Nature Magic

The Birds of Ireland, Jim Wilson with photography by Mark Carmody –Today Mary is talking to Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody.Jim Wilson in a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader and former chairman of Birdwatch Ireland. Mark Carmody has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European Patent Attorney. He is an award winning wildlife photographer.They have published a brand-new edition of this birdwatching field guide by leading experts (and uncle-nephew duo!) Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody at the end of March. It's the only photographic identification guide of its kind in Ireland and has been updated to include climate and habitat changes, 1600 photos and a list of birds of birds of conservation concern also. Their driving force behind the book was to increase awareness of Ireland's national heritage and landscape. Its publication date falls around springtime when the days are getting longer, and people are keen to explore nature around them. This book is the perfect companion!Buy the book

Today Mary is talking to Anna Murphy. Anna moved to Kinvara in 2001 and raised her three children here, and works in the village. Her main passion is environmental activism, and she has been  involved in Plastic Free Kinvara, Kinvara Climate Action, the Ballindereen Kinvara Tree gang and now Rights of Nature Galway. Activism gives me hope and can help with eco anxiety. " We need to re-imagine our relationship with Nature, and protect it  for this and future generations  to head off a looming sixth mass extinction"rightsofnaturegalway@gmail.comwww.ejni.net/rights-of-natureKinvara and Ballindereen tree gangwww.facebook.com/KBtreegang/Recommended book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer

Mary Bermingham wraps up the year with a short report on 2023 at The Burren Nature Sanctuary and a poem inspired by native Irish Trees. The Song of Ogham.

