Scotland Outdoors

Autumn, ancient orchards and wildlife restoration shape this wide-ranging episode. It moves from the origins of leaves and forgotten Scottish pears to species translocation, corncrake conservation, a new bird hide at St Cyrus, and Finland’s tradition of cow calling.

Leaves take center stage as Mark Stephen meets Professor Jonathan Silvertown to explore why they matter. The conversation draws on Silvertown’s book Nature Magicians, pointing toward the surprising importance and hidden powers of leaves.

This episode ranges from Edinburgh’s inland surf resort to Aberdeen’s core paths, Montrose Basin’s returning geese and Glasgow’s newly honoured fire dog, Wallace. It also dips into ranger careers, Celtic rainforest filmmaking, wild plants, public art and a revisit with writer Peter May.

Cities and urban design take center stage as Helen Needham meets writer Gabriella Bennett to discuss her book How to Build a City. Set in Glenrothes in Fife, where Bennett spent part of her childhood, the episode connects ideas about the future of cities with a place from her past.

This episode ranges from new access rules on Cairngorm to a shell grotto at Newhailes, restored palm houses in Edinburgh, and insect life heading into autumn. It also visits Dumfries House, Portsoy’s harbour heritage, a revived doocot, and some very photogenic Highland cows.