The Wildlife Explorer

Zoologist and author Jules Howard tells the stories of sex on Earth. We find out some of the flirting techniques of the animal kingdom, how has sex shaped life on earth and what happens when animals don't sexually reproduce?

In this special episode we head to our Nature Nursery to find out about outdoor learning. We speak to the children and staff about why this nursery is so special. We also hear from author Patrick Barkham about his book Wild Child: Coming Home to Nature and his experiences as a Forest school volunteer and as a father. Patrick also tells us why he believes it is so important that children explore th...

Springwatch presenter and zoologist Megan McCubbin tells us about her new book 'An Atlas of Endangered Species'. We hear about the work of pioneering conservationists, her own wildlife stories, and those of endangered species in their battle to come back from the brink.

In this marine special of The Wildlife Explorer we chat about some of the wonders of the underwater world. We also discuss some of our fantastic marine projects at Essex Wildlife Trust, including the ENORI oyster project, our work with seagrass and the problems caused for marine species by plastics.

In this episode we talk with Hilary Jeffkins from Silverback Films who was a series producer of the BBC Wild Isles documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough. We find out what went on behind the scenes of making this spectacular nature series, about the fascinating lifecycle of the large blue butterfly and what we can do to help save our wild isles.

Steve Backshall joins us for an ocean special. We find about his favourite wildlife experiences throughout his career, the importance of connecting with the nature on our doorsteps and even create our own version of Deadly-60! We also find out what was scarier...coming face to face with a 4.5 metre crocodile or wearing the sparkly spandex on Strictly Come Dancing! Steve also shares about his upcom...

We have reached our 20th episode! 🥳 On today’s show, (the last of Season 2) we will be delving into the secret world of our nocturnal nature. While we’re all tucked up in our beds, the day is just beginning for some of our best-loved creatures. Snuffly hedgehogs scuttle around on little legs, badgers begin their night time quest for snacks and bats swirl in the skies hoovering up unsuspecting ins...

Welcome to a Halloween special edition episode of The Wildlife Explorer podcast full of myths, legends and ghosts. Lock your doors, shut the curtains and settle down for some spooky Essex tales. This month, we're on the hunt for ghosts (of the owl variety!) and trying to solve some ancient Essex wildlife mysteries. From a scourge of mice with venomous teeth, to the slaying of a dragon. We'll be he...

Today's show is a foodie special, finding out about some of the Essex companies that are working towards putting eco-friendly eating firmly on the map. We'll be talking to Fairfields crisps and Barn Farm Drinks to see how they produce the products we know and love on a mass scale. What considerations do they give to the wildlife that often share their farms and how are they striving for a more sus...

On this month's episode of The Wildlife Explorer podcast, we look at some of the wonderful species and places that are special to Essex. Take a tour around the spectacular Edwardian gardens of Warley Place, once home to famed horticulturist Ellen Willmot, get lost in the heather haven that is Tiptree Heath nature reserve and learn about what makes our native oysters far more than just an expensive...

On today’s show, We delve into a very modern mystery - where have all the eels gone? Despite being one of our most recognisable fish species, eels have disappeared at an alarming rate - and no one knows why. Not only that, there are many other surprising secrets eels are not willing to reveal to the human race just yet. Have a listen to find out why.  We'll also be enjoying a day out at the b...

This episode of The Wildlife Explorer is slightly different to our usual episodes as we are having a 30 Days Wild takeover hosted by our Campaigns Officer, Bailey! Abbie takes us out on a reptile survey and gives her top tips for how you can do your own at home. Some reptiles have a VERY unusual way of fending off predators - have a listen to find out why! Lauren and Gemma talk us through their wi...

On today’s show, we are by the Blackwater on the trail of the elusive turtle dove , an exotic looking bird with a cat-like purr, sadly threatened with extinction. Can you help us find where they are hiding in Essex? We will also be delving into the fascinating folklore behind some of our best loved native plant species and wildflowers . How did their strange nicknames come about and why did people...