Today Mary is talking to Victoria Beeler. Victoria is a butterfly enthusiast and enjoys gardening, wildlife, nature, and learning. She and her family have helped with the Smith-Gilbert Gardens butterfly exhibit in Kennesaw, Georgia, U.S.A., and with releasing butterflies there. They have raised Monarchs—from eggs, to caterpillars, to chrysalis, and to emerging butterflies—in an outdoor butterfly garden habitat at home near Atlanta for the first time last fall and then released them into the wild to migrate! It was truly an incredible, inspiring, and transformative experience! Victoria has written a documentary book about her Monarch experience with raising and releasing them. In Journey with Monarchs: A Personal Experience of Raising and Releasing Monarchs in the Home Garden, she combines photos of the Monarchs' life stages and personal knowledge about Monarchs with the science. Monarchs are so special, and their legacy can be continued by planting native milkweed. Monarchs have also inspired Victoria to give native milkweed seeds as gifts (seeds of hope) to family and friends and Monarch books to children in her community to save and protect Monarchs and continue their legacy. Monarchs bring joy, hope, and continuity. Nature is a blessing. Planting native milkweed and creating a wildlife habitat are important to helping Monarchs, as well as birds, pollinators, and the ecosystem. It also connects people. All of creation is interconnected and weaves together a unique, dynamic tapestry of life. Victoria hopes that, together, we can spread joy to all and save the Monarchs and wildlife!Victoria's suggestions How We Can Support Nature: ·Create natural habitat in our yards and communities to support the full life cycles and food webs of local biodiversity and restore species populations. -Garden, pocket prairie/meadow (mini-prairie/meadow). -Try to let it grow naturally. Limit mowing to pathways (reduce mowing). ·Provide host and nectar plants (host-plant specialists / plant-insect interactions; no milkweed, no monarchs; no flowers, no pollinators; no insects, no balance). -“Insects are the animals that are best at transferring energy from plants to other animals…” (Doug Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, 2019). -Also include a “puddling station,” a place in the habitat area where butterflies and moths can absorb minerals from muddy soil and pebbles (place pebbles in a tray with water and mud).·Plant native plants and keystone plants (most beneficial to local ecosystems and increase biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and ecosystem function). -Top 20 native trees, like the oak, cherry, and willow, support over 5,000 butterfly and moth species (Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, 2019). -Oaks support about 557 caterpillar species- more than any one plant; oaks make the most food; excellent for supporting local food webs; oak = top keystone plant species. -Five percent of the local keystone plant species can host up to 75 percent of local Lepidoptera species (including some local keystone plant species benefits greatly) (Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, 2019). -U.S. resource: National Wildlife Federation's Native Plants Finder, which shows the native plants by zip code that support local species and food webs. -Try to remove and replace non-native, invasive species with native plants. -Balance: Plant mostly native plants, with some exceptions (a habitat space with primarily native and keystone plants benefits greatly; helps local ecosystem; having some native plants is better than none). -Replace with native plants gradually (manageable segments/tasks/goals); a process.·Provide shelter for non-migratory, overwintering butterflies and moths (safe caterpillar pupation sites) -Leaf litter for moth caterpillars to drop from their host trees, burrow into the leaves and/or soil, and spin their cocoons. -Leaf litter is also a food source for some caterpillars. -Leave plant stems, which provide nesting cavities for native bee species & pupation sites for caterpillars. -Fallen logs & branches, which provide nesting sites for native bee species. -Leave a bundle of sticks or brush pile for birds, other animals, & native bees to nest. -Thick or uncut vegetation. -Leave some weeds, which are host plants to some butterflies and moths. -“Leave an area of uncut grass all year round to provide shelter for pupating caterpillars (especially caterpillars that feed on grass) and for butterflies in reproductive diapause” (Biodiversity Ireland, “Gardening for Butterflies,” 2023). -Native trees to shelter roosting butterflies. -Include hedgerows (hawthorn and holly) -Have a layered landscape (horizontal layer—understory, with woodland/shade plants; middle layer—shrubs; and vertical layer—overstory/canopy, with trees). -Have a “continuous sequence of flowering plants (plants that flower continuously; perennials; benefits butterflies, moths, bees, and other pollinators)” (Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, 2019).·Feed the insects to feed the birds (create a garden/habitat space that welcomes all of nature). -A plant is a bird feeder, a pollinator feeder, and much more.·Pesticide-free/chemical-free.·Can include container plants.·If outdoor lighting (artificial light, which interferes with nocturnal insects and birds) is used, consider motion sensor lights instead (not continuous light) -Nocturnal insects (moths) usually get nectar from nocturnal flowers and need natural light from the moon (not artificial light) to find host and nectar plants and to mate; become easy targets for predators (visible) (Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, 2019).·Shade-grown coffee grown under native trees (shelter for birds).·Participate in citizen/community science (butterfly tagging and butterfly counts). -U.S.: -Monarch Watch tagging and the North American Butterfly Association's butterfly counts; Monarch Joint Venture and Save Our Monarchs (monarch organizations). -Other resources—Stokes Butterfly Book: The Complete Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Identification, and Behavior (1993) by Donald and Lillian Stokes and Ernest Williams -“MrLundScience” YouTube channel -Wings in the Meadow (1967) by Jo Brewer -Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants (2019) by Doug Tallamy -Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard (2019) by Doug Tallamy -The Living Landscape (2012) by Rick Dark and Doug Tallamy -Ireland: -Irish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (apart of the National Biodiversity Data Centre of Ireland)—note butterfly populations, flight patterns, and habitat availability from April-September. -Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count (Northern Ireland)—count the butterflies seen in a 15-minute period and upload results online. -Ireland threatened butterflies and moths (large white, small white, green-veined white, ringlet, small tortoiseshell, small copper, speckled wood, meadow brown, red admiral, peacock, painted lady, holly blue, common blue, six-spot burnet, and silver-Y). -Butterfly Conservation Ireland's National Garden Butterfly Survey—record butterflies seen in your garden over a 3-month period (https://butterflyconservation.ie).·Ireland butterfly resources -National Biodiversity Data Centre (Ireland)—“Ireland's Butterfly Series—Gardening for Butterflies: Helping Butterflies with Native Plants” PDF resource (https://biodiversityireland.ie). -Butterfly Conservation (Northern Ireland Branch)—“Do It Yourself” resources on butterfly and moth events, volunteering, counts and activities, and gardening (https://butterfly-conservation.org).·Ireland native larval host plants: -Buckthorn (brimstone butterfly) -Clovers (clouded yellow butterfly) -Nettle (comma, peacock, red admiral, and small tortoiseshell butterflies) -Trefoil and vetch (common blue and wood white butterflies) -Garlic mustard and watercress (green-veined white and orange-tip butterflies) -Holly and ivy (holly blue butterfly) -Brassicaceae family of plants and nasturtiums (large white and small white butterflies) -Fescues and meadow grasses (meadow brown and small heath butterflies) -Thistles (painted lady butterfly) -Violets (fritillary butterfly) -Sorrel (small copper butterfly)·Ireland native nectar plants: -Sedum -Verbena -Sage https://biodiversityireland.ie/app/uploads/2023/06/Rewilding-Yo

