Wildlife Matters The Podcast

The Return of the Golden Eagles serves as the focal point of this week's Wildlife Matters Podcast, as we journey to the enchanting landscapes of southwest Scotland in search of these majestic avian creatures. With eager anticipation, we invite you to accompany us on this expedition to discover whether we are fortunate enough to witness their resplendent flight. In addition, we delve into the flora...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast presents a profound exploration of the intricate interrelations between wildlife, nature, and the rich tapestry of folklore surrounding the summer solstice. We shall embark on a captivating journey to the Isle of Avalon, where we shall unravel the enchanting narratives that have long captivated the human imagination. Our discourse will include the noteworthy An...

This week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast centres around the poignant issue of badger culling as we explore the alarming 2024 cull figures released by the Badger Trust and Wild Justice, which reveal a tragic loss of 10,769 badgers due to mismanagement by Natural England and DEFRA. This disconcerting development highlights the urgent need for accountability and the protection of our wildlife. In a contr...

The Wildlife Matters Podcast tackles the urgent challenge of climate change and its detrimental effects on wildlife conservation, especially in light of the unprecedented warm spring of 2025, now recorded as one of the hottest in UK history. In the opening segment, we draw attention to the significant consequences of rising temperatures on local ecosystems, stressing the critical need to maintain...

Welcome to Series Six of the Wildlife Matters podcast! In this new series, we have many new adventures. Please like and subscribe to join us on an exciting journey as we explore the wonders of nature through nature-based storytelling infused with our firsthand experience and expertise in wildlife and the environment. Later in series six, prepare to immerse yourself in this thrilling new series as...

In this week’s episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast, we explore the fascinating world of foxes during spring, focusing on a vibrant den in our local area. Our journey highlights the complex vocalisations of this iconic British mammal, which has an impressive repertoire of up to 28 distinct calls and a rich array of body language. The Wildlife Matters podcast takes you on an enthralling explorat...

On this week’s Wildlife Matters podcast we look at the intriguing lives of badgers during the springtime as we delve into their ecological behaviours and familial dynamics during this vibrant season. With spring heralding the rebirth of nature, we explore badger cubs' activities as they emerge from their dens and engage in playful interactions. We feature a captivating Mindful Moment that presents...

This week, the Wildlife Matters Podcast delves into the exhilarating arrival of spring as we celebrate the Spring Equinox. We want to inspire our listeners to venture outdoors and immerse themselves in the vibrant natural world awakening from winter's slumber. Our discussion highlights the return of beavers to the British landscape, heralded as a pivotal moment for biodiversity. We also explore ea...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast focuses on Signals of Spring: A Tale of the Hazel Tree and Woodpeckers Drumming. While the hazel tree, scientifically known as Corylus avellana, proliferates throughout the UK, its considerable ecological and historical contributions remain underappreciated. In Wildlife Matters Nature News, we delve into the concerning news emerging from the River Wandle. A cat...

In this week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast, we explore the captivating and often unexpected methods by which wildlife seeks mates in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek way as love is in the Air for Saint Valentine's Day. Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the intricate courtship rituals and remarkable behaviors. From the enchanting dances of avian suitors to the astonishing insect tactics, the animal kingdom...

The Wildlife Matters podcast takes listeners on a captivating journey into the world of British corvids, focusing on three fascinating species: the Chough, the Magpie, and the Jay. Hosted by Nigel Palmer, the episode delves into the unique characteristics and behaviors that distinguish these birds within their genus. Listeners learn about the Chough's striking red bill and its acrobatic flights al...

Join Nigel Palmer on this week's Wildlife Matters podcast as he explores the captivating world of British corvids, a family of birds renowned for their intelligence and adaptability. The episode delves into recent wildlife news, including the unauthorised release of lynx in Scotland and the public outcry that followed, highlighting the complexities of wildlife reintroduction efforts. Listeners wil...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the folklore of nature and wildlife. So join us around the campfire at the heart of the Dark wood. Nigel Palmer, the host of Wildlife Matters, welcomes listeners to a festive storytelling session that delves into the rich tapestry of folklore linked to nature. This special Christmas episode presents two compelling tales that highlight critical theme...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast dives into the concerning issue of avian botulism affecting water birds along the Grand Union Canal in West London, where several swans and other species have been found dead. Host Nigel Palmer discusses the investigative efforts of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which initially suspected avian influenza but later shifted focus to toxins such as bot...

