Frances Tophill on the Turnstone

Turnstones are so named because of their habit of turning over stones to look for food. These common winter visitors to the UK are mainly found on wetlands, along estuaries and the coastline, where they can be seen creeping and fluttering over rocks. They have mottled brown or chestnut plumage, with white underparts and bright orange legs.

For gardener and TV presenter Frances Tophill, the turnstone is a bird she heavily associates with the British coastline. She often encounters them as she swims or walks along the Devon coast and has childhood memories of seeing turnstones on the beaches in Kent, where she grew up. She enjoys the companionship of their presence and the sound of their chattering calls to one another.

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