Today Mary is talking to Galway based artist Lorraine Fletcher. Lorraine's wildlife-inspired prints and giftware showcase the beauty and strength in animals through colour. Her studio is based here at The Burren Nature Sanctuary where there are endless inspirational views and wildlife.The paintings are a combination of vivid colours and focus on the subject, with the grey backgrounds the focus is on the animal. Expressions and compositions are important in Lorraine's work, with an importance on the beauty and strength in each animal, from the elegant stag to the curious and powerful owl.Lorraine also offers group and one to one wildlife painting workshops.Contact Lorraine Fletcher at lorrainefletcherartstudio.comContact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Isabella Tree is an award-winning journalist and author, and lives with her husband, the conservationist Charlie Burrell, in the middle of a pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex. She is author of six non-fiction books. Her book Wilding, the story of the ambitious journey she and Charlie undertook to rewild their farm, has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide and been translated into 8 languages. It won the Richard Jefferies prize for nature writing, was shortlisted for the Wainwright prize and was one of the Smithsonian's top ten science books for 2018. In 2020 Isabella was awarded a CIEEM Medal for her contribution to ecology and environmental management, and in 2021 she received the Royal Geographical Society's Ness Award. She served on the Mayor of London's 2022/3 Rewilding London Task Force. The Book of Wilding – a practical guide to rewilding big and small is published by Bloomsbury (2023) and has been described as ‘a handbook of hope' and ‘an indispensable guide to the restoration of the living planet'.Recommended books :Wilding By: Isabella TreeThe book of Wilding - A practical guide to rewilding big and small by Isabella Tree and Charlie BurrelContact Isabella through www.knepp.co.ukContact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieListen to Ours To Protect with Mary Bermingham herehttps://galwaybayfm.ie/podcasts/ours-to-protect-with-john-morley-ep-8/ Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Eoghan Daltun. Eoghan is a sculpture conservator, a High Nature Value farmer and, above all, a rewilder. Originally from Dublin, since 2009 he has lived with his two sons, Liam and Seánie, on their 73-acre farm near Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork.He released his hugely successful and award winning book late last year.An Irish Atlantic Rainforest winner of the An Post Irish Book Award winner, 2022'The stories are absorbing, the writing charismatic and the ideas thought-provoking' Irish Independent'Fascinating ... a manifesto for saving our own corner of the planet through letting things be' Irish Times, The Gloss'Daltun writes with passion and purpose of the way we should live now' RTÉ GuideOn the Beara peninsula in West Cork, a temperate rainforest flourishes. It is the life work of Eoghan Daltun, who had a vision to rewild a 73-acre farm he bought, moving there from Dublin with his family in 2009. An Irish Atlantic Rainforest charts that remarkable journey. Part memoir, part environmental treatise, as a wild forest bursts into life before our eyes, we're invited to consider the burning issues of our time: climate breakdown, ecological collapse, and why our very survival as a species requires that we urgently and radically transform our relationship with nature. This is a story as much about doing nothing as taking action - allowing natural ecosystems to return and thrive without interference, and in doing so heal an ailing planet. Powerfully descriptive, lovingly told, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest presents an enduring picture of the regenerative force of nature, and how one Irishman let it happen.Contact Eoghan Daltun at www.beararainforest.comBuy the book online at www.gutterbookshop.comwww.booksupstarirs.iewww.kennys.iewww.easons.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Richard Nairn.Richard is an ecologist and writer. His latest book is Wild Waters which is the third title in a trilogy which includes Wild Woods and Wild Shores. He is a lifetime naturalist who has worked as a nature reserve warden and was the first National Director of Birdwatch Ireland. He lives on a small farm in County Wicklow. Wild waters by Richard Nairn and published by Gill books is now available to purchase in book shops and online.Contact Richard Nairn at r.nairn236@gmail.comContact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Ambrose and Brid, master wood turners.We talk about the craft and the philosophy behind the creative arts. Ambrose began woodturning in 1993, he is interested in craft education His belief is that stated by W.B. Yeats “Education is not filling a pail, but lighting a fire”.His articles have been published by the former International Woodturning Centre in Philadelphia USA (now Centre for Wood Art).Ambrose believes that craft is the bridge between technology and art. He believes without a deep insight into the philosophy of the craft, any maker only possesses motor and dexterity skills. For craft to have real meaning and depth and relevance, it needs to have soul.All of these facets – making, teaching, writing and demonstrating reinforce each other and help to make me a better maker, a better teacher and, most of all, a better student. He describes himself as a true student of the woodturning field.Brid began woodturning in the year 2000. She makes functional items and one-off pieces of jewellery. She likes making small pieces as she is interested in exploring the shared qualities between woodturning and jewellery and use small pieces of wood with an interesting grain. As she works she enjoys revealing the unique beauty of each piece of wood. Often hidden on the back of the piece, is some little detail put there for the wearer's enjoyment only. Most of the pieces are made from native Irish woodsRecommended booksContact Ambrose or Brid at www.ambroseandbrid.comRecommended books:Unknown CraftsmanBernard LeechThe ElementKen RobinsonWhy we make things and why does it matterPeter KornContact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Support the Nature Magic Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/naturemagic Show websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Jethro Sheen.Jethro runs a stone carving business, Sheenstoneworks in Gort, South county Galway. He grew up in the countryside on a mountain with stunning views out over the Burren in County Clare. As children he had a very active outdoors lifestyle that was very close to nature on a day to day basis and also with hiking, camping and caving adventures both near and far. He started working with stone at around aged 14, and at aged 22 after a few years abroad started his own business. He has been in the South Galway area for the past twenty years, the past ten of which have been at the premises, a beautiful old historical stone house in Gort, which he now owns. It is here that he has his sculpture showrooms and gardens which are a constant work in progress.You can view his work at www.sheenstoneworks.ie and under the same name on facebook.Recommended book The Secret Life of Trees by Colin TudgeContact Professor Jethro Sheen at www.sheenworks.ie Contact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Support the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagic Show website www.naturemagic.ieYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@burrennaturesanctuary4758

