Scottish Rain, Productive Worms and an Archive of Soil
Summary
This episode explores the hidden life of Scottish soil, featuring a visit to the James Hutton Institute’s archive to discuss digitizing historic soil data for peatland restoration. The hosts also tour the Future Forest project near Stirling, highlighting efforts to create diverse habitats and monitor returning species like the northern brown argus butterfly. Additionally, the program covers a new footpath opening at Ben Rinnes funded by a local wind farm and shares wildlife photography insights from Karen Miller, who captures elusive bank voles in the Highlands.
Topics discussed
Intro: The 'Answer is in the Soil' theme
Weather banter and recap of last week's peacocks
James Hutton Institute: Soil archives and digitization
Radio 2 in the Park and transition to Belford
Belford Estate: Habitat restoration and butterfly return
Listener stories: Hail storms and rare plants
Wildlife photography with Karen Miller: Voles and squirrels
Mystery Sound segment and listener guesses
Ben Runis: New footpath construction and funding issues
Listener anecdote: Path building in Glencoe
Pictish Worms: Composting, fertilizer, and heavy metals
Royal Botanic Gardens: 'Salute to Soil' exhibition
Sponsorship and listener feedback on Dolly Parton
Harris: Growing up by the sea and wild swimming
Social media, Gaelic language, and wildlife encounters
East Lothian: Community garden and tree nursery project
National Library of Scotland: Exhibition on Rain
Mystery Sound reveal and closing listener messages
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