Moorland Voices: Landscape, Memory & Rural Traditions

Moorland Voices is an oral history podcast capturing the memories, stories and experiences of the people who know Bodmin Moor best. Part of Cornwall National Landscape’s Natural Beauty and the Beast project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, it celebrates the heritage, traditions and beauty of this iconic landscape. Through local voices, we explore the connections between people and place, creating a lasting record for future generations.

Episode 01

Brian Hambley reflects on a lifetime on Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of farming, wartime childhood experiences, his passion for moorland ponies, and the challenges facing small farms.

Episode 02

John Keast reflects on a lifetime in Warleggan on the edge of Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of farming, family, local history and archaeology, and the changes he has witnessed in the moorland landscape and community

Episode 03

John Doran reflects on a lifetime connected to Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of family farming, rural community life, and the enduring influence of the moor on local traditions and identity.

Episode 04

Alex reflects on a lifelong connection to Bodmin Moor, sharing how its landscapes, folklore and history have inspired his photography, creativity and sense of belonging, while exploring the challenges facing the moor today.

Episode 05

Pete Herring reflects on a lifetime exploring and studying Bodmin Moor, sharing insights into its archaeology, history, farming traditions and the importance of protecting it as a living landscape.

Episode 06

Alison and Dave reflect on their deep spiritual connection to Bodmin Moor, sharing how its landscapes, heritage, folklore and seasonal traditions shape their lives, beliefs and sense of community

Episode 07

Cathy Farnworth reflects on a lifelong connection to Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of its wildlife, archaeology and landscapes, and exploring the importance of protecting the moor’s heritage, environment and local communities.

Episode 08

Rob reflects on a lifetime of farming on Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of growing up on the commons, the traditions of moorland farming and pony culture, and the challenges facing rural communities today.

Episode 09

Martin Eddy reflects on a lifetime connected to Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of farming, geology and mining heritage, and exploring the balance between conservation, food production and the future of the moor.

Episode 10

Iain reflects on a lifelong connection to Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of its archaeology, mining heritage and farming communities, and exploring how conservation, education and history can help shape the moor’s future.

Episode 11

Edna Heller reflects on a lifetime connected to Bodmin Moor, sharing memories of traditional farming, wartime rural life, the vital role of women in agriculture, and the changes she has witnessed in the landscape, wildlife and communities of rural Cornwall.