Frances Tophill on the Green Woodpecker

Gardener, author and television presenter Frances Tophill shares a vivid memory of seeing - and hearing - a green woodpecker in a misty orchard. Frances was amazed by its bright green and red feathers, but it was the sound of its call, or "yaffle", echoing amongst the trees that really stood out to her.

The green woodpecker is known for this striking, laughter-like call, along with its distinctive, bouncing flight and brightly coloured feathers. The largest of the three species of woodpecker that breed in the UK, this bird is found mostly in lowland areas across Great Britain, apart from the most northerly and westerly parts of the country.

Presented by Frances Tophill and produced by Jo Peacey.
A BBC Audio Bristol Production.