Explore every episode of the podcast Lincolnshire Wildlife Park - Wild Conversations
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Why Friskney, Boston" ? | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:53:13 | |
"Steve's relentless house hunt, spanning over 100 properties and 10,000 miles, finally culminates in the quiet village of Friskney, near Skegness. But the relief is short-lived. In this episode, Jess hears more of Steve's journey, from the unexpected discovery of his new home to the unsettling realisation that he might have made a significant error. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of relocation, and uncover the truth behind Steve's Friskney gamble." Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| The Launch | 24 Feb 2025 | 01:24:21 | |
Ever wondered how a chance encounter can spark a life-changing mission? On this the debut episode of Wild Conversations, host Jess Newton sits down with Steve Nichols BCAv, the remarkable founder of one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. Steve shares the incredible story of how a conversation with a nun ignited the dream to build a haven for animals in need. Hear how that initial spark, combined with unwavering dedication, led to the creation of this extraordinary place. Jess delves into Steve's funny and sometimes heartwrenching journey, exploring the challenges, the triumphs, and the secrets behind just how did he get started? What were his biggest hurdles? Tune in to Wild Conversations and discover the answers. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| The first of the swearing parrots arrive | 06 Mar 2025 | 01:05:16 | |
Episode 4, Jess plunges into the captivating world of Steve, a man whose sheer passion and vision have a magnetic pull. His ability to inspire and attract people to his ambitious projects, regardless of the potential chaos, is a testament to his unique personality. You'll hear stories of how Steve's energy and determination have shaped the sanctuary, proving that sometimes, a little bit of madness can lead to extraordinary results. But it's not all about grand visions. Steve and Jess also get down to the nitty-gritty of parrot behaviour, offering invaluable advice on tackling pet parrot dominance. If you've ever felt like your feathered friend is running the roost, this segment is for you! They share practical tips and insights into understanding parrot psychology, helping you establish a healthy and harmonious relationship with your avian companion. And, of course, no episode would be complete without a dose of Steve's legendary storytelling. This time, we're introduced to Paco, the African grey who holds the dubious honour of being the sanctuary's first truly prolific swearer. Paco's arrival marked the beginning of a hilarious and often chaotic chapter in the sanctuary's history, as the staff grappled with the challenge of managing a parrot with an extensive and colorful vocabulary. Steve recounts the uproarious incidents and the creative solutions they devised to keep Paco's language in check (or at least, somewhat contained). Get ready for side-splitting anecdotes and a glimpse into the unpredictable world of parrot communication. From inspiring visions to practical parrot advice and laugh-out-loud stories, Episode 4 offers a diverse and entertaining experience. Steve's infectious personality shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone fascinated by animals, human nature, or simply a good, hearty laugh. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Steve and this extraordinary sanctuary, where every day is a new adventure. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Meeting Celebrities | 05 Mar 2025 | 01:09:01 | |
"Ever wondered what it's like to face the bright lights of television for the very first time? In this episode, your host, Jess, sits down with Steve, who recounts his hilariously nerve-wracking debut on a late 90s TV program, well before he even started building the sanctuary. Picture this: Steve, sweating like mad with nervous energy, so tense that the makeup artists couldn't even get the make-up to stick to his face! But the story doesn't end there. Hear how television legends Bradley Walsh and Noel Edmonds stepped in, offering words of wisdom and a calming presence that saved the day (and Steve's on-screen appearance). Get ready for a behind-the-scenes peek at the chaos and camaraderie of early television, and a reminder that even the most seasoned pros started somewhere. Tune in for Steve's unforgettable tale of first-time jitters and celebrity support, in the latest episode of Wild Conversations!" Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Steve gets Naked for Charity | 07 Mar 2025 | 01:06:05 | |
Alright, get ready for a truly eclectic episode! In this fact-filled adventure, Steve's world takes a bizarre turn when he's approached by a group convinced they've discovered mystical energy within feathers. Was it a genuine scientific breakthrough, or as Steve suspected, a full-blown cult? Hear his hilarious account of navigating this strange encounter, and learn about the unexpected allure of feathered mysticism. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| "Scrumpy Weekends and Screaming Parrots at the Sanctuary" | 09 Mar 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
Join Jess as she dives into the weird world of Steve, the chaotic man who created this amazing sanctuary. In this week's episode, Steve takes us on a nostalgic journey, introducing the eccentric crew that would arrive on Friday evening armed with the famous Scrumpy ready for a wobbly weekend of aviary construction. —a motley bunch you won't soon forget. Then, prepare for a squawking symphony! Jess and Steve discuss vital, advice on managing a parrot-filled home. Learn how an overabundance of feathered friends can transform a peaceful abode into a cacophony of avian anarchy. And brace yourselves for the sheer volume of parrot noise—it's an experience in itself! This episode is a wild blend of friendship, feathered chaos, and the utterly unexpected moments that make Steve's stories so captivating, all expertly guided by Jess's inquisitive and amused interviewing style. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Taking a Funeral Directors advice...Or not!! | 11 Mar 2025 | 01:08:42 | |
