The conversation also celebrates the magic of deer themselves, the powerful connection people feel when spending time watching them in the wild, and the role photography and shared experiences play in bringing people closer to nature. They also explore the BDS Annual Photography competition, and how the society slogan 'Together for Deer' is at the heart of everything they do. 

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Owen and Linda dig into the tribalism and combative attitudes that often derail constructive debate, exploring why these conversations can become so charged, and why that's getting in the way of real progress. They trace the long history of humans protecting their food supplies, reflecting on just how far removed much of modern society has become from the realities of food production and land management.

The discussion turns to policy, and the dangers of broad-brush approaches that fail to account for the nuance of working land. Owen makes a compelling case for the knowledge held by those on the ground: gamekeepers, farmers, rural workers, arguing that site-specific expertise should carry far greater weight in shaping decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and landscapes.

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A recent move to the Isle of Mull, Audrey talks about island life, local wildlife on her doorstep, and adapting to open hill stalking and longer-range shooting. The conversation also reflects on loss following the death of her husband, Peter, who introduced her to shooting and deer stalking. Together, they shot and stalked across the UK and hunted worldwide.

Now settled on Mull with her four dogs, Audrey shares thoughts on change, resilience, and embracing a new chapter. 👉 Listen now for a thoughtful conversation about life, landscape, and adaptation.

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Mark, Southern Uplands Moorland Group Regional Co-ordinator and National Engagement Manager for Scotland’s Regional Moorland Group, shares how events such as the Royal Highland Show create valuable opportunities to reach a broad audience. The conversation also explores community and school engagement through initiatives like taking the Moorlands into Schools, working alongside gamekeepers, and open moorland days.

They also look at shoot days beyond the shooting itself, highlighting the benefits of working dogs, exercise, teamwork, friendship, camaraderie, time in beautiful landscapes, and positive mental wellbeing.

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Peter shares what led him to start his podcast, The Outdoor Gibbon, and the value of the spoken word in recording events and experiences. Linda and Peter also discuss the right to roam, the impact of a busier Scottish countryside on deer management, and the need to bridge the gap in understanding between public access to the hills and the realities of the working environment.

The conversation also turns to wild game, exploring why, despite its seasonal abundance, more people are not making better use of wild and freely available food.

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👉Listen in as Linda and Andrew talk about how he got started with his first hives, the life cycle of bees, the challenges of Scottish weather, and the seasonal plants he looks out for. As Andrew reflects on how beekeeping used to be far more common, his mum remembers when many households kept a hive in the garden, he shares why he’d love to see more gamekeepers and outdoor folk take it up again.

With humour, humility and a genuinely therapeutic connection to his bees, Andrew talks about the value of good mentors, the history of the craft, and the satisfaction of making your own hives.

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From Mike’s journey to becoming an English Cocker Championship winner to Caroline’s passion for whelping, training, and cooking game and using seasonal produce, their partnership embodies the balance of skill, respect, and stewardship that defines true country living.

They share their thoughts on the future of field trials, and how a simple love of the land has shaped a life of purpose, partnership, and care for wildlife. An inspiring conversation about gundogs, country life, and the commitment to balanced teamwork.

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He talks about founding the Woodcock Network, working with GWCT scientists, and the challenges of capturing atmosphere and detail in watercolour. This is a conversation about dedication to craft, to nature, and to the wild landscapes that inspire both.

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Ian reflects on the simplicity of his early days on the river, and how that quiet freedom carved out something lasting and meaningful. He speaks with honesty about the powerful sensory and emotional experience of salmon fishing: the feel of the water, the soundscape, the rhythm, and the unspoken connection to place.

Beyond the technicalities of casting, Ian discusses what makes a great mentor on the river: patience, humility, and a love for passing on knowledge. He’s passionate about shifting the culture away from catch numbers and ego, and toward a more thoughtful, soulful relationship with rivers and fish.

Earlier this year, Ian’s recent social media video about his skin pre-cancer diagnosis struck a chord about the importance of protecting your skin and how it’s never too early to start.

From hosting guests in stunning Scottish lodges to running international casting courses, Ian remains a teacher at heart, grounded in nature, generous with his knowledge, and forever moved by the wildness of the river.

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Bill discusses the practicalities of remote island living, from unusual transport challenges and deer retrieval by boat, to the practical limits of machinery in wild terrain. He shares how he built a deer population from scratch on Rona after initially arriving to put up a fence, eventually developing a sustainable venison operation.

Their conversation explores deep themes: the changing nature of gamekeeping, the importance of craft over modern convenience, and the need for more respectful deer management in commercial forestry. Bill’s reflections are rich with personal stories, humour, and no-nonsense wisdom, including his views on venison markets, guest stalkers, and the challenges of balancing conservation with commercial pressure.

From wild beginnings to heartfelt memories and practical advice, this is a captivating portrait of a life devoted to the land, and its animals.

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Now based in Scotland, Sanjay focuses on game butchery and making full use of every animal. He dispels myths around game meat, particularly venison, and offers practical advice on sourcing and cooking game affordably. From kebabs to curries, he champions creative ways to make game more accessible.

Sanjay also speaks about community cookery classes, setting up a larder, and involving his family in his outdoor passions. With future plans of possibly creating a cookbook and appearances at key countryside events, this is an uplifting and informative conversation about food, community, and sharing knowledge.

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They discuss the deep sense of purpose that comes with traditional roles, the misconceptions gamekeepers face, and how social media, used wisely, can help bring more understanding to an often-misunderstood profession. Scott reflects on the highs and lows of sharing his life online, the changes in land management, and the pride he feels seeing his daughter follow in his footsteps. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about legacy, landscape, and the quiet strength of living a life that’s more than just a job—it’s a calling.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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