Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Birdy Bug Pod
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy: Problem Plant or Wildlife Haven? | 25 avr. 2026 | 00:32:12 | |
We see it everywhere. Climbing trees, clinging to walls, and carpeting woodland floors. Ivy is one of the most familiar plants in our landscapes, but is it really the garden nuisance it is often made out to be, or is it in fact an unsung biodiversity haven? Join us we take a closer look at ivy’s hidden world. From the surprising range of wildlife it supports to its deep-rooted cultural history, we explore why this resilient plant might deserve a little more respect. And there is even a link between ivy and our recent hiatus from recording. It's brilliant to be back after a bit of a break, we hope you enjoy listening! Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/43091/hedera-helix/details https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/icad.12033 https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/ivy-lifeline-for-autumn-moths https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/learn-about-bumblebees/solitarybees/ivy-bee/ | |||
| The UK's littlest owl | 27 févr. 2026 | 00:39:45 | |
Small in size, big in personality, you can't help but love the Little Owl. While not native to the UK, this charismatic species has firmly established itself since its introduction, carving out a niche in our countryside and charming anyone lucky enough to spot one perched on a post. Sadly, however, Little Owl populations are seeing worrying declines, and the exact causes are not fully understood. So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the captivating world of the little owl: from its symbolic connection to ancient Greek mythology, to its journey to Britain, the challenges it faces today, and the fantastic conservation efforts working to help protect them. Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Little Owl Facts | Athene Noctua Little owl | The Wildlife Trusts Little Owl (Athene noctua) - British Birds - Woodland Trust | |||
| Blue whales bouncing back | 13 févr. 2026 | 01:03:36 | |
Blue whales are the largest animal that has ever lived. Topping all kinds of charts and holding a host of impressive records in the animal kingdom. Yet despite their remarkable size, and partly because of it, they were driven close to extinction in the 20th century. But there is good news, as their numbers are beginning rise! Join us as we explore the incredible world of the blue whale. From their evolution from land-based mammals to the devastating impact of industrial whaling, and the conservation efforts working hard to support their recovery and returning numbers. Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links New research indicates blue whale population recovery - Curious Earth Blue whales: Facts, threats, and our conservation plan | IFAW fact_sheet_blue_whale_climate_change.pdf First records of orcas seen killing and eating blue whales - Discover Wildlife Blue Corridors of the Eastern Pacific Ocean | World Wildlife Fund | |||
| Positive Nature News from 2025 | 15 janv. 2026 | 01:08:01 | |
With so much bad news in our daily feeds, it’s easy to forget that people around the world are working tirelessly to protect nature, wildlife, and the environment. So, before 2025 fades completely in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking one final look back at the year’s good news for the planet. From species making remarkable recoveries and long-lost wildlife being rediscovered, to major habitat protections and hard-won environmental policies, there’s far more hope than the headlines often suggest. Join us for a relaxed and chatty episode featuring some brilliant wins for nature, many mispronounced place names, and a hopeful start to 2026. Our annual positive news roundup is always one of our favourite episodes to research and record, we hope you enjoy listening. Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Thermal Cameras and AI Help Protect Rhinos in Kenya | World Wildlife Fund Nepal Reports Stable Snow Leopard Population | World Wildlife Fund Devon pine marten kits born in 'historic moment' on Dartmoor - BBC News Smallest otter in the world rediscovered in Nepal after 185-year absence | Discover Wildlife Gorongosa Conservation Progress and Success 2025 Rediscovered in a Forgotten Park: The Elusive Upemba Lechwe - African Conservation Foundation Mountain Gorillas: Rising From the Brink of Extinction | World Wildlife Fund Seal Greece: 1,000 Miles for the 1,000 Mediterranean Monk Seals Left on the Planet - Seal Greece | |||
| Release the beavers! | 12 déc. 2025 | 01:02:09 | |
We've mentioned them a lot but now it is time they get their very own episode. They're ecosystem engineers, climate change protectors, master builders, and have a tail with more functions than you'd think. You can't help but love them. So, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of beavers. From their unrivalled ability to shape landscapes and support entire ecosystems, to their extinction in the UK and the inspiring efforts to bring them back, we cover it all in this deep dive into one of our favourite animals. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers https://beavertrust.org/beaver-basics/beaver-impacts/ https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/cornwall-beaver-project https://www.norfolkriverstrust.org/case-studies/returning-beavers-to-the-glaven https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beaver-benefits/ https://news.westernu.ca/2020/08/ancient-beavers-cut-trees-for-food-first-not-to-build-dams/ | |||
| Much (more) ado about Curlews | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:47:37 | |
If you’ve been listening to the pod for a while, you’ll know we have a real soft spot for curlews. They were even the topic of our second ever episode back in September 2022! Since then, lots has happened in the world of curlews. There’s been some sad news about the slender-billed curlew, but also lots to celebrate, with some great conservation projects underway. And on The Birdy Bug Pod front, Steve has a very exciting curlew update of his own. So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the latest curlew developments and chat about Steve’s new curlew venture. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Curlew Action – Action Now for Curlews Tomorrow Slender-Billed Curlew: The Latest Bird Extinction Explained | |||
| Help the humble bumble bee | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:55:34 | |
Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so! Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk. We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly? We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links The UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation Trust The national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation Trust UK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.uk Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BES | |||
| How the UK's largest bird of prey came back from extinction | 18 sept. 2025 | 00:51:23 | |
Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback! 2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries. Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it. Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation | |||
| Birds ARE dinosaurs | 28 août 2025 | 01:18:39 | |
Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Not just their descendants, but the last living branch of one of the most successful animal groups to ever walk the Earth. In this episode, we sit down with paleo artist, keen birdwatcher, and lifelong dinosaur enthusiast Sean Hennessy (aka Speed Thief) to uncover the fascinating evolutionary link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives. We dispel some common dino myths and misunderstandings, explore how dinosaurs capture the public imagination, and discuss why they remain vital ambassadors for natural history and science. We also chat to Sean about how he sees paleo art as a powerful form of science communication and learn more about his fantastic paleo comics. Sean has probably had more mentions on the podcast than anyone else, we've been wanting to have him on for ages. It was brilliant to finally have him in the studio and chat all things dinosaur (prehistoric and living). Sean's art and socials: Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod | |||
| Discussing Dragonflies | 14 août 2025 | 00:45:47 | |
Ancient, agile, and unmatched in the air, dragonflies have ruled the skies for over 300 million years. But in today’s rapidly changing world, how are they faring? In this episode, we explore the world of these remarkable insects, from their perfectly-adapted anatomy and impressive hunting skills, to the art, poetry, and legends they have inspired across centuries and cultures. We examine the state of the UK’s dragonfly populations, where some species are in steep decline while others are on the rise, revealing important clues about the health of our ecosystems and the effects of climate change. And we of course, highlight the brilliant work of the dedicated people and organisations striving to protect these extraordinary insects and restore the habitats they need to survive. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links British Dragonfly Society - British Dragonfly Society Rare dragonfly introduced into a hidden corner of Cumbria UK’s dragonflies are benefiting from climate change | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology | |||
| Cuckoos & the challenges they face | 31 juil. 2025 | 00:55:38 | |
A symbol of spring with its unmistakable call, the cuckoo is one of our most intriguing birds. From their truly unique (and brutal) breeding habits to their remarkable migrations, the life of a cuckoo is absolutely fascinating and steeped in folklore. Join us as we step into their world of brood parasitism, how they trick another species to raise their young for them and mostly get away with it. We discuss which bird species are more susceptible to becoming hosts and which ones have got wiser to having a rogue egg dropped on them. It's evolutionary warfare at its most captivating. Unfortunately, our cuckoo populations are facing a variety of challenges as complex as themselves. As the climate changes, disrupting their routines, they are struggling. But there is still hope. As we always try to do, we look at the brilliant projects being carried out to help these remarkable birds and hope they succeed in saving this iconic bird. Spring without the sound of a cuckoo is unthinkable. ** And a little game, while you listen. Matthew made a slight, and rather funny, error in the episode. Can you spot it? Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Cuckoo Bird Facts | Cuculus Canorus Epic 7,500-mile cuckoo migration wows scientists - BBC News A call for the cuckoo: how to help an endangered bird | Gardens | The Guardian | |||
| Our 50th episode! | 16 juil. 2025 | 01:13:19 | |
We’ve hit the big 5-0, and we’re absolutely chuffed! When we started this podcast, neither of us had ever recorded one before and we had no idea what to expect. But 50 episodes in and we're absolutely loving it. In this episode, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and reflect. We chat about how it all began, where the podcast name came from, and why Steve’s all about birds while Matthew’s mad about bugs. We also talk about why we love podcasting and who our dream guests would be. Plus, we throw in a few fun facts about our favourite creatures and challenge each other with a couple of quiz questions to see how well we really know our own, and each other’s, specialties. A relaxed and chatty episode to mark hitting 50. Come celebrate with us and get to know us and the pod a little better. A huge thank you to everyone who has listened so far! Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Amazing! Bird Sounds From The Lyre Bird - David Attenborough - BBC Wildlife | |||
| Incredibly Important Invertebrates | 15 mai 2025 | 00:56:06 | |
They may not have backbones, but invertebrates are the unsung heroes of the natural world, shaping landscapes, driving ecosystems, and even influencing the behaviour of top predators. In this episode, we journey into their fascinating and often overlooked world. We explore how termites engineer entire ecosystems, how ant behaviour can influence lion hunting patterns, and why a specific rainforest bee is the key to every Brazil nut you’ve ever eaten. While many invertebrates are now in decline, it's not all bad news. We share some hopeful conservation stories, organisations working hard to protect our invertebrate populations, and highlight simple ways we can all help support these vital animals. Researching this episode took us down all sorts of unexpected rabbit holes, something you’ll definitely hear reflected in the conversation. We hope you enjoy listening What’s your favourite invertebrate fact, story, or encounter? Come share it with us over on Instagram. We’d love to hear from you @thebirdybugpod. Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links 'We cannot survive without insects' – DW – 06/22/2018 How loud is YOUR penis?! The waterboatman and his mighty member! Figs & Wasps | How Are Figs Pollinated? | FoodUnfolded Letting grass grow long boosts butterfly numbers, UK study proves | Butterflies | The Guardian | |||
| The Scottish Wildcat: On the edge of extinction | 16 avr. 2025 | 00:46:09 | |
Mysterious, fierce, and teetering on the edge of extinction, the Scottish Wildcat is one of the UK’s rarest and most elusive mammals. Nicknamed the Highland Tiger, this striking predator once prowled across much of the UK. But today, it's hanging on by a thread. In this episode, we take a closer look at what makes this cat so special, from its huge personality and charismatic scowl to its deep roots in Scottish culture and folklore. We explore the threats it faces, uncover the reasons behind its decline, and shine a light on the passionate conservationists working to bring this iconic species back from the brink. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links: Wildcat conservation in Scotland | Saving Wildcats | Saving Wildcats | |||
| The value of volunteering | 11 mars 2025 | 00:52:31 | |
Everyone can play a role in conservation, from protecting wildlife to contributing to real scientific research. Volunteering and its powerful branch, citizen science, is making a real difference for the environment. In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of these efforts across the UK. From bird counts and river monitoring to tree planting and habitat restoration, passionate people are tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and shaping environmental policy. We also discuss how volunteering benefits individuals and communities and share our own experiences with these initiatives. By the end, you’ll probably guess that we’re big fans of volunteering! We hope you enjoy the episode and would love to hear about your own experiences or projects you’re passionate about. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links: The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust Take part in a project | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do Join the Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain Tidy | |||