On today’s show, we delve into the fragmented world of our urban wildlife and reveal how you can become a champion for them. We will also be learning about the amazing colony of bats that have taken over the maternity roost situated at our Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park and finally, how being in nature can work wonders for your mental health.

Welcome back! We’re very excited to be back for Season 2 of The Wildlife Explorer with more special guests, experts from across the Trust and lots of fun facts about the wonderful wildlife we share our Essex home with. On today's show, we’re going to be taking an honest look at some of the issues women may feel they face when looking at a career in conservation. From periods to pink rucksacks, not...

If you’re a regular listener of The Wildlife Explorer podcast, you’ll know that we wrapped up season one back in October with our ‘Autumn Arrivals’ episode full of stories about our magnificent migrant birds, fascinating fungi and what’s happening in nature throughout the season.  However, we couldn’t finish the year without thanking you – our wonderful supporters. So, we thought we would add...

We've reached our 10th episode! Today, we’re going to be talking all about autumn arrivals - from birds to mushrooms, there’s lots of new discoveries popping up during this season. So, if you struggle to tell your fieldfares from your redwings and your fly agarics from your jelly ears, we’ve got you covered (with some bonus bird impressions too..!) We’ll also be explaining how and why birds choose...

Imagine being able to see your favourite shop shimmering in the distance, full of delicious food to feed you and your family, but all roads leading to it are cut off. In a roundabout way, this is the problem our wildlife faces on a daily basis. With an ever increasing number of houses and roads being built, the pockets of habitat wildlife rely on are getting smaller. We are trying to change that b...

On today’s episode we will be talking all about our amazing Essex coastline. From our unique orange seals to our swaying underwater seagrass meadows. We’ll be heading off on a rooftop adventure looking out from the top of the Nature Discovery Centre at Thameside Nature Park as well as finding out about some of the more unusual species that you may be able to spot around the county. Find out how yo...

On today’s episode we’ll be talking all about our brilliant bugs and why they matter so much. From the familiar to the strange, the big to the small, bugs play a huge part in ensuring a healthy eco-system – as well as being amazing beings in their own right. Find out who came to visit our moth trap, what we’re doing to help bees and invertebrates at Two Tree Island, how you can help insects simply...

On today’s episode we’ll be talking about one of most fundamental aspects of being able to live a happy and healthy life – and that’s our wellbeing. Specifically, we’ll be looking at how nature can have such an important part to play in helping us to achieve this. From Random Acts Of Wildness to meditation, the power of volunteering to the importance of instilling a love of nature in our children,...

On today’s episode of The Wildlife Explorer, we’ll be getting up at the crack of dawn to experience one of nature’s greatest gifts – the dawn chorus. We’ll also be delving a bit deeper into the lives of nightingales, which many people would say are the showpiece of the dawn chorus, as well as finding out about the coastal and migratory birds that still like to get involved in the action; albeit wi...

On today's episode of The Wildlife Explorer we'll be talking bats, badgers and swallows and I'll be joined by some experts from across the Trust who will be delving into these creatures often secretive lives to tell us a bit more about what they're up to now spring has burst into life.  We'll also be answering your question of the week and telling you about some of the species and spectacles...

Today’s bumper episode of The Wildlife Explorer is all about trees and we’re going to be joined by special guest James Canton, who’s the author of the BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week 'The Oak Papers'. He will be sharing his experiences with one special tree in particular, an aged oak called the Honywood which he visited through the seasons and in all weathers.  He’ll be telling us about what he...

Today’s episode of The Wildlife Explorer is a bird special and I will be joined by some expert special guests from across the Trust, who are going to be telling us lots of things you may not know about our feathered friends! So, come with us for a walk along the beach to learn about some of the wonderful waders that live there, find out the difference between dabbling and diving ducks, learn the b...