Messages from the Wild

Always smaller than we think but incredibly strong and so vital to the health of our soils. These little creatures need a lot more respect than we give them. It's their lawn, not ours. With many thanks to Sam Corfield, author, horticulturist and wildlife expert @the_hairy_horticulturist  This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com www.messagesfromthewild.com 

This Cinnabar Moth is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year. It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds.  These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill. Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Steve Robinson for embodying the cinnabar moth. "Daydream of a summer meadow and I will bet there is a buzz of a passing bumblebee, a colourful flash of butterfly wing and the hypnotic chorus of crickets. And rightly so. Insects are the beating heart of a meadow, providing the soundtrack and magnifying its vibrancy." Iain Parkinson, Meadow   Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

This Scissor Bee is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year. It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds.  These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill. Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Janine Griffiths-Lee for embodying the scissor bee. "Hay meadows are tightly-woven landscapes interlaced with an intricate mix of plants, including wild flowers, grasses, some sedges and rushes, and even a couple of tiny yet fascinating ferns. With such a richly layered flora, it should be no surprise to learn that hay meadows also support and astonishing range of fauna." Iain Parkinson, Meadow   Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

This Grasshopper is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year. It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds.  These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill. Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Francis Annette for embodying the grasshopper. "Traditionally managed hay meadows are now exceptionally rare (in the UK), but, by virtue of their enduring character, surviving examples demonstrate a resilience to change that is worth celebrating." Iain Parkinson, Meadow   Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

This Dipper is part of a series commissioned by Derby University's Department of Nature Connectedness for The River Derwent.  With many thanks to Mark Cocker, author and naturalist. "I think it's a fantastic quiet bit of politics because the central challenge of our entire species and our civilisation is to understand our dependence on the rest of life and this project allows those organisms, as close as possible, to speak for themselves about the issues that affect not only them but more centrally humans themselves and I think that's the beauty of it.” Mark Cocker on Messages from the Wild   further info: annabel@annabelross.com 

This Mayfly is part of a series commissioned by Derby University's Department of Nature Connectedness for The River Derwent.  With many thanks to Charles Foster, author and academic.   further info: annabel@annabelross.com 

This Water Vole is part of a series commissioned by Derby University's Department of Nature Connectedness for The River Derwent.  With many thanks to Christine Gregory, writer, photographer and painter. The Water Vole: The Story of One of Britain's Most Endangered Mammals

This episode is especially made to accompany the work of the painter and print maker, Frances Gynn, for her exhibition on Fairy Shrimps as part of her Public Erasures series. It's powerful stuff so please go along if you can. Public Erasures at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol. Featuring the Fairy Shrimp (Chirocephalus diaphanous) Endangered translucent crustacean Living in temporary ponds Main source of food to many organisms Important indicator of a healthy eco-system   With many thanks to Frances for inviting me along to open her Fairy Shrimp Public Erasure and for being such a great Fairy Shrimp herself.  

Earthworms are arguably our most vital animal. They're quite funny too. (This one has been added to the podcast for a second time to be used in Derby City as part of their Wildlife Festival.) With many thanks to Nicky Scott, aka Dr Compost, Food Waste Educator, Community Compost Expert Dr Compost | Growing Devon Schools "I may have trained as an agronomist but I learned something new about earthworms today - listen in!" John Meadley  annabel@annabelross.com www.messagesfromthewild.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

Our largest ant species explains how vital ants are to our survival, despite his seemingly lazy life, he manages to make the effort. With many thanks to Professor Adam Hart, Entomologist & Professor of Science Communication, University of Gloucestershire Adam Hart And thank you to Gregory Ovenden for his ant recordings in this episode: http://www.thesoundfarmer.com This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan. annabel@annabelross.com www.messagesfromthewild.com     

Vital to our existence and yet maggots have never been a very popular creature but, Dr Erica McAlister makes this particular maggot seem almost adorable. With many thanks to Dr Erica McAlister, Entomologist, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, Author, Presenter  @ericamcalister This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan. annabel@messagesfromthewild.com www.messagesfromthewild.com     

Curious creatures woodlice, well I think so. I'm so happy I finally got to talk to one, I'd always wondered if they actually did eat their own poo. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan. With many thanks to Lucy Lapwing, Wildlife Presenter and Campainger @lucy_lapwing www.messagesfromthewild.com  annabel@messagesfromthewild.com   Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

After listening to this badger I think you'll realise that they don't deserve the bad press they seem to get. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan. With many thanks to Steve Backshall, Naturalist, Presenter, Author, Campaigner www.stevebackshall.com  www.messagesfromthewild.com  annabel@messagesfromthewild.com   Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

Dragonflies are out and about in all their glory across Britain now so keep your eyes peeled for them. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens. With many thanks to Steve Jones, Author and Dragonfly expert @aparthenop on Instagram.  If you want to hear the special bonus segment about their mating sequence, send us an email. Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Bluebells are at their peak across Britain now and they love to be admired but they really suffer as a whole if any of them are trampled on. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens. With many thanks to Nicola Bradley, Head Gardener at the Lost Gardens as she really brings these beautiful flowers to life. She's the perfect Bluebell. Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

An alternative to the traditional Christmas tree but perhaps more quintessentially British, The Oak.  This Oak lives at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and comes from the collection I made for them last year: Voices from the Lost Gardens. With many thanks to the wonderful Dame Judi Dench, who really could not have been a more perfect Oak.  

A perfect winter warmer, this one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens. Jimmy Docherty really makes me laugh and he knows his stuff too - farmer, entomologist, television presenter and I would add comedian.  Visit Jimmy's Farm and support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.  