| UK Species in the Red | 12 févr. 2025 | 01:12:18 | |
How are the UK's animals really doing? In this episode, we dive into the IUCN Red List, the world’s most comprehensive assessment of species at risk of extinction, to uncover which of our birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, and more are struggling. Some of the findings won't come as a surprise, but others might shock you, as a few of our most familiar and commonly seen birds are in fact on the Red list. Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode takes a step back to reveal the bigger picture of wildlife decline in the UK. But it’s not all bad news! We also highlight conservation success stories, celebrating species that are making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts. Join us as we uncover the challenges, surprises, and inspiring efforts to turn the tide for the UK’s wildlife. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Peoples Trust for Endangered Species UK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The Guardian | |||
| 2024: Positive nature news from around the world | 14 janv. 2025 | 01:02:44 | |
Amid the constant stream of negative headlines, we’re keeping our annual tradition alive and spending an episode reflecting on the positive environmental strides made in 2024! From newly established marine protected areas to passionate local communities defending nature, this episode is packed with inspiring stories. We've got dam removals, flying scientists teaching birds how to migrate, species reintroductions, and much more. As we move into a new year, join us for this uplifting look back at the brilliant work being done worldwide to protect and restore our nature. We love recording these episodes as they are a reminder that dedicated people everywhere are working tirelessly to make a real difference for the environment, wildlife, and people... and that is worth celebrating. What was your favourite positive nature story of 2024? Get in touch, we would love to know 👇 Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest | AP News Scientists taught this once-extinct bird how to migrate by guiding them across Europe | Euronews How a tribe brought back its sacred California condors - BBC Future Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 - BBC News | |||
| We chat with wildlife hero Reuben Martin | 18 déc. 2024 | 00:59:07 | |
Passionate young conservationist, dedicated reptile surveyor and winner of the BBC Springwatch Under 18s Wildlife Hero Award 2024, Reuben Martin joins us on The Birdy Bug Pod. Grab a coffee and tune in for a fantastic chat with Reuben as we learn all about his conservation work, his love for our native reptiles, the experience of appearing on BBC Springwatch and what it was like getting recognised in public for the first time. This episode is packed with reptile facts, inspiring projects, and some brilliant stories from Reuben's surveys. In true Birdy Bug Pod style, we wrap up with some heart warming conservation stories, shining a light on the incredible efforts being made to protect and restore our wildlife. We were thrilled to have Reuben as a guest. Seeing someone so young and passionate making a real difference for nature is truly inspiring. Make sure you check out Reuben's YouTube channel: Reuben’s Reptiles - YouTube And don't forget to follow him over on Instagram: @reubens_reptiles A huge thank you to Reuben and his Dad for travelling down to record with us! Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Timestamps 00:00:00 Meet Reuben Martin 00:06:42 Reuben's wildlife heroes 00:08:40 All about our reptiles 00:15:25 Reuben's conservation work 00:24:51 Winning Springwatch's Wildlife Hero award 00:32:16 Future career & Reuben's YouTube channel 00:38:29 Positive conservation news 00:53:59 What's next & wrap up Links: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Garden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Home | Steyning Downland Scheme https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/help-your-heaths/heathlands-reunited/ | |||
| The UK's lost rainforests | 29 oct. 2024 | 00:48:04 | |
Whilst we all know about the tropical rainforests of the world, we often forget the temperate rainforests we have right here in the UK. Found in the misty valleys and coastal areas of western Scotland, Wales, and south west England, these rainforests are rare ecosystems that support a wealth of biodiversity, from vibrant mosses and lichens to endangered species like red squirrels and pine martens. Settle in and join us as we explore why these rainforests are so ecologically significant, their historic decline, the threats they face, and the encouraging conservation efforts to protect them. Have you ever been to one of our temperate rainforests? We'd love to know, comment or ping us a message over on Instagram @thebirdybugpod. Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up 00:01:56 Introduction to UK's rainforests 00:23:32 Decline of our rainforests and threats 00:31:14 Rainforest restoration and positive news 00:45:59 Wrap up Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Temperate Rainforest in the UK - Woodland Trust Temperate rainforest - Plantlife Interactive Map Reveals Britain's Rare And Hidden Rainforests (countryliving.com) Temperate rainforest | The Wildlife Trusts Discover Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens - Plantlife England’s largest temperate rainforest a National Nature Reserve - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Lost rainforest could be revived across 20% of Great Britain | Environment | The Guardian | |||
| Don't shoot the messenger | 16 oct. 2024 | 00:51:23 | |
Pigeons! They're everywhere, but often overlooked and definitely unfairly labelled. Known to some as "rats with wings," pigeons have gained a reputation as pesky, unintelligent city dwellers—but that's far from the full story. In this episode, we’re giving pigeons the love and respect they deserve. We bust the biggest myths surrounding these birds, explore their fascinating history, and reveal just how intelligent and resourceful they really are. From acing complex intelligence tests to performing life-saving acts of heroism during the world wars, pigeons have a lot more going for them than you might think. We've got a pigeon quiz, answers to pressing questions like, "Why do they bob their heads when they walk?" and much more! We hope his episode will have you looking at pigeons in a whole new light. Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up and introduction 00:04:31 Get to know the pigeon 00:18:32 Pigeons throughout history 00:28:55 Intelligence & navigation 00:38:53 Impact on culture & science 00:42:31 General pigeon appreciation 00:45:55 Pigeon threats 00:49:10 Wrap up Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Secret World of Pigeons Timeline (cbc.ca) Whose coos are whose? The five types of pigeon you’ll see in Britain - Country Life BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - The pigeon: Britain’s most misunderstood bird? Pigeons Are Secretly Brilliant Birds That Understand Space and Time, Study Finds | Mental Floss How homing pigeons find their way home - BirdWatching (birdwatchingdaily.com) What's Up With That: Birds Bob Their Heads When They Walk | WIRED | |||
| Saving a fen-tastic spider | 10 sept. 2024 | 00:47:49 | |
