Wildlife Matters The Podcast

This week's episode of the A Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the profound influence of nature on our mental health and overall well-being. We explore the compelling notion that spending time outdoors is not merely a leisure activity but an essential means of enhancing our emotional and psychological well-being. The episode presents a wealth of scientific research alongside poignant anecdotes...

This week, we delve into the critical issue of marine bycatch and its devastating impact on marine wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and whales. We explore recent findings indicating that over 10,000 seabirds and thousands of marine mammals are victims of this problem annually in the UK. Our discussion highlights innovative solutions, such as the acoustic pingers developed by FishTech Marine...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast unveils an intriguing exploration into the world of nature detective work, aptly titled "The Clue is in the Poo." In this compelling feature, we delve into the significance of animal droppings as vital clues in understanding local wildlife and their habitats. Our discussion highlights the myriad insights that can be gleaned from these often-overlooked indicator...

This week's Wildlife Matters Podcast explores the enchanting wet woodlands of the Southern Weald, delving into the mysterious gills and the diverse flora that inhabit these ancient ecosystems. Our journey invites listeners to engage in fungi foraging, revealing the hidden wonders of nature as they don their boots in anticipation of a muddy adventure. Furthermore, we will intersperse our exploratio...

This week's podcast focuses on the important issue of hedgehog conservation. We discuss groundbreaking research from the University of Oxford that reveals hedgehogs can perceive ultrasound. Researchers have proposed using innovative ultrasonic repellers on vehicles to reduce hedgehog fatalities on roads significantly. This is particularly urgent, as hedgehog populations have declined by 70% in rur...

In the latest instalment of Wildlife Matters, we delve into the intriguing realm of early nesters those audacious avian species that embark on the formidable task of rearing their progeny amidst the lingering chill of winter. This episode seeks to elucidate the motivations behind their seemingly perilous decision to nest early and to ascertain whether this strategy ultimately yields favourable out...

Celebrating the arrival of the spring equinox, this week's Wildlife Matters podcast presents two captivating tales rooted in folklore that illuminate the intricate relationships between nature and humanity. The first story, "The Alder Sprite," intricately weaves themes of respect for the natural world and the consequences of human folly, drawing upon the rich traditions of Celtic mythology. This t...

This week, we embark on a winter wildlife walk in an ancient woodland, where we will immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of nature and capture moments on audio and video for our podcast and YouTube episodes. Our exploration begins with a review of intriguing wildlife and nature news, including the remarkable return of beavers to Cornwall's rivers after a 400-year absence and an inspiring proj...

In this week's Wildlife Matters podcast, I finally reveal the iconic wild animal that approached me at the end of the last episode, as I continue exploring Scotland's ancient temperate rainforest. Before this exciting moment, I discussed urgent wildlife and natural issues, including the serious problem of illegal wildlife persecution and the ongoing delay in implementing the peat ban, even though...

This week on Wildlife Matters, I kick off an exciting journey through the temperate rainforests along Scotland's northwest coast. We'll explore the ancient, mossy woodlands, home to vibrant wildlife and ecosystems. Before we set out, we discuss important nature stories, including avian influenza and why blaming wild birds is misguided. Intensive farming is a bigger factor. We also discuss a recent...

This week on Wildlife Matters, we explore animal tracks in a local snowy woodland, highlighting how tracking wildlife reveals connections among species, their habitats, and the environment. We focus on the wildlife species that call this peaceful woodland home and discuss how natural sounds shape our experience across different habitats. As we walk through the snowy landscape, we encourage listene...

In this week's episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast, we explore how to care for garden birds during the winter months. As winter sets in, providing food and shelter is essential for our feathered friends, who face significant challenges surviving the season. We also take a moment for reflection with our Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments, featuring a beautiful audio nature soundscape from our rec...

