The Outdoors Station - Audio

It's Springtime, although it may not feel it, and many walkers are recognizing new growth in the hedgerow as the green shoots of new life poke through. We know there is much which can be harvested to add a zing to our plate, but which plant and what does it taste like? So Rose and I join Diana Bateman once again on a gourmet hedgerow walk, to find things which not only are edible, but taste great. Plus we have the satisfaction on knowing it saves us a small fortune in trendy restaurants!

In this weeks show we find out about the new 2008 Lowepro rucksacks designed specifically for hiking photographers, catch up with the facts about the ever increasing encroachment of the tick and hear about the Uk's first diploma in Adventure Sports. Plus we announce the winner of last weeks competition and set this weeks challenge.

Lets get out and about in this podcast recorded at this year's Outdoors Show at the NEC. For social inspiration and suggestions of groups to contact, why not try the Ramblers Association, who have members of all ages. Perhaps the John Muir Trust could do with your help? For younger female outdoor enthusiasts there always the Guiding Association. Show sponsors, Ordinance Survey explain their new free on-line portal and who can resist Ireland's North West cycle trail?

More from this year's Outdoors Show at the NEC and a podcast dedicated to the wonderful subject of gear! We hear what is coming soon from Alpkit, all about the Freeloader charger from Solar Technologies, have a clothing update from Montane, catch up with Sam from Shewee, understand more about Pacer Poles and speak to a man standing in a bucket of water! Diverse or what?

In this environmentally friendly Podzine we chat with the original hippy celebrity cafe owner Pete Norton in Snowdon, catch up with John Hee one of the main organisers behind the Wild Camping campaign and discuss the recycling ethics within the tent industry with Andy Ayers from Green Outdoor. Plus announce the winner of last weeks camera competition and set this week's challenge.

We are happy to be supporting this new water filtration and purification bottle from Drinksafe Systems. The Aquagear Survivor is the lightest proven system in the world. Following extensive tests with incredible results, this affordable, light, flexible bottle will solve all the dilemmas you've ever had, when wondering if your available drinking water is safe. Perfect for the hiker, cyclist, kayaker, bushcrafter, traveler and business person.

In this weeks Podzine, we hear about some great new cameras by Olympus especially made for the outdoors person, talk with a 'get away from it all' bed and breakfast in British Columbia run by a British couple and discuss rights of way and access issues with the British House Society. Plus of course our diary section and a fantastic new competition.

If you've always been enthralled by the Ray Mears TV series, then you might have wondered what it would be like to go on a bushcraft weekend as a novice. Join us then on this podcast, as I share a weekend induction course deep in the woods, in the heart of Wiltshire.

Seeking inspiration where to go hiking this year within the UK and Ireland? Then have a listen to this, as Andy Howell chats to four specific destinations who try to pursued him (and us) to sample their features. An interesting podcast full of ideas and enthusiasm of those who are proud of, and love their part of the world. Andy does Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland! Enjoy!!

This show is all about getting back to basics and so we speak with Simon Ellar editor of Bushcraft Magazine about how the interest in bushcraft is gaining increased participation from those who enjoy other outdoor pastimes. Then continuing on the mixed interest theme of todays show, we hear from Ed Bassett from EB Adventures and to Wayne Jones of Forest Knights. Plus diary news, and a great new competition.

The first of our series of compilation interviews recorded at The OS Outdoors Show 2008. Andy Howell meets the 'outdoor bloggers' at their second annual gathering. Where else but on Saturday lunchtime, in the bar, with a drink in hand!

A real smorgasbord of a show for you this week! Get trendy with a Slackline (and win one too!), find out about being a jolly swagman, consider the benefits of joining the Open Canoe Association, understand more about wildlife, trapping and pest control and find true outdoor romance!! Enjoy!!

Richard Harding is a commuter. His chosen mode of transport is the ever green bicycle. His current work in the UK hi tech industry is coming to an end and, as one might expect, he's decided to commute home. Nothing unusual in that, except that 'home' is now in New Zealand and starting at the end of March he's trying to be home for Christmas!

Back from 2008 OS Outdoors Show at the NEC we sample some of the atmosphere and bring you the finalists from the Alpkit Colab competition plus comments from several folks who visited the show. Andy and I give our round up thoughts at the conclusion of the event and there's a goody bag full of interesting items to be won. Loads of interviews gathered at the show and much more coming in the next few weeks.

Opened in 1965, the Pennine Way was Britain’s first national trail. Since then another 14 have been designated in England and Wales, with a further 4 in Scotland. Together they cover well over 5000 kilometres each one with unique qualities which explore the rich, scenic and historic countryside of Britain. Paddy Dillon has walked all the trails – twice! Here he talks about his love of the routes and his new guide, ‘The National Trails’ a complete compilation of all Britain’s National Trail walking routes.