One of the UK's rarest spiders is coming back from the brink of extinction thanks to a brilliant conservation effort. Large, scarce, and undeniably striking, the fen raft spider is one of only three British spider species on the Red List and vulnerable to extinction. But there is good news! A dedicated collaboration of organisations has been working hard to restore our valuable fen habitats and the raft spiders that rely so heavily on them, and the results are promising. So, grab a coffee, sit back, and join us as we explore the incredible world of the fen raft spider. We uncover fascinating facts about their water-based lifestyle, from running across the surface to diving beneath it, and take a closer look at the conservation success story that’s giving these spiders a fighting chance for survival. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro & catchup 00:07:02 All about raft spiders 00:23:38 Habitat decline & the importance of fens 00:31:47 Conservation & good news 00:45:48 Wrap up Links: https://www.dolomedes.org.uk/biology/life_history https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs/bug-directory/fen-raft-spider/ https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/blog/suffolk-wildlife-trust/10-facts-about-fen-raft-spiders#:~:text=Fen raft https://www.britishwildlife.com/article/article-volume-32-number-2-page-98-109/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320700000306 | |||
| Hooray for hedges! | 28 août 2024 | 00:46:02 | |
Our humble hedgerows. They may seem ordinary and easy to overlook as they border our gardens and fields and crisscross our landscape, but they are in fact one of our most vital habitats. Yet sadly, our hedges have seen a decline in both abundance and health. In this episode, we uncover the incredible benefits of healthy hedgerows—from providing shelter to countless species to boosting farm productivity and even combating climate change. So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of hedgerows. We explore their importance, cultural significance, how we have lost so many of them, and what can be done to restore our hedges to the benefit of our communities and nature. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links: https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/hedgerow-wildlife-to-hear-and-see/ https://ptes.org/hedgerow/hedgerow-wildlife/ https://www.gwct.org.uk/blogs/news/2024/may/new-hedgerow-regulations-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/habitats/hedgerows/ How to manage a hedgerow for wildlife | The Wildlife Trusts https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/hedgerow-protections-reinstated-in-england https://hedgerowsurvey.ptes.org/the-great-british-hedgerow-survey | |||
| Team GB's wildlife Olympians | 13 août 2024 | 00:47:03 | |
Inspired by the phenomenal performances of Olympic athletes, we turned our attention to the incredible athletic abilities found in the animal kingdom. Join us in this special episode as we assemble our ultimate Olympic Team GB—featuring some of the UK's most impressive wildlife! In classic Birdy Bug Pod style, Steve brings his A-game with a lineup of formidable birds, while Matthew’s picks might be small, but they pack a mighty punch with his team of impressive bugs. And of course, we've added a few wildcards into the mix to keep things interesting. Our contenders are ready to compete in a range of Olympic events: from diving and swimming to wrestling, boxing, and even the rowing. As we build our team, we delve into the mind-blowing abilities of UK wildlife—like a tiny insect that overcomes more G-force than an astronaut and diving birds that could give Tom Daley a run for his money. We had a great time recording this relaxed and slightly different episode, and we hope you enjoy it just as much! Who would make the cut for your Olympic wildlife team? Help us fill the gaps in our Team GB—what medal-contending species did we miss? Or go a step further and build your own national Olympic wildlife team with the animals native to your country. We'd love to see what you come up with! Head over to our Instagram (@thebirdybugpod) and leave a comment on the episode post or ping us a message. Get in touch! Speaking of Instagram, the podcast now has its very own account! The perfect place to contact us with any feedback, comments, questions, or just to say hi. And of course, to let us know all about your wildlife Olympic team! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Get all the latest episode news, behind the scenes content, opportunities to engage with the podcast and much more. Links: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/highest-jump-by-an-insect/ https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/faster-speed-sight https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240108125719.htm | |||
| A chat about rivers | 16 juil. 2024 | 00:53:43 | |
Rivers form the backbone of the landscape, act as the world's arteries, and also support an incredible wealth of wildlife, which is what we are exploring this episode. So, grab a coffee and join us for a positive chat about the wonderful animals that rely on our rivers. Staying true to our name, Steve is highlighting some of the fantastic bird life that he sees and photographs when out and about around rivers whilst Matthew gives the invertebrates some love with a focus on the fascinating lives of freshwater pearl mussels. Our rivers are facing a variety of issues which we will certainly cover in a future episode. But this time, we just fancied having lighter, positive chat about our remarkable rivers and the nature they support. We also cover some general river facts and there's a quiz or two.
Get in touch: As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! You can find us both on Instagram: Timestamps 00:00:00 Very quick catch up 00:00:58 Introducing rivers 00:14:58 River appreciating birds 00:22:44 River-y invertebrates 00:43:44 River restoration 00:52:05 Wrap up Links Why rivers are important for everything from biodiversity to wellbeing | New Scientist Chalk streams, explained - Thames21 Riverfly Partnership — Freshwater Biological Association (fba.org.uk) State of our Rivers Report 2024 | The Rivers Trust Impact Report 2023/24 | The Rivers Trust | |||
| Bird of prey persecution in the UK | 02 juil. 2024 | 01:02:13 | |
From silhouetted soaring buzzards to the powerful elegance of an osprey snatching a fish from a lake, birds of prey are incredible animals that have entranced us for centuries. Unfortunately, however, this has not prevented them from being persecuted. This episode we are tackling a slightly more serious and somber topic but one that we believe definitely needs talking about and is certainly close to our hearts. So, grab a coffee and join us as we look at how our magnificent birds of prey have been persecuted, both throughout history and its continued prevalence today. But it's not all doom and gloom, we also delve into the tricky world of defining exactly what a 'bird of prey' really is, our historical relationship with these birds, and we of course, highlight the fantastic organisations working tirelessly to protect and restore our bird of prey populations. Steve even throws a surprise quiz in there to test Matthew's knowledge of our UK species. This is a topic that we are both passionate about and despite the heavier nature of the research, we really enjoyed recording this episode. We hope you enjoy listening. Get in touch: As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! You can find us both on Instagram: Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up 00:0153 Introducing Birds of Prey 00:20:27 A history of persecution 00:24:06 How they are persecuted today 00:40:19 The positives: changing perceptions and brilliant organisations Links https://protectthewild.org.uk/our-campaigns/end-shooting/bird-shooting-faqs/what-raptor-persecution/ Why the illegal killings of birds of prey is surging in the UK | The Independent Birds of prey and the Law - Protect the Wild Goshawks back from the brink in southern England | Forestry England RSPB Hen Harrier LIFE Report - Skydancer - the UK's hen harriers - Skydancer - The RSPB Community | |||
