Podcasting is generally regarded as the process of creating regular audio programmes which a listener can subscribe to over the web using a tool such as Apple's iTunes. The essential difference between podcasting and broadcasting is that with the latter (e.g. radio), the listener must tune to the specified channel at a given time to 'catch' the programme, whereas podcasts are downloaded and consumed offline at a time convenient to the listener. The difference between a podcast and other kinds of web downloads lies firstly in the regular nature of the programme (the Wiggly Wigglers podcast is weekly) and also in the way that downloading the latest edition can be automated by
subscribing to the programme.
You can listen to the podcast on a variety of devices; e.g. on the computer itself or on a portable device such as an Apple iPod
You can listen to the podcast on a variety of devices; e.g. on the computer itself or on a portable device such as an Apple iPod. The Wiggly Wigglers podcast includes some 'enhanced' content (pictures) that you will only be able to view on certain devices (e.g. an iPod). Subscribing to the Wiggly Podcasts is simple and free (follow the URL in the citation) but might involve you downloading Apple's iTunes software (also free) if you do not already have it on your computer. Note that podcast files can be large - the Wiggly Wigglers files can be around 20MB because they include pictures - and you will struggle to download them without a broadband connection.
Heather Gorringe, MD of Wiggly Wigglers and co-presenter of the podcast, is effusive about the format - indeed she is something of a podcast evangelistHeather Gorringe, MD of Wiggly Wigglers and co-presenter of the podcast, is effusive about the format - indeed she is something of a podcast evangelist. The following excerpt is taken from what she had to say about it when Wiggly Wigglers was announced as the
'British Small Business Champion 2005' (taken from
http://www.fsb.org.uk/general/bsbc/bsbc2005/winner.asp):
'In the Wiggly Wigglers podcast we have a weekly report from Farmer Phil (who is my husband) who talks about what is happening down on the farm. Sometimes it is something that he is doing - this week we have had a cow who had twins, and sometimes it may be something that is affecting him. We have had a report on TB in cattle and badgers, as well as a chat of the merits of organic farming versus conventional farming. For Wiggly Wigglers we have used podcasting as an opportunity to give our customers feedback - answering questions and to elaborate on natural gardening - last week we talked about why Blackthorn makes a great hedge plant and gave out the recipe for the Sloe Gin that you can make from the berrieswe have used podcasting as an opportunity to give our customers feedback - answering questions and to elaborate on natural gardening - last week we talked about why Blackthorn makes a great hedge plant and gave out the recipe for the Sloe Gin that you can make from the berries. Think "The Archers - but real." and you wont be far wrong.' And I think her description paints a fair picture of what the podcasts are like - there is plenty here to interest wildlife gardeners.
The weekly Wiggly Wigglers podcasts last for around 30 minutes. Heather's co-presenter is Wiggly Wiggers' schools' liaison man and manager of the affiliates scheme, Richard Fishborne.
Between them they produce an entertaining blend that succeeds in being both informal and authoritative at onceBetween them they produce an entertaining blend that succeeds in being both informal and authoritative at once. Other members of the team who make regular contributions include Farmer Phil, young son Monty (a worm expert), and pet dog Toast! There is always a liberal dose of humour to keep the mood light.
I'll be honest and say that before subscribing to the Wiggly Wigglers podcast, I had never before listened to one and I was somewhat doubtful that I would find the format to my taste. However
I am now a convert: the podcasts deliver a degree of personalisation and inclusiveness that just cannot be achieved through web pages aloneI am now a convert: the podcasts deliver a degree of personalisation and inclusiveness that just cannot be achieved through web pages alone. My reservations were largely due to the difficulty I would have in finding half hour every week to listen. Indeed, for this review I just listened to the podcast in front of my computer using the iTunes software. But this ignores one of the central tenets of the podcasting phenomena - that they are designed to be delivered flexibly on many devices and in many situations. So it should be possible to overcome my reservation by using a mobile device and listening, for example, on the way to or from work. Subscribing to the service will not cost you a penny, so if you like wildlife gardening and you have the technology, its well worth subscribing - at least on a trial basis.
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