This week's episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast explores the fascinating phenomenon of starling murmurations, which are a captivating spectacle as thousands of these birds gracefully navigate the evening skies of the UK. In Wildlife Matters Nature News, we report on a recent government initiative to ban trail hunting in England and Wales, marking a significant advance in the broader animal wel...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast celebrates the Winter Solstice and its intrinsic connection to nature. As we reflect on this celestial event, which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, we are reminded of its profound significance across cultures and of the cyclical nature of life itself. The Winter Solstice not only symbolises the triumph of light over darkness but also i...

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters podcast. In this episode, we explore Hedgerows and why they are vital for England's future, boosting biodiversity, combating climate change, and enhancing soil health. The enchanting world of hedgerows is a vibrant ecosystem that plays a crucial role in the British countryside. The discussion emphasises the historical significance of hedgerows, tra...

In this week’s Wildlife Matters podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of winter wildlife care in our gardens. Discover essential practices that not only nourish your garden’s ecosystem but also provide a haven for local creatures during the frosty months ahead. We’ll share a treasure trove of tips—ranging from creating cosy shelters to offering vital sustenance—that embrace the principl...

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters podcast. This week, we explore the complexities of hibernation. We will investigate why certain species, including hedgehogs, employ this survival method during the cold winter months. Then, in Part Two, we offer practical advice on how to improve your garden for hedgehogs as they prepare to hibernate, emphasising the importance of creating safe ha...

The seventh series of the Wildlife Matters podcast kicks off with an essential milestone in wildlife policy: the government has officially ended the controversial badger culling program, a campaign we've passionately fought against for nearly fifteen years. Join us for our main feature as we confidently explore the rich biodiversity of Greenwich Park, the oldest Royal Park in London. Get ready for...

In this week's Wildlife Matters podcast, we delve into the remarkable yet heart-wrenching story of the pangolin, the most trafficked mammal on the planet. My involvement with the CITES committee has given me deep insights into the numerous challenges these beautiful anteaters face. The episode outlines the four species of African pangolins: the Ground Pangolin, White-Bellied Pangolin, Giant Pangol...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast is dedicated to autumn and nature storytelling, which unfolds amidst the enchanting backdrop of the dark woods. As we transition into autumn, we reflect on the remarkable responses of nature, including the preparation for migration of summer visitors and the hibernation practices of various wildlife. This episode features our unique take on a classic folktale s...

This week, we embark on an engaging exploration of urban wildlife, with a focus on the ancient woodlands of Sydenham Hill Wood, a remarkable remnant of London’s rich woodland heritage. Nature News shares the latest wildlife and environmental stories, including a tribute to the late Debbie Bailey, a passionate advocate for badgers. We also discuss recent findings regarding the presence of rodentici...

This week’s episode of Wildlife Matters takes you on an Epic adventure to Discover the Dolphins and Porpoises that call the UK homeAfter a comprehensive fifteen-month journey across three nations, we invite esteemed experts to guide us through this remarkable odyssey. In Wildlife Matters Nature News we share the encouraging news of the resurgence of farmland bird populations in the South Downs Nat...

The benefits of spending time in nature are manifold, particularly about our physical well-being, a topic we explore in depth in today's episode. As August arrives, many of us may be preparing for a well-deserved respite, potentially embarking on wildlife adventures across the UK and beyond. We invite our listeners to share their experiences, detailing the species they have encountered and the hab...

This episode of Wildlife Matters presents a critical examination of the dynamic interplay between climate change and wildlife health, set against the backdrop of the unprecedented weather records in the UK during 2025. With spring emerging as the most temperate and sun-drenched on record, and June establishing itself as the hottest month in England's history, the episode introduces listeners to th...

This week, we are thrilled to unveil the inaugural episode of our new series, “Wildest Places,” in which we shall delve into the fascinating realm of urban wildlife thriving within our cities and towns. Our exploration commences at the historic and ecologically rich West Norwood Cemetery in central London, a veritable haven for diverse species. As we experience the sweltering heat of over 30 degre...