
The Global Importance of Studying Whale Strandings
Whale strandings aren’t random events — they’re ecological warnings.
What Strandings Can Reveal
Biodiversity changes
Ocean pollution levels
Food supply shifts
Marine noise disturbances
Climate-driven migration disruptions
How This Whale Contributes to Research
Its skull may help scientists understand:
long-term changes in fin whale populations
the health of North Atlantic ecosystems
how human activity influences whale navigation and behaviour
This excavation is expected to become an essential data point in global marine research.
The Whale’s Future: Display, Education, and Legacy
Once cleaned, stabilised, and catalogued, the skull will be:
exhibited for public education
used in university research
shared with conservation groups
featured in scientific publications
The whale’s story will continue to inspire learning and awareness for generations.
Why This Story Resonates in 2025
We live in a time when ocean conservation is no longer optional — it is urgent.
This whale’s journey highlights:
the fragility of marine ecosystems
the impact of human behaviour on sea life
the importance of community action
the value of long-term scientific research
More than a story of a stranding, it is a story of responsibility, resilience, and hope.
Where to Listen
Whale, Secrets of a Stranding is available now on BBC Sounds. The series is suitable for audiences of all ages and provides an accessible yet powerful look into the world of marine conservation.