| The UK's rarest reptile | 04 juin 2024 | 00:41:58 | |
Elusive and secretive, the smooth snake is not often seen and therefore easily overlooked. However, this fascinating reptile is confronting increasing pressures that could make it even scarcer. Join us as we shine a light on the lifestyle of this mysterious serpent, uncover the threats they are facing, and of course, highlight the remarkable conservation efforts dedicated to preserving our rarest reptile and it's habitat. Get in touch: As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! You can find us both on Instagram: Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up 00:03:22 Introduction to the smooth snake 00:15:09 Threats to our rarest reptile 00:24:30 Smooth snake & habitat conservation efforts 00:36:45 Wrap up Links Smooth snake | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (arc-trust.org) Snakes in the Heather: improving the prospects of smooth snakes and other heathland reptiles. | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (arc-trust.org) The effect of the climate crisis on UK reptile populations (froglife.org) ARC celebrates smooth snake reintroduction anniversary with BBC Breakfast | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (arc-trust.org) | |||
| What the fungi | 14 mai 2024 | 00:53:11 | |
Tasty fried mushrooms with your breakfast may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fungi, but did you know that they are essential to mitigating climate change? In fact, the fungi kingdom is far more diverse and vital than we could have imagined. From incredible carbon storage and ability to improve the health of forests to even providing sustainable packaging and breaking down plastics! Grab a coffee and join us for a chilled chat about the remarkable world of fungi. We couldn't dive too deeply into any one aspect, or we would probably still be recording the episode. But we wanted to provide an introduction to an easily overlooked group of organisms that are truly fascinating and absolutely essential to the health of our planet. We had a great time recording this episode and hope you enjoy listening. Get in touch: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up 00:03:00 Introduction to the world of fungi 00:18:09 Fungi and the environment 00:39:28 Innovative fungi technologies 00:48:31 Wrap up Links https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/whats-a-fungi https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/fungi.html https://www.conservation.org/blog/study-fungi-could-be-vital-for-reaching-climate-goals | |||
| Inspired by Jane Goodall's book of hope | 16 avr. 2024 | 01:02:58 | |
Every time we discuss a struggling species or an environmental issue that needs overcoming, we try to finish the chat with some hope. Highlighting the incredible work of tirelessly dedicated people who are out there trying to make a difference. Hope is essential if we are to overcome the monumental challenges facing nature and our planet, a sentiment that is at the heart of Dr Jane Goodall's inspiring book of hope. So, join us for an uplifting episode as we delve into the four reasons that give her hope. From nature's remarkable resilience to the incredible power of young people, we showcase examples from around the world that embrace these four reasons and should give us all hope that we can prevail. We had a brilliant time recording this episode and really hope you enjoy it. The Book of Hope truly resonated with Steve, and we implore everyone to read it. Jane Goodall is a legendary primatologist and conservationist and is still fighting for nature, still lecturing and educating at the age of 90. Structured as a series of discussions between herself and co-author Douglas Abrams, Goodall's argument for hope in these troubling times is uplifting, inspiring, and definitely something we all need a lot more of. What stories give you hope? We would love to know! Get in touch: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:08:22 The amazing human intellect 00:27:17 The resilience of nature 00:38:39 The power of young people 00:49:31 The indomitable human spirit 00:59:07 Wrap up Links: The Book of Hope - the Jane Goodall Institute UK the Jane Goodall Institute Homepage Educational and Environmental Charity | Roots and Shoots https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/innovations-protect-cities-climate-change/ https://www.boredpanda.com/nature-reclaiming-civilization/ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190701-why-plants-survived-chernobyls-deadly-radiation https://earth.org/young-climate-activists-leading-the-way-on-global-climate-action/ | |||
| Krill: The unsung heroes of the ocean | 26 mars 2024 | 00:49:24 | |
They mitigate the impacts of climate change, support a plethora of species (including the largest animals on earth), and are often called the linchpin of the Antarctic. Krill may be small, but they are massively important. Grab a coffee and join us as we dive into the frosty waters of the Antarctic and explore just how and why these small crustaceans are so vital and the worrying challenges they are facing. We were blown away during our research by what we learnt about krill and of course concerned about the future of their populations. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro & catchup 00:03:08 The world of krill 00:16:35 Threats & challenges facing krill 00:34:18 Possible solutions & positives 00:48:07 Wrap up As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: https://www.bas.ac.uk/about/antarctica/wildlife/krill/ https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/facts-about-krill https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/krill https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/antarctic-krill/ Study warns sharp decline in Antarctic krill by 2100 | Patagonia´s Magazine: Patagon Journal https://earthsky.org/earth/the-sad-fate-of-krill-in-the-southern-ocean/ https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/ccamlr-decision/ | |||
| The worrying decline of the magnificent albatross | 05 mars 2024 | 00:41:36 | |
With their mind-boggling wingspans and entrancing mating rituals, albatrosses are certainly birds with some charisma. However, facing a variety of pressures, these majestic birds are in decline, an issue that can be all too easily missed due to their remote oceanic lifestyle. So, grab a drink and join us for a chilled episode where we delve into the challenges facing these remarkable birds, featuring some different issues from the usual suspects. We of course also shine a light on the promising solutions and the organisations working hard to protect the world's magnificent albatrosses. Also in this episode, Matthew actually has some catch up and Steve finally gets his revenge on Matthew for making him guess the weight of a curlew way back in episode 2. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro & catchup 00:04:50 All about albatrosses 00:22:20 Threats to albatross & their decline 00:29:43 Solutions & conservation 00:40:32 Wrap up Get in touch: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: Albatross courtship dance - https://www.birdlife.org/birds/albatross/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/celebrating-albatrosses https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/so-many-ways/explore/defend-the-albatross https://www.treehugger.com/albatross-facts-5073421 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080306202531.htm | |||
