50% renewable podcast series

In this series presenter Lucie Green, a professor of physics at University College London, puts the all-electric BMW i3, through its paces on a 750-mile trip around the UK. On her travels, she discovers how renewable energy sources, like many of those championed by National Trust places, can reduce CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change.

Britain's first smart home 

This episode explores the exciting capabilities of hydropower, an age-old technology that first used water to power mills and machinery hundreds of years ago. We shed light on how forward-thinking inventor Lord William Armstrong made his Northumberland-home Cragside into Britain's first hydro-powered home in 1878. Discover how an upgrade of the original hydro system is powering the estate into the future.

The electric garden 

Almost all energy production methods can be traced back to the sun's rays. This episode explores how solar panels are helping Bodnant Garden near Colwyn Bay in Wales create a sustainable future. Discover how we'll be using solar energy to power the cafe and visitor centre without impinging on the beauty of the site, which is set against the mountains of Snowdonia.

Lake-powered books 

In this episode, Lucie Green's adventure starts with the sound of rushing water at the Blicking Estate in Norfolk. She's listening to the workings of a re-purposed Victorian hydro-sewage system, which now pumps rainwater around the irrigation systems that feed the plants and flowers in the gardens. You'll also discover how the team at Blickling captures energy from the lake to create the conditions necessary to preserve one of the nation's oldest books, the Elliot bible (1604–1690).

Woods that keep us warm 

Learn how we use biomass boilers and wood chip from sustainable woodland to keep warm. In this episode, we visit Sheringham Park and Felbrigg to find out how they harvest hundreds of tonnes of timber every year to heat workshops, offices, visitor centre, toilets, and even a holiday cottage.

Going off grid 

Gibson Mill, which is at the heart of Hardcastle Crags, was one of the UK’s first mills to power the Industrial Revolution. Fast forward 200 years and it now stands as the first renewable place in our care that’s run completely off the grid. This episode reveals that this journey has been far from easy. Power shortages affect the availability of food and drinks and the worm toilets took some getting used to. Despite these challenges Gibson Mill has won several sustainability awards and inspired many other National Trust places on their journey to a low-carbon future.

Listen to our podcasts 

Did you know that we produce podcasts? You can download episodes for free on a variety of subjects, from the stories behind our gardens, collections and outdoor places, to the houses that helped shape and influence the work of great writers.