Host Nigel Palmer takes listeners on an emotional journey through the Men's Nature Reserve in West Sussex, an ancient woodland that has been preserved for over a millennium. As the episode unfolds, listeners are encouraged to reflect on nature and the importance of wildlife welfare, highlighted by discussions on the detrimental effects of using live reindeer at festive events. The podcast also pro...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast examines one of the most iconic woodland bird species in Britain: the stunning woodpecker. Host Nigel Palmer joined Chris Packham and over 150 organisations in London last Sunday for the Clean Water March, which was organised by River Action. Wildlife Matters spoke to leading celebrity activists, including Chris Packham, Feargal Sharkey, Hugh Fearnley-Whittings...

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the pressing issues of rising wildlife crime and animal cruelty in the UK, highlighted by alarming incidents involving the shooting of protected species like otters. Host Nigel Palmer discusses a private member's bill introduced by Labour MP Ruth Jones aimed at banning the import and sale of fur products in the UK, showcasing growing public concern...

Hello and welcome to this week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast. I’m your host, Nigel Palmer. In today’s Bonus episode, we will look back over our first 50, yes, 5-0 episodes, that is, four complete series, and chat through some of the highlights and challenges. We will celebrate the fantastic wildlife and some of the incredible people we have spoken to and discuss what it’s been like to start a podcast...

Last week Wildlife Matters joined hundreds of other advocates outside Parliament in London to call for an en immediate end to the Badger culls in England. Speakers included Chris Packham, Dominic Dyer, Rosie Wood, Chair of the Badger Trust, who hosted the event; Wildlife Matters, who joined hundreds of other advocates outside Parliament in London to call for a and Dr Alice Brough, a veterinarian;...

Hello and welcome to this week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast. I’m your host - Nigel Palmer, and we have another exciting show for you today. It’s been a busy time at Wildlife Matters HQ. This week’s main feature will be our trip to the Upland Moors, and the shutdown of the Grouse shoots on the opening day of their season. Then, in complete contrast, join me in a small, crystal-clear stream in a stunn...

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters Podcast. I'm your host, Nigel Palmer. In today's action-packed episode, we embark on an exclusive adventure to discover some of the rarest wildflowers in the UK. It's a unique journey, and we are pleased to share our adventures and experiences with you. In this week's Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments, we will spend some precious time in nature enjo...

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters podcast. In this week's episode, we are embarking on an exhilarating mission that will take us all around the UK as we strive to uncover Britain’s rarest woodland wild plants. The thrill of the plant hunt is palpable, and we can't wait to share our discoveries with you.  In this week's Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments, our journey is also guid...

Hello, and welcome to the Wildlife Matters podcast. In this episode, we will talk to Matt Somerville of Bekindhives, who introduces us to natural beekeeping. Many of you may be sceptical of beekeeping. While we all want to encourage and help bees and other pollinators, the world of beekeeping has several issues that very quickly turn people off from keeping bees themselves. Wildlife Matters invest...

On this week's Wildlife Matters podcast we are delighted to bring you our Introduction to British Bats. My fascination with bats began in childhood when I watched them gracefully fly around our garden. This childhood curiosity has blossomed into a lifelong passion. Even now, I eagerly anticipate the bats I might encounter on my evening walks. The introduction will provide a comprehensive overview...

Restore Nature Now London March and A Bronze Age Solstice day walk to Stonehenge. Hello and welcome to this week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast. We are fast approaching midsummer’s day—or solstice day—so we have followed a Bronze Age walk to Stonehenge on solstice morning 2023, and we would love it if you came along with us. Our journey will transport us back over 4500 years to explore the enigmatic n...