Today Mary is talking to Emma Jane Rushworth.We are very excited that Emma is in the process of making a giant dragonfly for Burren Nature Sanctuary as part of our new interpretive trail. Emma has been making wire sculptures since 2015. Her Love For Wildlife And The Great Outdoors Shines Through In Her Work. She Works Continually On Commissioned Pieces In Her Workshop In Greystones County Wicklow Ireland. She Has Worked On A Number Of Projects This Year 2021 Including A Very Special Memorial Tree For The Lauralynn Children's Hospice. Contact Emma To Commission Your Unique And Special Piece For A Gift To Celebrate A Family Milestone Or To Cheer Up The Garden On A Winter Day. These Pieces Will Last A Lifetime In Your Garden. Her Commercial Work Included A Blackbird In Hands For The New Saint Kevan Port Hotel In Dublin And A Wildlife Scene On A Roundabout In Cobh Cork.Emma loves this quote “WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT. BUT THERE'S SOMETHING KIND OF FANTASTIC ABOUT THAT, ISN'T THERE? ”— FANTASTIC MR FOXContact Emma at www.emmajanerushworth.ieContact Martyn or Lindsay at Lima Design Studio at www.limastudio.co.uk mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Support the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow website www.naturemagic.ie

Welcome to the 2023 season of Nature Magic.It is hard to believe we are on episode 68 and have spoken to all those incredible nature advocates. This year we are changing it up a bit, we are focusing on crafts as a medium to connect people to nature. This series was sparked from a new project that is in progress at Burren Nature Sanctuary. We obtained a Leaser grant towards some audio artworks to help interpret the biodiversity of the Burren around the walks. The three sculptures are a 7 foot Ladies Tresses Orchid at the Meadow, a large dragonfly at the Turlough and a stone badger in the karst limestone habitat. Each sculpture will be accommpanyied by a wind up audio feature in five languages.As the new series topic is so visual we are adding a you tube video to each episode so you can immerse yourself in world of the craftspeople and see the process. We are moving from fortnightly to monthly episodes to accommodate the extra work in editing the videos.Our first guest is Davin Butler from Butler Sculputre. Davin is the youngest sibling in the butler family. He started sculpting in his teens and continued to do so part-time throughout college where he studied web development, before realising he wanted to do sculpting full-time. He draws inspiration and techniques from the rest of the family and focuses mostly on nature, the ocean, and people. He likes tribal and mythological art, and tries to blend this into the medium of copper.Davin has also been experimenting with applying different coloured enamels to his sculptures.His work has been displayed in galleries across Ireland, as well as in the 2 Michelin Star restaurant; Aimsir, in Kildare. We have loved Butler sculpture for many years and are delighted to launch our new series with Davin Butler as our guest.Please check out the you tube video on the Burren Nature Sanctuary channel,https://youtu.be/f21tsAmnO8Mas it is a lot of fun to see how Davin is building the large Ladies Tresses and also to take a sneaky look into the workshop and see the other pieces in the exhibition room. And call to see us when we reopen on April 1 and hopefully we will have up to three new sculptures installed!Contact Davin Butler at www.butlersculptures.comContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Support the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagic Show website www.naturemagic.ie

A thank you to all our wonderful guests this year and a Christmas gift The Song of Wandering Aengus by William Butler Yeats

