This episode focuses on the powerful impact of birds on our mental health, particularly during lockdown.

With heartbreaking honesty, TV’s favourite GP Dr Amir Khan reveals how birds have helped him through the daily stress of working on the front line over the pandemic. Dr Amir explains the science behind nature’s effect on the chemicals in our brains; why he is starting to prescribe nature to his patients; and how birds are a quick fix for nature therapy.

Dr Amir joins a call to action for investment in urban green spaces, currently seen as a luxury, not a right, for the most socially deprived.

Mya-Rose talks to the University of Sheffield’s Dr Jo Birch about her research on the importance of accessible nature for the wellbeing of urban and BAME young people, whilst farmers in Warwickshire explain how a Wildlife Trust tree sparrow project has helped them deal with the isolation and pressures of their work.

Get Birding listeners tell emotional stories about birds helping them find solace through personal suffering over the past year.

Shetland based musicians Northern Flyway talk to nature beatboxer Jason Singh about their audio-visual work that explores the connection between people and birds, and Mya-Rose reveals her Bird To Watch over the next fortnight.

Host: Dr Mya-Rose Craig

Music Host: Jason Singh

Guests: Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Dr Amir Khan, GP, Dr Daniel Cox, Uni of Exeter, Dr Jo Birch, Uni of Sheffield, Ian Jelley Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Nicky Saunders, farmer in Warwckshire, Northern Flyway [Inge Thomson and Jenny Sturgeon]

Producer: Tom Bonnett

Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham

Production Manager: Cara Ghoshal

Production Assistant: Louis Facey

Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski Optik

Music from

Awekids Collective - Dendroblum [Jason Singh]

Pogington Bear [Chad Crouch] - Pink Gradient

Chad Crouch - Marsh Wrens [Instrumental]

Chad Crouch - Cove [Instrmental]

Podington Bear - Moodswing

Chad Crouch - Barefoot

Chad Crouch - Negentropy

Chad Crouch - Backwater

Podington Bear - Jetsam

Northern Flyway - Rosefinch, Gannets, Lost Lapwing, Curlew, Loch Carron Flame

Field Recordings:

Simon Northeast

Genghis Attenborough

Inchadney

Juskiddink

Podcast art by Make Productions

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Find out more about the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Tree Sparrow Project: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/working-farmers-and-landowners/arden-farm-wildlife-network

Find out more about Northern Flyway: https://www.facebook.com/northernflyway/

Discover Jason Singh's music at: http://jasonsinghthing.com/

Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/

Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.

Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding

Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities.

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