| Our first guest: Sumatra with Josh Phangurha | 20 févr. 2024 | 01:27:25 | |
Zoologist, ecologist, wildlife photographer, and very well-travelled, we've mentioned Josh in a few previous episodes, it was about time we had him on! Not long back from 5 weeks in the jungles of Sumatra, we delve into his experience, covering the incredible species he saw, the challenges facing both wildlife and conservationists, some good signs of ecotourism, and what would be great to see going forward. And, in true Birdy Bug Pod fashion, we hear about some of the passionate and dedicated people working hard to protect Sumatra's truly invaluable habitats. From surreal encounters with orangutans and elephants to illegal orchid hunters and falling into a river whilst looking for a crocodilian, this episode really does have it all! We appreciate that it is quite a long episode (you can use the timestamps to hop about), but with his experiences and absolute wealth of knowledge, we could have easily chatted to Josh for another 3 hours. We had a fantastic time recording this episode, we really hope you enjoy it. Check out Josh's Instagram to put pictures to the stories: @phangurha_nature *Quick note: The Tapanuli Orangutan is the most endangered Great Ape, rather than the most endangered primate. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Josh 00:11:05 Why Sumatra 00:18:48 Ecotourism & habituated orangutans 00:28:01 Deforestation & seeing Sumatran Elephants 00:37:23 Conservation challenges 00:40:04 Illegal orchid hunters 00:47:25 Conservation & more ecotourism 00:51:49 Positive conservation in Sumatra 00:56:04 Seeing wild orangutans 01:01:54 Other wildlife highlights 01:14:03 Losing both cameras 01:16:58 Camera chat 01:17:52 Josh's next trip 01:22:18 Josh's bucket list places & species 01:25:01 Closing Get in touch: Please do feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, feedback, or just want to say hi! Ping us a message on Instagram: Links: Learn about the passionate conservationist Pungky - Pungky Nanda Pratama - Sumatra Nature & Biodiversity Conservation (snbcf.org) Pungky's Instagram @pungkynandapratama Watch the orangutan grabbing a woman clip here. | |||
| Ecotourism: Does it work? | 06 févr. 2024 | 00:54:03 | |
Join us as we delve into the world of ecotourism, exploring what it is and whether or not it achieves its goal of providing a way to travel that benefits nature, the planet, and people. We look how ecotourism differs from other forms of "green" travel, the potential benefits and pitfalls, and examples of it done well and when it misses the mark. Looking for your next ecotourism/sustainable holiday? Make sure to stick around until the end for a list of a few particularly green destinations and tips on spotting potential greenwashing. If you have any recommendations of brilliant ecotourism trips, or have perhaps had a bad experience, we would be very interested to hear about it! Get in touch: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/human-geography/economic-geography/ecotourism/ https://ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism/ https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-ecotourism-definition-examples-5181259 https://www.treehugger.com/costa-rica-sustainable-tourism-5120162 | |||
| The UK's fastest declining bird | 23 janv. 2024 | 00:44:51 | |
Discover the story of the turtle dove, a symbol of peace and love, facing a staggering 99% decline in the UK since the 1970s. Join us as we examine the complex issues besieging this wonderful bird, whilst also addressing pressing questions such as "what is the difference between a pigeon and a dove?" And "what on earth is pigeon milk?" It's not all doom and gloom, as we of course shine a spotlight on the remarkable efforts of dedicated organisations working hard to halt the decline and revive our dwindling turtle dove population. Have you been lucky enough to see a turtle dove? Let us know 👇 Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/turtle-dove https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/pigeons-and-doves/turtle-dove https://www.rspb.org.uk/media-centre/turtle-dove-moratorium Turtle Doves under threat - British Ornithologists' Union (bou.org.uk) Why are turtle doves in trouble? - Operation Turtle Dove Wilding: Wilding By Isabella Tree | Used & New | 9781509805099 | World of Books (wob.com) | |||
| 2023: Positive nature news from around the world | 02 janv. 2024 | 00:58:43 | |
Join us for a break from all the negative news and enjoy an hour of uplifting stories and a reminder that people everywhere are working incredibly hard for nature. This episode we are bringing you a collection of fantastic stories highlighting the remarkable work being done across the globe to conserve wildlife, protect nature, and look after the planet. Connecting fragmented habitats, fighting poaching, creating protected areas, addressing deforestation, and much, much more! We had a great time researching this episode and were blown away by some of the stories we found. What was your favourite positive nature story of 2023? Get in touch, we would love to know 👇 Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: From wind-powered islands to urban forests: Positive environmental stories from 2023 | Euronews Hope, but no free pass, as Pacific corals show tolerance to warming oceans (mongabay.com) Science and culture join forces to restore 120 miles of Hawaiian reefs (mongabay.com) Websites: https://www.fauna-flora.org/species/ | |||
| What's in the bag? | 05 déc. 2023 | 00:49:40 | |
Join us as we take a dive into our camera bags and chat about what bits of kit we use, from cameras and lenses to handy little accessories. We reveal our niche nerdiness as we get excited about tripod heads and camera straps, learn what weird thing is always in Matthew's camera bag, and we dream a little about our ideal set-ups. This was a fun, lighthearted chat that we thoroughly enjoyed recording and hope you enjoy listening to. Think it is safe to say that our love of camera gear shines through this conversation. What gear do you use? Any weird things that you always have in your camera bag? We would love to know, so do get in touch! 👇 Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Note: Matthew's camera bag with the best tripod holding system is the Manfrotto Pro Light Camera Backpack 3N1-26. | |||
| Carbon pawprints | 14 nov. 2023 | 01:02:26 | |
From going plastic free to taking shorter showers, many of us look for ways we can reduce our impact on the planet and yet, so often we overlook the carbon pawprints of our cats and dogs. As two people who love their cats, we set out to learn just how we can all reduce the impact our fury friends have on the planet. We were surprised by some of the facts and figures we found during our research and discovered several eco-friendly tactics we intend to start implementing ourselves. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: Flea-mergency: Pet treatments taking a bite out of… | The Rivers Trust Pet flea treatments poisoning rivers across England, scientists find | Pesticides | The Guardian The truth about cats and dogs (and the climate) | The University of Edinburgh Nene Valley Woofs - Nene Valley Is your family pet bad for the environment? It depends. | National Geographic Study reveals the most eco-friendly pets - The Global Paw (rockythetraveller.com) Pet owners urged to help keep wildlife and livestock safe this spring | The Wildlife Trusts Choosing Sustainable Cat Food: Everything a Pet Owner Should Know – The Honest Kitchen | |||
