Chris Packham Investigates Disturbing Animal Dumping
The third series of the multi-award-winning podcast Buried: Dead Rabbit opens with a chilling scene: a large pile of murdered animals, including mangled pheasants and mutilated foxes, dumped outside a primary school in Hampshire. The discovery prompts an investigation into the world of illegal bloodsports and rural organised crime, with popular broadcaster Chris Packham joining the probe.
According to the podcast, the incident left children in tears and sparked a search for those responsible. Packham, known for his work in natural history and conservation, is visibly disturbed by the scale of the crime. "It's low-level terrorism, isn't it?" he exclaims during the series, a sentiment that resonates throughout the episodes.
Details of the Investigation
The series delves deep into the underground network of illegal hunting and animal cruelty, uncovering links to organised crime in rural areas. The BBC Sounds podcast, produced by the team behind the award-winning Buried series, features interviews with law enforcement, wildlife experts, and local residents. The investigation reveals a pattern of intimidation and violence associated with bloodsports, which often go unnoticed by the wider public.
Alexi Duggins, reviewing the series, calls it "an essential listen" and highlights Packham's involvement as a key draw. The series is available in full on BBC Sounds.
Other Notable Podcasts This Week
Alongside Buried: Dead Rabbit, several other podcasts debut this week. Mystic Mates features actors Helen George and Yvette Robinson exploring tarot cards, crystals, and astrology, sharing their 20-year "dirty little secret" hobby with listeners. The show aims to answer big questions while maintaining a lighthearted tone.
Intimacy is a new audio drama written and directed by Lena Headey, based on an idea by "ethical pornographer" Erika Lust and executive produced by Sharon Horgan. The story follows Liza, an intimacy coordinator played by Headey, whose major film assignment becomes disturbingly personal. The cast includes Hannah Waddingham, Alison Steadman, and Maisie Williams.
Pretty Scary With Clair Buckley sees the actor's wife branching out into unexplained mysteries, UFOs, and true crime. While the premise isn't entirely original, reviewer Hannah J Davies notes that Buckley is an "excellent, eerie compere."
Finally, Doing It Anyway features Katty Kay, host of The Rest Is Politics US, exploring self-belief through expert interviews. The first episode features Mika Brzezinski, founder of the Know Your Value movement, which supports women in the workplace.
