Sean Bean Joins Get Birding Podcast as New Host Ahead of RSPB Birdwatch 2026
Renowned British actor Sean Bean has officially stepped into the world of podcasting, joining the award-winning Get Birding podcast as its new host. The announcement marks a significant evolution for the popular nature-focused series, as it launches an always-on format designed to inspire everyone from first-time birdwatchers to seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
Timed strategically ahead of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, the first episode of the new series is available today, setting the tone for what promises to be a fresh, inclusive, and deeply personal exploration of Britain’s birdlife.
While Sean Bean is globally celebrated for his powerful screen performances, this move marks his debut as a podcast host—a surprising but fitting step for an actor who has long harboured a passion for the natural world.
Best known for iconic roles in:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Game of Thrones
Sharpe
The Accused
Bean brings with him not only acting pedigree—two BAFTA TV Awards and an International Emmy—but also a genuine, lifelong love of birdwatching that predates his fame.
A Childhood Passion Rooted in Sheffield
Long before Hollywood and international acclaim, Sean Bean’s connection to birds began on a Sheffield council estate, where curiosity and time outdoors shaped his early years.
As a teenager, Bean spent countless hours:
Exploring local gardens and green spaces
Venturing into nearby fields with friends
Learning to identify birds using binoculars
Reflecting on those formative experiences, Bean shared:
“It might come as a surprise to many, but I was a keen birder as a teenager growing up on a Sheffield estate. In a busy world, birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature and relax, and I’m excited to go on this adventure with the Get Birding community.”
His story aligns closely with the podcast’s core mission: making birdwatching accessible, relatable, and welcoming to all, regardless of background or experience.
What Is Get Birding?
Get Birding has built a strong reputation as a friendly, inclusive gateway into birdwatching, combining expert knowledge with storytelling, creativity, and mindfulness.
Key Highlights of the Podcast:
Designed for complete beginners and experienced birders alike
Focuses on urban and everyday nature, not just rare species
Encourages wellbeing, environmental awareness, and curiosity
Recorded outdoors in real natural settings
With its new always-on format, the podcast moves beyond limited series episodes, offering year-round content that reflects the changing seasons and evolving birdlife.
Episode One: Sean Bean Meets Guy Garvey
The debut episode of the new series features Guy Garvey, frontman of the band Elbow and presenter on BBC Radio 6 Music.
The episode explores:
Garvey’s personal relationship with nature
How birdsong influences music and creativity
Shared reflections on slowing down in a fast-paced world
The conversation sets the tone for future episodes, blending celebrity storytelling with practical birding insights and emotional connection to the natural world.
Dr Mya-Rose Craig Returns as Mentor
Returning to Get Birding is Dr Mya-Rose Craig, widely known as Birdgirl, who hosted the podcast’s first series and now steps into a mentor role.
Who Is Mya-Rose Craig?
One of the most accomplished young birdwatchers in the world
Became the youngest person ever to see over half of all bird species globally by age 17
Aged just 23, she is also an author, activist, and diversity advocate in conservation
In the new series, Mya-Rose guides Bean—and listeners—through practical, hands-on birding topics, including:
Choosing and maintaining bird feeders
Supporting birds during colder weather
Ethical birdwatching practices
How to start birding with minimal equipment
She described the collaboration as refreshing and inclusive, emphasizing that birdwatching should never feel intimidating or exclusive.
Making Birding Accessible to Everyone
A central theme of the new Get Birding era is breaking down barriers.
Mya-Rose Craig explained that:
You don’t need expensive gear to start birdwatching
Birds exist everywhere—from city balconies to suburban gardens
Curiosity matters more than expertise
This philosophy is echoed throughout the podcast’s structure, tone, and guest selection.
Regular Features Listeners Can Expect
The revamped Get Birding podcast introduces a range of recurring segments designed to educate, inspire, and ground listeners in the natural world.
Popular Features Include:
Birdsong of the Week Presented by sound artist and nature beatboxer Jason Singh, this segment explores the rhythm, patterns, and cultural significance of birdsong.
Mindful Bird Poetry Short poetic reflections encouraging listeners to pause, listen, and connect emotionally with nature.
Practical Birding Tips Simple advice listeners can apply immediately, from feeder placement to identifying common garden birds.
These elements aim to make birding a daily habit rather than a specialist hobby.
Produced by Peanut & Crumb: A New Chapter Begins
The podcast is produced by Peanut & Crumb, an award-winning creative studio known for innovative audio storytelling.
Jane Gerber, Co-Founder & Creative Director, said:
“Moving Get Birding into an always-on format feels like the natural next step. Sean brings warmth, curiosity, and relatability—he’s someone listeners can genuinely learn alongside.”
Katie Derham, Co-Founder, added:
“This podcast is part of a wider, multi-platform vision. We’re building something that goes beyond audio, and there’s much more to come.”
Expanding Beyond Audio: YouTube and The Flock
The Get Birding brand is evolving into a multi-platform nature community.
The Flock Members Club A new subscription-based community hub offering:
Exclusive content
Expert Q&As
Community discussions
Seasonal challenges
The aim is to foster a sense of belonging among birdwatchers of all ages and experience levels.
Why This Launch Matters Now
The timing of Sean Bean’s arrival as host is no coincidence.
With growing concerns around:
Climate change
Urban biodiversity loss
Mental health and digital burnout
Get Birding positions itself as both educational and restorative, encouraging listeners to reconnect with nature in simple, meaningful ways.
The launch ahead of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch reinforces the message that everyone can play a role in conservation, starting right outside their window.
Recorded Outdoors, Rooted in Nature
Unlike many studio-based podcasts, Get Birding is recorded outdoors, immersing listeners in real soundscapes—wind through trees, distant birdsong, and the ambient textures of nature.
This approach enhances:
Authenticity
Listener immersion
Emotional connection to wildlife
It also reinforces the podcast’s core belief: nature isn’t separate from daily life—it’s all around us.
Final Thoughts: A New Voice for Modern Birdwatching
Sean Bean’s appointment as host represents more than a celebrity-led refresh. It signals a shift in how nature storytelling is told—grounded, inclusive, and deeply human.
By combining:
A beloved public figure
Expert mentorship
Creative audio design
Community-driven expansion
Get Birding is poised to reach new audiences and redefine what modern birdwatching looks like in 2026 and beyond.
