Recording on hill and dale

The joy of making use of a couple of decades working for the BBC is how to get the best of guests and locations.

One project I’m working on is with Professor Carly Stevens of Lancaster University’s Environment Centre.

Prof Stevens is currently working on a ground breaking project to raise awareness about the importance of limestone pavements as rich and unique habitats. The challenge? To visit the kind of habitats that her work will focus on.

High above Horton in Ribblesdale on moorland which can be both bleak and stunning, we recorded as she collected samples above a working quarry. Heidelberg Materials are supporting the survey work which takes place on the upper slopes of a quarry recently reconnected to the rail network.

The podcast involves guests including the farmer whose sheeps grazes on the land, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and ecologists.

The sound of sheep grazing on windswept moors will definitely transport listeners to the dales while Pro Stevens will provide a brilliant commentary about the work she’s doing and the difference it could make.