| The best wildlife spots in the UK | 24 oct. 2023 | 01:00:51 | |
... that we've been to so far. Grab a brew and join us for this chilled chat about some of our favourite nature reserves and wildlife spots. Places where we've seen some of our favourite species, taken our best photos, and had the most memorable moments. We would love to know about your favourite wildlife spots and if you have been to any of ours. Let us know by pinging us a message on Instagram (details below). Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: | |||
| The interesting world of invasive species | 03 oct. 2023 | 01:06:58 | |
Invasive non-native species. What are they and what problems do they cause? How do we combat them and control them? What can we all do to help? We look at all of these questions and more as we delve into the fascinating world of invasive species. From remarkably resilient plants to duck hybridisations, this episode has the lot. A huge topic, that we thoroughly enjoyed researching and we hope you enjoy listening. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! What is your favourite non-native species? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: Why Asian hornets are bad news for British bees | Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk) Ruddy Ducks and White-Headed Ducks - The RSPB Invasive Non-Native Species (arcgis.com) Invasive Non-Native Species - The RSPB | |||
| The toadally awesome natterjack | 19 sept. 2023 | 00:58:53 | |
An exciting episode as we are finally highlighting an amphibian for the first time and it's the wondeful natterjack toad that gets the honour. Our loudest amphibian is also one of our scarcest, being restricted to only a handful of sites across the UK and unfortunately, these precious populations face many threats. Join us as we learn about this fascinating toad, its natural history, the pressures they are under, and of course, the incredible work being done to help conserve and bolster their numbers. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! Have you ever seen or heard a natterjack toad? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links :https://www.arc-trust.org/natterjack-toad https://www.arc-trust.org/saving-species-natterjack-toad https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/amphibians/natterjack-toad https://naturebftb.co.uk/projects/gems-in-the-dunes/ https://www.arc-trust.org/news/returning-the-natterjack-toad-to-blackmoor | |||
| Batty about bats | 29 août 2023 | 00:56:48 | |
International Bat Night takes places over the last full weekend of August every year and we thought it would be the perfect excuse to record an episode all about bats! Grab your drink of choice and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of bats. From speedy fliers to the one of the world's smallest mammals, we got a bit carried away with bat facts. We also look into which species we have here in the UK, what threats they are facing, and of course, the wonderful work being done to protect them. We had a great time learning about a group of animals neither of us had a huge amount of prior knowledge about and were pleased to find some good news stories about the UK bat populations. We hope you enjoy! Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! What is your favourite bat fact and have you ever participated in a bat survey? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: https://arbtech.co.uk/british-bats/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2112044-speedy-bat-flies-at-160kmh-smashing-bird-speed-record/ | |||
| Ode to a nightingale | 08 août 2023 | 00:44:03 | |
After a week of hearing their captivating song in Croatia, we just had to do an episode on the nightingale. Known for producing one of the most beautiful songs in nature, this visually plain but audibly stunning bird is unfortunately struggling and in the UK their populations have seen a massive decline. They need our help. Join us as we learn all about the nightingale, from their cultural impact on poetry, operas, and radio broadcasts, to the environmental threats they are facing. We of course, also look at the invaluable work being carried out to save this incredible bird. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! Let us know if you have ever seen or heard a nightingale and what was your favourite fact about them?The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: https://www.bto.org/our-science/publications/conservation-advice-notes/managing-scrub-nightingales https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/nightingale/ https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/nightingale Kent Planning Network for Nature (Steve's article on nightingales): https://kent-planning-network-for-nature.org.uk/sign_in?from=https%3A%2F%2Fkent-planning-network-for-nature.org.uk%2Fposts%2Fabout-the-nightingale | |||
| An introduction to reintroductions | 18 juil. 2023 | 01:01:18 | |
Reintroducing species, bringing those lost back and bolstering those that are on the verge of disappearing. Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of reintroductions. We look at what it really takes to make reintroduction projects succeed and how work to bring one species back can have far reaching conservation benefits. We also dive into some very well and some lesser-known UK reintroduction success stories. We had a great time researching and recording this episode and it could have easily gone on for hours. It is always nice to cover positive stories of when conservation efforts work. We hope you enjoy listening. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! What is your favourite reintroduction success story and which species would you love to see be reintroduced? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Links: Ladybird Spider - Back From The Brink (naturebftb.co.uk) Field Cricket - Back From The Brink (naturebftb.co.uk) The projects - Back From The Brink (naturebftb.co.uk) Location of re-introduced Chequered Skipper butterfly revealed | Butterfly Conservation (butterfly-conservation.org) Reintroducing the Great Bustard To Southern England - The RSPB | |||
| The natural world of Croatia | 04 juil. 2023 | 00:52:10 | |
After our holiday in Croatia, where we both fell in love with the country and were blown away by the wildlife, we wanted to learn more about the nature that you can find there. So grab a drink and join us for our first international episode where we explore the reasons why Croatia has such a wealth of wildlife, discuss the species we saw and those we would like to go back for, as well as look into the pressures Croatian wildlife faces and how it is being protected. We had a lot of fun researching this episode and enjoyed doing something slightly different, we hope you enjoy it! Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew - @a.bug.in.the.lens Links: https://biodiversity.europa.eu/countries/croatia https://friendsofwallacea.org/2020/06/23/croatias-critical-role-in-protecting-european-biodiversity/ https://biodiversity.europa.eu/countries/croatia#f7a812ac-5941-4105-b0c97142393ca3ea | |||
| An eel-y important episode | 06 juin 2023 | 00:52:16 | |
