Radio host from Staines shares his birdwatching hobby on new series of podcast

Radio presenter Matt Spracklen AKA the Rock ‘n Roll Birder is inviting listeners on a weekly birdwatching walk.

Listen in as Matt interviews guests who have turned their love of birds and wildlife into their profession.

And when he isn’t joined by a guest Matt and his producer and wife, Sarah Spracklen chat about what they have seen and learnt on their birdwatching walks.

Today, July 24th, series two will be available on all streaming platforms here

Matt, who is a presenter on CountryLine radio and an ambassador for brands such as Hard Rock Cafe and Captain Fawcett, says he has loved birdwatching since he was young.

He said: “My mum used to let me be late for school because I was so fascinated watching the garden birds.

“I’ve been told that my teachers got me to engage with reading work using bird books, so that’s how I learnt to read.

“I collected bird encyclopedias and had a real passion for birdwatching as a child.”

In recent years Matt reignited his love of bird watching and photography after spending his 20s living a high octane life touring in a punk band and working in the music and radio industry.

He rediscovered the mindful mental health benefits of birdwatching during the 2020 lockdowns when feeding the garden birds became a relaxing pastime and pleasure.

Matt started to take pictures of different species, cataloging them and taking walks to see how many varieties he could capture. It was on one of these walks that the Rock ‘n Roll Birder podcast was born.

Matt said: “At first when Sarah and I talked about recording a podcast I was reluctant. Music is my other passion and that is also my work. Part of me wanted to keep birding strictly for pleasure but the format of the podcast is so relaxed and natural it doesn’t feel like work.

“These are walks and conversations we would be having anyway and sharing them feels like we are expanding our own community and enjoyment.

“Hearing from listeners who say we have inspired them to buy a bird feeder or to take a walk to listen to birdsong and see what they have learned is so rewarding.”

Sarah is a radio and podcast producer. She has spent the last ten years at Absolute Radio producing The Frank Skinner Show and is the producer of the critically acclaimed Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast.

Sarah also spent many years at Virgin Radio working with radio greats including Edith Bowman. Sarah and Matt first met when she produced his very first radio show back in 2016 and they are loving working together again.

In each episode Matt will be out in the elements visiting beauty spots and nature reserves across the UK.

This series he will be joined by more expert guests including Jack Baddams: BBC Springwatch's wildlife researcher, Jon Carter who works for the British Trust for Ornithology, Naomi Johns from The Bird of Prey Project, James Cook (@WildlifeWithCookie) and Paul Bennett from RSPB Coombes Valley and Consall Woods.

The podcast’s Instagram page, @RocknRollBirder, has amassed 69,000 followers to date. With famous names including Jim Moir, Sarah Millican and Tom Chaplin following along.

Matt added: “I like the idea that we are part of a movement, along with Spring Watch and the Restore Nature Now protest to hopefully get the younger generation more passionate about the things they can do to protect and conserve our wildlife and nature.

Whether you’re a birding novice or a seasoned twitcher there’s something for everyone.”

Season one, which featured 12 episodes recorded across the UK and from Sarah and Matt’s home studio in Surrey, is also available to listen back on now.

And fans can follow behind the scenes via @RocknRollBirder on Instagram and TikTok.

You can listen to Rock 'n Roll Birder on all platforms here