Popular Dorset podcast reconnecting people with nature set to continue after chart success

A Dorset-based podcast exploring food, farming and nature is set to continue after achieving chart success.

‘Second Nature: Down in Dorset’, co-hosted by local farmer Tim Gelfs and nature podcaster Lizzie McLaughlin, has quickly gained popularity, reaching the UK top 20 and ranking within the top 10–25% of podcasts worldwide.

Originally launched as a four-episode mini-series in February, the podcast has struck a chord with listeners by highlighting the role farmers play in nature recovery. In response to its success, Dorset Council has confirmed funding will continue until at least November, with the potential for further episodes.

The series brings together farmers, residents and environmental groups for open conversations about key issues affecting Dorset’s countryside. Supported through Nature Recovery Dorset and Dorset National Landscape’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programmes, it showcases how farmers, communities and organisations are working together to restore nature while producing local food.

Tim Gelfs, who farms free-range hens and pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle near Beaminster, brings more than 40 years of experience to the podcast and is passionate about helping people better understand modern farming.

“It’s been brilliant to see how well the podcast has been received in such a short space of time,” he said. “Reaching the UK top 20 shows there’s real appetite for honest conversations about farming and the countryside and we’re really pleased that most of the listeners are also based in Dorset or the wider Southwest.

 “There’s a serious side to it too — it’s about bringing farming and nature closer to people and helping us all better understand both.”

The podcast is a spin-off of the wider Second Nature Series, which focuses on connecting people with all thing’s food, farming and the countryside.

Co-host Lizzie McLaughlin added: “We’ve explored everything from why sustainable food matters for people and wildlife, to the challenges and opportunities of Dorset’s ‘big five’ species. We’ve also looked at complex issues like water pollution and how everyone can play a role in protecting our rivers, alongside the work farmers are doing to improve soils and biodiversity.

“Future episodes will dive deeper into some of these topics and highlight the people shaping the future of Dorset’s landscapes.”

Councillor Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “The podcast’s success highlights just how much interest there is in understanding rural life. By extending the series, we can continue bringing people together to explore the challenges and opportunities facing our countryside.”

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for climate mitigation, energy and environment, said: "It's really pleasing that so many of our residents are engaging with the podcast and learning more about the stunning nature that surrounds them. Many people connect between work and leisure across the urban and rural parts of Dorset, and it’s important that we strengthen these links.

 "As a Council we are committed to improving access to nature for all our communities and a strong starting point for that is increased awareness - something this podcast helps to deliver – and I’m hopeful a future episode will highlight the nature on your doorstep.”

In their latest podcast just published, Tim and Lizzie hear about the many opportunities there are in Dorset for people to learn about food production and farming - from school visits to agricultural shows and events.

They also talk about Open Farm Sunday, which is taking place across Dorset on Sunday 7 June. Find a farm to visit on Open Farm Sunday

To listen, search “Second Nature: Down In Dorset” on your favourite podcast platform or listen online.

For more information on Nature Recovery Dorset visit Dorset Council’s website.

The podcast featured in the Top 20 for Home and Garden in Apple's Top 200.

Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council.