Beasts in the belfy

Fun with Bells

No, we’re not talking about tyrannical tower captains, caustic conductors or belligerent tenor ringers here, but the wide and wonderful variety of wildlife that ringers and steeple keepers share their bell towers with.
David Bagley fascinates host Cathy Booth with descriptions and anecdotes of both welcome and unwelcome species, and advises on how to either encourage them or get rid of them. No, it’s not just bats in the belfry, as insects, mammals and birds all seem to enjoy the atmosphere and make themselves at home.
As well as some fascinating facts, this podcast offers some great excuses for losing a quarter - just blame the distraction caused by that cheeky mouse, plague of ladybirds or rare sighting of an assassin beetle!
Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART). To find out more about learning to ring, learning to teach or other resources to support your ringing go to bellringing.org

Podcast team:
Anne Tansley Thomas
Emily Roderick
John Gwynne
Emily Watts
Cathy Booth
Ringing by:
The Cambridge Youths (supplied by David Richards) and for later episodes, The Liliputters Guild (supplied by Simon Edwards).

Chapters

1. S5E4 Beasts in the belfry (00:00:00)

2. Main interview (00:00:30)

3. Question (00:06:37)

4. Question about death watch beetles (00:08:11)

5. Question about butterflies (00:10:30)

6. Question about moths (00:11:35)

7. Question about mammals specifically bats (00:12:29)

8. Question re problem with bats (00:13:42)

9. Question about squirrels (00:15:21)

10. Question about birds (00:16:11)

11. Question about plant life (00:18:00)

12. Question about other birds (00:19:29)

13. Question about swifts (00:22:01)

14. Question about peregrines (00:24:18)

15. Closing question (00:26:48)