National Trust Audio

Young Ben Browne went to live in London in June 1719, to start his training as a clerk to a lawyer. In this letter to his parents, he recounts his journey to London and his initial observations of the city, including witnessing the Spitalfields silk weavers protesting violently about imports of calico from India.

Sound of the dawn chorus, an event rich with a variety of bird song

A Skylark calling

A Robin calling

A Chiffchaff calling

We hope you enjoy listening to this demo audio version of Land Matters from the National Trust. We’ve made this pilot to see if you’d like the option in future to listen to the newsletter, rather than read it. You'll hear three articles from recent issues, including a feature on how a focus on nature has brought transformational change to James Robinson’s Lake District farm. You’ll learn how Exmoor farmer Holly Purdey put balance and diversity at the heart of her farm management. And we speak to Jake Fiennes, Director of Conservation at the Holkham Estate in Norfolk. The demo is narrated by Sally Palmer, editor of the National Trust Magazine for members, and the articles are read by Stephen Perring, Ali Vowles and Jim Lee. Please let us know what you think of this demo by emailing land.matters@nationaltrust.org.uk .Did you enjoy it? Why? What might you change if we made it again? Would you listen regularly if we make more? We’ve just made the episode in English this time, but if it proves popular we’ll look at making it in Welsh, as we do with the printed newsletter, so we’d love to know if that would be of interest to you too.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has been commissioned to write a poem inspired by Brimham Rocks. His poem ‘Balancing Act’ encapsulates what Brimham Rocks is and why it is such an important place for nature, wildlife, and visitors. Listen to Simon Armitage’s poem Balancing Act by pressing play or using the Download button to the bottom right of the page. Find out more about Brimham Rocks here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/brimham-rocks

With its lush botany and timeless design, Hidcote in Gloucester is one of the country’s most enchanting gardens, and this year marks the 75th anniversary since it came into Trust care. Hear gardener and broadcaster Chris Beardshaw explain its enduring appeal. This bonus feature is part of the summer 2023 issue of National Trust Magazine. We produce an hour-long audio version of each issue, which includes the main articles from the magazine and extra behind-the-scenes chats with our contributors. It's ideal for those with visual impairment or anyone who wants to hear the features read aloud. Presented by Sally Palmer, Editor of National Trust Magazine. You can listen to the audio edition for free at National Trust Audio Magazine (audioboom.com). If you have a visual impairment and would prefer to receive a CD – or know someone who would – email RNIB on businesslink@rnib.org.uk or phone them on 01733 375370.

Look out for a new episode of the National Trust Podcast, exploring the wild seasons at Blakeney Point.

Harvey Wilkinson, the National Trust’s Cultural Heritage Curator for the Lake District, takes us on a tour of Fell Foot, a historic parkland on the southern shores of Windermere. He takes us on a journey from the turn of the 18th Century when Fell Foot was a private estate to the post war years when the Trust was bequeathed the parkland and for 40 years it was a popular chalet and caravan site, where children brought Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons to life. To find out more please visit - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/fell-foot

This is an extract from Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie In this humorous opening scene, Poirot’s assistant, Miss Lemon, answers a call from Ariadne Oliver asking for Poirot’s help in Devon. What initially appears to be a wild goose chase develops into a thrilling mystery.

This is an extract from Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie Jacko Arglye dies in prison, convicted of murdering his adoptive mother Rachel Argyle. Arthur Calgary, an absent witness in the original case, comes forward providing Jacko with an alibi and clearing his name. Suspicions are then raised about the other members of the household. In this scene, Calgary meets with Dr MacMaster to learn more about Jacko and Rachel Argyle.

This is an extract from Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie Published in 1942 In this opening scene, Hercule Poirot meets Carla Le Marchant, a character from his past. She asks him to open a cold case involving her mother, that was thought to have been solved.

This is an extract from Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie In this scene, Hercule Poirot and Mrs Allerton converse on the island of Elephantine. The conversation starts with the recent marriage of Linnet Ridgeway and Simon Doyle and evolves into a discussion about the motives for murder.