This interview comes from a collection called Voices from the Ocean. It is such an important series as we really know so little about the ocean. It comes to us with thanks to Gallifrey Foundation and Mission Blue, finding experts from all over the world to give us their time and energy so that we can be entertained whilst being educated. “With knowing, comes caring, and with caring there's hope, that we can find an enduring place for ourselves within the natural systems that support us. But first, we have to know.” Dr Sylvia Earle And with many thanks to Marine Biologist, Lucy Woodall of Nekton  How to respect and protect seahorses Seahorses help protect seagrasses, seaweeds and coral reefs. They are important predators for bottom-dwelling organisms. But, they are often caught just to be sold as souvenir pets. Don't buy seahorses. Don't pollute the ocean with plastics and chemicals. Demand protection for seahorse habitats. Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

This is not a good time of year for hedgehogs in Britain so please take a couple of minutes to listen to this public service announcement from one. And please pass it on as far and wide as possible. Thank you.  With many thanks to Yvonne Cox, Founder of Hedgehog Rescue, South Gloucestershire www.hedgehogrescue.info Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author www.georgemcgavin.com @georgecmcgavin   Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

With many thanks to Matt Brierley, wildlife filmmaker www.sharksindeepwater.com @mattbrierley   Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

This is for Max, a Spider Ambassador, which we should all be really. Maybe once you've heard this fascinating House Spider, you may want to become one, it certainly changed my view of them.    with many thanks to Peter Smithers, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society Entomologist, University of Plymouth     Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Plants have a message too and as it's Spring, I thought it would be a good time to give the dandelion a voice. A favourite of the Ashy Mining Bee.   with many thanks Alex Morss Ecologist and Author www.alexmorss.co.uk   @morss_alex    Messages from the Wild on iTunes Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Some slugs are useful. And funny.   with many thanks to Dr Ben Rowson Senior Curator: Invertebrate Biodiversity (Terrestrial Mollusca), National Museum Cardiff https://museum.wales/cardiff/    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Messages from the Wild podcast has been hibernating (for good reason) but as spring has arrived in Europe now is the time to hear from the Ashy Mining Bee who will be out and about pollinating and building her nest in the ground in relative peace and quiet.   with many thanks to Rhian Rowson Natural History Curator, Bristol Museum, Galleries and Archives www.bristolmuseums.org.uk   Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author    That ends the First Season of Messages from the Wild. Please send any requests for animals you'd particularly like to hear from for the next season....coming soon. And please send feedback. Thank you for listening. Happy Christmas. Annabel  Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Many thanks to Anna for her wonderful illustrations www.fiverr.com/annabazyl     

With many thanks to Peter Rock, Urban Gull Expert, Research Associate, University of Bristol   Coming up next...The Highland Midge   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With thanks to Mark Pajak, Spider Expert, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries    Twitter: @markyspider   Coming up next...The Lesser Black Backed Gull   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl    

With many thanks to David Dewsbury, Wildlife Enthusiast and Researcher, Forest of Dean   Coming up next...The Purse Web Spider   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl    

With many thanks to Dr Amoret Whitaker, Senior Lecturer (University of Winchester) Scientific Associate (Natural History Museum, London)   coming up next...The Great Crested Newt   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl    

With many thanks to David Brown, Bat Specialist, Avon Bat Group   Coming up next...The Blow Fly   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With thanks to Ray Barnett, Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk   Coming up next...The Greater Horseshoe Bat   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author    Coming up next...The Earwig   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Gill Brown, Dormouse Specialist Surveyor, Bristol Naturalists’ Society   Coming up next...The Dung Beetle   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Ray Barnett, Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk   Coming up next...The Hazel Dormouse   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Rosamund Young, Farmer and Author www.thesecretlifeofcows.co.uk    Coming up next...The Holly Blue Butterfly   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Andrew Knight, Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics, University of Winchester www.andrewknight.info    Coming up next...The Cow   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Mark Pajak, Spider Expert, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries    Twitter:@markyspider   Coming up next...The Koala   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Ian McGuire, Wildlife Educator and Owl Specialist www.wildowl.co.uk    Coming up next...The Cellar Spider   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Gill Brown, Otter Specialist Surveyor, Bristol Naturalists’ Society   Coming up next...The Barn Owl   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Ray Barnett, Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk   Coming up next...The Otter   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Ed Drewitt, Naturalist, Broadcaster, Wildlife Detective www.eddrewitt.co.uk    Coming up next...The Ladybird   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author   Coming up next...The Peregrine Falcon   Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl    

With many thanks to Yvonne Cox, Hedgehog Rescue, South Gloucestershire www.hedgehogrescue.info   Coming up next...The Stag Beetle   Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Ray Barnett, Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk   Coming up next...The Hedgehog   Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to David Dewsbury, Wildlife Enthusiast and Researcher, Forest of Dean   Coming up next...The Click Beetle   Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Ian McGuire, Wildlife Educator and Owl Specialist www.wildowl.co.uk   Coming up next...The Adder   Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl  

With many thanks to Dr Amoret Whitaker, Senior Lecturer (University of Winchester) Scientific Associate (Natural History Museum, London)   Coming up next...The Buzzard   FEEDBACK to annabel@annabelross.com    Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

The Earthworm leads the way in a series of interviews with small animals about their life and the environment they live in.  One short interview with a different animal will be published each day for the next 24 days. Please let me know what you think of them and if there are any animals you would particularly like to hear from in the future. Thank you. annabel@annabelross.com  With many thanks to Nicky Scott, aka Dr Compost, Food Waste Educator, Community Compost Expert Dr Compost | Growing Devon Schools | Proper Job "I may have trained as an agronomist but I learned something new about earthworms today - listen in!" John Meadley  Coming up next...The Flea  Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl