342. A journey through time, land and community with country writer Nicola Chester

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Nicola Chester reveals how her life mirrors a woman who farmed alone in the 1940s, uncovering forgotten rural history.

The episode begins with host Fergus Collins introducing the podcast and his guest, Nicola Chester, a columnist and author. They meet in the village of Inkpen in Berkshire, where Nicola has lived for 22 years. Nicola explains her book 'Ghosts of the Farm,' which is part memoir and part biography, telling the stories of two 'wannabe women farmers' in the same village 60-80 years apart: herself and Julia White. Julia White was born in 1900 and farmed Manor Farm from 1941 to 1955, apprenticing with two women in a neighboring village. The discussion delves into how women were pushed out of farming after World War II, with land girls sent back to traditional roles. Nicola shares her own experiences of being refused entry to agricultural colleges and facing sexist attitudes, such as being told to 'smile' by a local man. They walk through the landscape, noting wildlife like rooks, goldfinches, and a pheasant, while reflecting on how farming changes—from horse-drawn ploughs to tractors and chemicals—transformed the environment and reduced biodiversity. Julia used chemicals like herbicides, which Nicola notes had unintended consequences for wildflowers like shedlocks. The conversation addresses modern rural issues, including climate change acceptance among farmers, divisive debates over conservation, and the need for community-focused approaches. Nicola mentions positive changes, such as more women taking agricultural courses and figures like Minette Batters. They visit Julia White's grave and an ancient plough, and Nicola recounts eerie experiences, like hearing recorded voices she thought were ghosts, which turned out to be historical interviews. The episode concludes with Fergus praising Nicola's respectful, insightful perspective and encouraging listeners to read her book.

As heard by us

A country walk where farming records open onto memories of wildlife in a changing landscape.

A country walk becomes a quiet measure of what has vanished from the fields. The conversation moves through meadows managed for hay, winter feed and grazing animals, then lingers on green, uniform flat ground and steeper patches marked by anthills.

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Why you'd press play

You can walk from hay meadows to a vanished abundance without leaving your headphones.

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