Episode 7 of Wild Conversations is a joy to listen to. Join your host, Jess, as she sits down with the ever-entertaining Steve, who's ready to unleash a torrent of jaw-dropping tales from the murky world of unscrupulous parrot traders where you will be astounded by the sheer horror of the tricks these individuals employed to offload their innocent feathered friends. But it's not all doom and gloom! Steve, with his decades of experience, and Jess a zoologist with nearly a decade under her belt share their wisdom on general parrot care, with a special focus on the majestic (and sometimes demanding) cockatoos. Then, things take a delightfully bizarre turn. Steve explains the utterly disastrous advice he received from a funeral director, leading to a series of hilariously awkward situations. And just when you think the episode couldn't get any more chaotic, Steve recounts the time his own pet parrot decided to use a millionaire's priceless watch as a chew toy. Picture a room full of stunned silence, a destroyed luxury item, and Steve desperately trying to figure out where to put his face. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated comedy gold. So, if you’re ready for a mix of shocking revelations, practical parrot advice, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, tune in to Episode 7 of "Feathers & Fiascos." You won't want to miss this feathered frenzy! Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Chocolate Thieves and Dusty Lungs: Parrot Pandemonium. | 12 Mar 2025 | 01:01:06 | |
Get ready for some feathered mayhem in episode 8. Steve and Jess are back with a mix of hilarious anecdotes and essential parrot care advice. This week, Steve shares a truly embarrassing tale of a macaw heist, where a chocolate bar disappears en route to one of the UK's strictest vets and Steve has to fess-up. Imagine the chaos! Beyond the laughs, we dive into critical first aid, focusing on how to handle bleeding in parrots. We'll cover quick-clotting techniques and the importance of a well-prepared avian first aid kit, ensuring you're ready for those unexpected moments and always have your nearest Avian Vets number at hand. We also address a common issue that leads to birds being rehomed: dust. Many parrot species produce significant feather dust, which can cause serious lung problems for owners. Steve and Jess emphasise the importance of recognising potential allergies before bringing a parrot home. Join us for a blend of laughter, practical advice, and a real look at the joys and challenges of parrot ownership. Whether you're a seasoned bird enthusiast or just curious, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and let's talk parrots! Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Owning a parrot for less than 24 hours!!! | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:54:43 | |
Welcome back to "Wild Conversations"! In episode 11, our ever-enthusiastic host, Jess, dives deep into the heart of the sanctuary's daily dramas and triumphs with the incredible Steve, its founder. This week, a heart-wrenching tale unfolds as Steve recounts the rapid rehoming of a baby Blue and Yellow Macaw, purchased on a whim and surrendered within 24 hours. This incident sparks a vital conversation about the responsibilities of exotic pet ownership, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges of noise and long-term care. Steve also shares the hilarious and determined lengths he went to in the sanctuary's early days to spread the word. From unexpected appearances on Channel 4's "Big Brother" to the serene landscapes of "Escape to the Country," he left no stone unturned in his mission to raise awareness. And, as a delightful teaser, Jess and Steve give us a sneak peek into a future episode that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! Get ready for "Nandays," the sanctuary's very own animal kitchen, where culinary creativity meets parrot-inspired charm. Prepare for a feast of stories, laughter, and perhaps a few feathered food critics such as Jamie Polyver or even Ainsley Parriot! Get ready for another heartwarming glimpse into the lives of the animals and the dedicated humans who care for them ------ Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is one of the UK's largest animal sanctuarys and is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Derren Brown and his magic house? | 26 Mar 2025 | 01:02:10 | |
Welcome to another "Wild Conversations," where host Jess delves into the extraordinary stories behind one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. In this episode, Jess sits down with Steve Nichols BCAv, the remarkable founder of the sanctuary, for a candid and hilarious chat from the early days. Steve takes us back to the sanctuary's humble beginnings on opening day, a whirlwind of activity back in 2003, where one crucial detail slipped through the cracks: chairs for the cafe. To make matters worse, limited funds meant Steve's opening-day dash resulted in a collection of delightfully wobbly, cheap plastic chairs and tables – a testament to the sanctuary's early struggles and Steve's resourceful spirit. But the episode isn't just about comical seating arrangements. Jess also uncovers the fascinating story of how the world-renowned mentalist, Derren Brown, became an integral part of the sanctuary's journey. Steve shares the tale of how their paths crossed, leading to Derren becoming their esteemed patron, a role he's held for over 20 years. Listen as Steve recounts heartwarming and often amusing anecdotes from his enduring friendship with Derren, offering a glimpse into the unexpected connections that make the sanctuary so special. And to top it all off, we end the podcast with a delightful and funny story about Winston Churchill's parrot, a surprising and entertaining historical tidbit that's sure to leave you smiling. Join Jess and Steve for an episode filled with laughter, heartwarming memories, and the remarkable story of a sanctuary built on passion, resilience, and a touch of historical whimsy. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| A Backbreaking Episode...Sadly its true as Steve Breaks his Back!!!! | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:44:19 | |