This episode, we are venturing underwater for the first time and learning about the complex lives of European eels. From their remarkable migration to the fact that they were once used as currency, these fish are fascinating both biologically and culturally. Yet, their populations have declined dramatically in recent decades, and they are now critically endangered. So, grab your drink of choice and join us as we delve into the wonderful world of eels! Examining their natural history, surprising cultural significance, the causes of their dramatic decline, and of course, the fantastic work going on to help these incredible fish. We thoroughly enjoyed researching this episode and both came away with a real appreciation for an animal we would perhaps otherwise have overlooked. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! What was your favourite eel fact? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew - @a.bug.in.the.lens Links: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anguilla_anguilla/ https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/european-eel-conservation https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/12/eels-endangered-species-calls-to-off-european-menuLife Cycle of a European Eel | Forth Rivers Trust https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/post/what-is-r-eely-going-on?fbclid=IwAR1BdVGoyYJ3fqPbqG1cllkIaTp3bMw3lgDnCKfy1sKDeeW03Ak_yNYKSAM | |||
| Stabilising the stag beetle | 23 mai 2023 | 00:40:47 | |
After decades of dramatic decline, our largest beetle is beginning to stabilise. But the mighty stag beetle still needs our help. So, grab a coffee and settle in as we learn all about stag beetles, why their populations have been declining for so long, how they are beginning to stabilise and the actions we can all take to help these incredible insects. It was about time The Birdy Bug Pod had an insect-specific episode, and what a species for our first one. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! Have you seen any stag beetles recently? The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew - @a.bug.in.the.lens Links: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/beetles/stag-beetle/https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/stag-beetles.htmlhttps://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/facts-about-stag-beetle/https://ptes.org/campaigns/stag-beetles-2/stag-beetle-facts/https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/stag-beetlehttps://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/record-spectacular-stag-beetles-in-sussex-this-summer-4148425 | |||
| Why swifts need our help. Swiftly! | 09 mai 2023 | 00:41:22 | |
This week we are taking to the sky and learning all about the remarkable swifts. There is an abundance of interesting facts about swifts but, like many species, their populations are declining. So, grab a coffee and join us as we delve into the fascinating lives of swifts, examine what is causing their decline, and of course look at how we can all help! We really enjoyed this episode, and each came away with a real appreciation for these incredible birds, we hope you enjoy. Contact: As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! Have you seen a swift yet this year? The easiest way is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew @a.bug.in.the.lens Links: Planning Network for Nature: Kent - https://kent-planning-network-for-nature.org.uk Sussex - https://sussex-planning-network-for-nature.org.uk https://actionforswifts.blogspot.com https://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/the-plight-of-swifts-and-what-you-can-do-to-help https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/help-endangered-high-flying-birds https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swift/ | |||
| Appreciating Adders | 25 avr. 2023 | 00:42:35 | |
They've had mentions in previous episodes, but this one is all about adders! This stunning snake is often misunderstood but we love them and think they deserve some appreciation. So, grab a coffee and join us as we discuss adders, we learn about their biology, dispel some common myths, delve into the threats they are facing, and of course, highlight the fantastic organisations working to help them. Contact: Please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew @a.bug.in.the.lens Links: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/reptiles-and-amphibians/adder/ https://www.arctrust.org/adder https://www.arc-trust.org/news/farmers-and-land-managers-urged-to-share-adder-sightings | |||
| The Mighty Oak | 29 mars 2023 | 00:43:29 | |
We are delving into the world of oak trees! We couldn't quite believe the plethora of species that they support. So, grab a coffee and join us as we learn about the cultural, ecological, and environmental importance of these incredible trees. We of course also look at the threats they are facing and the incredible work being done to protect them. Contact:- Please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens Matthew @a.bug.in.the.lens Links:- https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/oak-declinehttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/tree-pests-and-diseases/key-tree-pests-and-diseases/acute-oak-decline/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/oak-tree-wildlife/https://www.earth.com/news/britains-oak-trees-under-threat/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/tree-pests-and-diseases/what-we-are-doing/https://www.actionoak.org/about | |||
| SustainabiliTEA | 14 mars 2023 | 00:49:15 | |
We've done coffee, now we are tackling tea! The second most consumed drink after water, this week we are delving into the sustainability of tea. So, grab a cuppa and join us as we learn what tea really is, whether there are environmental issues with its production, and of course, what we can do to reduce the impact of our tea habits. Contact Please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens, Matthew - @a.bug.in.the.lens Links What's the carbon footprint of ... a cup of tea or coffee? | Environment | The Guardian The environmental impact of tea - Green Living Tips How Sustainable is Tea? | Forage and Sustain Zero Waste Tea Brands for a Plastic-Free Brew - Zero Waste Memoirs The top 5 best five plastic-free and sustainable tea brands | Psychologies | |||
| The UK's fastest declining mammal | 21 févr. 2023 | 00:38:27 | |
Water voles were once common across the UK, however their populations have plummeted by 97% since the 1970s. As our fastest declining mammal, they are now a rare sight. Grab a coffee and settle in as we look at what happened to our water voles to cause such a dramatic decline. Of course, we also shine some light on the incredible work being done to help bring their numbers back up! Contact Please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi!The easiest way is to ping us a message on Instagram: Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lens, Matthew - @a.bug.in.the.lens Links Water voles | The Wildlife Trusts Species – Water Vole – The Mammal Society New report points to 30% decline in water vole distribution | The Wildlife Trusts Water vole - People's Trust for Endangered Species (ptes.org) Endangered water voles to be reintroduced to London | Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk) The UK's fastest declining mammal brought back to the River Ver, Hertfordshire | Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (hertswildlifetrust.org.uk) Restoring Ratty’ water vole project wins prestigious conservation award | Forestry England | |||