UK Wildlife Podcast

In this species special we look at the Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi, discussing their feeding behaviour, the males struggling to not be cannibalised while trying to mate with females, the possible function of both their striped body markings and the zig-zag of silk in their web, which is known as a ‘stabilimentum’.  We also look at…

We talk to Iolo Williams about raptor persecution and the wildlife found in Wales. We also discuss and Iolo answers questions on how he ended up as a wildlife presenter, his favourite wildlife encounter, the effects of cats and pheasants on wildlife, Mya Bambricks plan to get more wildlife habitat in schools, where to look…

Neil and guest host herpetologist Steve Allain discuss the UK’s Newt species. They talk about smooth, palmate and great crested newts, their habits, feeding and breeding and also look at the non native alpine and Italian crested newts, and neotony that sometimes occurs in UK species. In news they look at the pollution spill kills…

A (very) short episode where Neil talks about our freshwater Cnidarians, the usually marine group that include corals and sea anemones, which focuses on the freshwater Hydra species. With a brief look at the alien freshwater jellyfish that occasionally turn up in the UK as well.

We talk about Rockpools; the wildlife found there and the extreme environment in which they have to survive. In news we cover yet more BOP being killed in North Yorkshire and numerous cases of dogs attacking wildlife.

We talk about the cetaceans, whales and dolphins, found around the UK’s shoreline, discuss the species found there with details on the 4 most common species and where to see them. In news we discuss a bearded vulture appearing in the UK, restoring meadows at the white cliffs of Dover, and 200,000 incidents of sewage…

In a special short episode we talk about Stag Beetles and Lesser Stag Beetles. We discuss their life cycle, distribution, behaviour and how Neil determined if the males could bite or not! The links mentioned in the podcastPTES websiteStag beetle.infoStag beetles

We talk to ‘Ant Boy’ Xander about all thing Cairngorms and invertebrates included narrow headed ants, capercaillie, shining guest ant and pine hoverfly. We also discuss getting younger people into wildlife. In wildlife news we talk about the peregrine nests raided for their eggs/chicks, the better news that mountain hare culls are to be subject…

We look at the wonderful world of odonata: Dragonflies and damselflies

Part two of our chat/interview with Nick Baker, presenter from Really Wild Show, Nick’s quest, Springwatch, Weird Creatures and Nick Baker’s Wild West among others. We discuss his favourite UK Reptile or amphibian, what British animal we would love to see and chat away on various other topics! (If you missed part one/Episode 14 you…

A conversation between three naturalists driven slightly mad by the lockdown! We have Wildlife TV presenter Nick Baker on the show, famous for presenting Really Wild show, Nick’s Quest and Weird Creatures, and we discuss all sorts of wildlife topics and answer questions sent in by listeners. In news we cover ‘no mow May’, BOP…

A special episode where we look at photography ideas and projects you can do during the lockdown, most of which in your home or garden. Includes macro, garden bird and pond creature photography, mini indoor nature studio and an idea for your exercise walk are all discussed. Links for the sources for further ideas/projects mentioned…

We talk abut the 3 most commonly found ant species in gardens: the black garden ant Lasius niger, the red ant Myrmica rubra and the yellow meadow ant Lasius flavus. and answer some of your question on ants.  WARNING contains ant puns! In news we discuss porpoises in a river, idiotic Chinese lantern releases and…

In this episode we talk to Stephen Moss, author of over 40 natural history books, producer of TV programmes such as Birding with Bill Oddie and Springwatch and lecturer in creative writing at Bath Spa University We talk about tips for writing nature books, his experiences in broadcasting, bird watching and Birdfair being cancelled among…

Main topic is what to do in your garden during the lockdown. We have some good feedback/follow up on the mole topic and a sound clip from a friend of the show. In the News we look at a new way to age Great Crested Newts, irresponsible grouse moors setting fires during a time of…

The main topic is the mole Neil mentions and excellent toad surveying session and Vic discusses Frog and toad spawn appearing. In news discuss a fishery owner killing an otter (and actually being jailed) and the badger cull being ‘phased out’ (or not). Above image of mole by Didier Descouens CC BY-SA 4.0 Podcast: Play in new…

We are joined by Steven Allain to discuss (and answer your questions) Frogs and Toads Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | RSS | More News stories Beavers helping prevent flooding Sparrowhawk killed story 1 Sparrowhawk killed story 2 Coul Links development blocked Are you Team Frog or Team toad, vote on twitter be...

A special episode where we answer your questions on wildlife photography, advice on the different camera options, macro lens advice and tips on photographing moving insects and pond life are among other questions answered. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | RSS | More

We talk to Adrian Thomas from the RSPB about the Big Garden Birdwatch 2020, projects he has worked on, bird song and wildlife gardening

What pond creatures, such as the pond oilve mayfly, do to survive the cold in winter, and give some tips on how to look after your pond when it freezes over. Kestrel decline and our first memory's of garden wildlife, and what surprises us about nature. Seal pup deaths and should dogs be allowed in nature reserves.

In News we discuss: The sad passing of David Bellamy Harvest Mice thriving on a reintroduction site Baby porpoise poisoned by pollution We answer Steve Bonds question about a magpie eating a mouse And our main topic is wildlife species associated with Christmas: reindeer, robins, holly and mistletoe   Click here to play Subscribe here:Apple…

We discuss in News: Leaky Dams, rise in poisoned owl no.s in Epping Forest and dormouse decline. The main topic of discussion is Graham’s question: It was interesting and encouraging to hear in episode 1 of your podcast that the young children seem to be growing up with quite a good grasp of natural knowledge,…

We talk about at migration, but mostly in amphibians, reptile, insects, fish and bats, rather than birds. In news: Neil moans about Angling Trust trying to get cormorants on General license and we talk about better news on beaver reintroduction Podcast notes: Angling Trust Cormorant added to general license campaign page (warning depressing and scientifically dubious…

Episode 1 - we discuss what we've been up to (SPOILER: Me lots, Vic not so much), Shorted owls, Skomer and how children are good at find fungi and inverts

We have a Podcast. I and Victoria Hillman will be talking UK or British Wildlife. In this episode we introduce ourselves and our plans for the podcast