Welcome back to a slightly unexpected episode. Jess usually uses her clever wit to tempt the sanctuary stories out of Steve. This week? Let's just say Steve decided to test the structural integrity of his own spine. Spoiler: it failed. Hours before recording, he took a 'gravity-assisted shortcut' resulting in a fractured back. So, yeah, we're pivoting. Hard. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Meerkats arrive and we realise 'It's Simples' | 09 Apr 2025 | 01:05:51 | |
Welcome to episode 12 of Wild Conversations! Join your host, Jess Newton, as she delves into the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the UK's largest animal sanctuarys. In this episode, Jess continues her chat with Steve, the passionate founder of the sanctuary, uncovering the surprising reason why visitor numbers were initially very low. Prepare to be charmed as Steve reveals how the arrival of a wonderful meerkat family sparked an incredible surge in popularity, drawing people to the park in droves. -------- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| 6 Little Dogs.... | 16 Apr 2025 | 01:06:40 | |
Join our ever-enthusiastic host, Jess, in this poignant yet ultimately heartwarming episode of In Wild Conversations. This time, Jess sits down with Steve, the passionate founder of our beloved animal sanctuary, as he recounts a distressing period in the sanctuary's history – the time they were burgled. While thankfully none of the sanctuary's vibrant parrots were stolen, the incident had its own chaotic aftermath. A few feathered escapees took flight, eventually being found a surprising three miles from home. The damage inflicted on the aviary was significant, leaving Steve and his team reeling. However, from this setback emerged an unexpected silver lining. In a moment of inspired action, Steve reached out to a friend in need of a guard dog. Little did he know, his friend would arrive not with one, but six utterly adorable Rottweiler puppies! For anyone who has followed Steve's incredible journey, the next chapter will come as no surprise. With his boundless compassion, Steve took all six under his wing. What began as a mischievous litter of pups blossomed into a formidable and devoted pack of guard dogs. For over twelve years, these strapping Rottweilers maintained a perfect security record, their presence a comforting reassurance to the sanctuary's precious residents. In a moment that leaves Jess visibly moved, Steve delves into the darker history of parrot protection in the 1990s, revealing some truly horrendous incidents involving security dogs. This episode is a testament to resilience, the unexpected blessings that can arise from adversity. ------- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| It's time to say Goodbye to Uganda our White Lion | 18 May 2025 | 01:04:44 | |
In this deeply moving episode of Wild Conversations, join our host, Jess Newton, as she speaks with Steve Nichols, the compassionate founder of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. Together, they bravely revisit the heartbreaking decision to say farewell to Uganda, one of the sanctuary's magnificent white lions, after a prolonged and difficult illness. Jess and Steve share the raw emotions and poignant memories surrounding Uganda's final days, offering listeners a glimpse into the profound bond that can form between humans and these incredible creatures. ------ Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Tables Turned: Getting to Know Jess Newton | 15 Jun 2025 | 01:16:44 | |
Hosted (sort of) by Jessica Newton Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Dehra: The Tiger Who Changed Everything | 15 Jun 2025 | 01:14:00 | |
In this deeply moving episode our wonderful host, Jess Newton sits down with Steve for what is, without doubt, one of the most heartfelt chapters in the sanctuary’s story. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| When the Tigers Came Calling: The Start of Something Wild | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:56:51 | |
In this powerful and poignant episode, Zoologist, Jess Newton sits down once again with Steve Nichols BCAv and founder of the UK's largest parrot sanctuary, to explore a moment that changed the course of the sanctuary’s future — and Steve’s life — forever. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||
| Wait a minute did someone mention a Lynx? | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:34:04 | |
This episode of Wild Conversations is all about catching up with the whirlwind that is daily life at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. Jess sits down with Steve to chat through the never-ending list of jobs, challenges, and surprises that have been keeping the team busy. ----------------- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe. Connect with Wild Conversations Many thanks to our patient host Jess
Email: podcast@lincswildlife.com Subscribe to help us. Thank you and keep Podcasting!!! Copyright: © 2025 Wild Conversations. All rights reserved. | |||