Today Mary is talking to Minister Malcolm Noonan.He is a TD representing the Carlow Kilkenny Constituency and was appointed Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform in July 2020. First elected to Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny County Council in 2004, he has served sixteen years in local government and was Mayor of Kilkenny in 2009; the first Green Party Mayor in the City's long history. He served for a short time as Irish Delegate on the EU Committee of the Regions and Co-Chair of the All Island Nuclear Free Local Authorities Forum. Malcolm's background prior to entering electoral politics was in environmental and community activism, as a director and national coordinator with Friends of the Earth Ireland and involvement in community-based activism; biodiversity, climate action, mobility, disability advocacy, integration, Traveller development and mental health. His professional work has spanned landscape gardening, suicide prevention and graphic design. He holds qualifications in industrial design and a BA(Hons) in Rural Development.Contact Malcolm Noonan atmos@housing.gov.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Matthew Parkinson. Matthew is Director of Slow Cabins Ireland - a slow tourism focused accommodation start up. A Tyrone native who now calls Galway home, Slow Cabins was developed in Ireland through lockdown in conjunction with their Belgium sister business. Slow Cabins Ireland places off-grid cabins in hidden gem locations around Ireland, hoping to persuade people to take a short break here rather than flying away to far flung destinations abroad. Core to their business is working with partners in areas of natural beauty to help support and improve the host site. The Burren Nature Sanctuary just outside Kinvara is Slow Cabins Ireland first location and working together the pair aim to help preserve and share the sanctuary with visitors for years to come.Recommended booksIn Praise of SlowBy: Carl HonoreThe HatchetBy: Gary PaulsonContact Matthew Parkinsonwww.slowcabins.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Jack O'Donovan Trá. Jack is the Communications Officer at Fair Seas. Jack is blending the art of good comms with marine science to bring the message of ocean protection to a wide audience in an engaging and impactful way. Jack is a marine biologist by training and moved into comms and campaigns in 2018, and has since worked with many large international environmental coalitions and campaigns across Europe.Recommended booksThirty two words for fieldBy: Manchan MaganTree DogBy: Manchan MaganContact Jack O Donovan at www.fairseas.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Laura Kate (LK) Howells. LK designs and delivers environmental education programs inspired by nature, led by creativity, driven by solutions, and based on the notion that small actions done by many can make a big difference through her business Essentially Eco.This year she was 1 of 15 out of 166 applicants that received the Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund for her project Stories of Change. Stories of Change is a storytelling project that tells the tales of good people around Ireland doing good things for Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. She believes creativity is instrumental in communicating the challenges of the climate crisis and believes stories and solutions are an effective vehicle to stimulate interest, ignite the imagination and empower community-led climate action. When she isn't busy writing stories, organising exhibitions, or exploring South Kerry she is working for Concern Worldwide planning COP ON. A climate action festival of music, art, talks, and workshops. “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is. Youer than You.” DR Seuss.Resources COP ON Festival - New tab (copon.ie)Website - STORIES OF CHANGE - stories of good peopleInstagram - Stories and Climate Solutions (@stories_of_change_) • Instagram photos and videosJoin the Stories of Change Collective. Submit your story of change - Stories of Change. (google.com)Recommended booksBig Magic - E GilbertEat like a Fish- Bren Smith Rupi Kaur (poetry)Get in touch with LK at laurakatehowells@gmail.comGet in touch with Mary atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.iePhoto of LK by Harry Kerr from Memory Factory

Today Mary is talking to Neil Campbell, an ecologist living in Galway and helping Dr Colin Kelleher from the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin with the National Native seed bank project Neil has Masters and undergraduate degrees in Botany and Plant Sciences from NUI Galway He is interested in preserving and improving biodiversity and natural habitats with an interest in native Irish plants.Contact Neil Campbell atncampbell@mkoireland.ieContact Dr Colin Kelleher at botanicgardens@opw.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Gavin is founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, which has over 58,000 members in 120 countries. He is the author of the internationally bestselling Cloudspotter's Guide and Cloud Collector's Handbook as well as A Cloud A Day. Gavin is a winner of the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books. He is a TED Global speaker with over 1.3 million views. He has presented television documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4 and is a Visiting Fellow at the Meteorology Department of Reading University and winner of the Royal Meteorological Society's Michael Hunt award. Gavin co-founded the Idler, a magazine that argues for the importance of downtime in creative thinking.Join the Cloud Appreciation Societyhttps://cloudappreciationsociety.orgGet the bookhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Cloud-Day-Gavin-Pretor-Pinney Contact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Doug Allan.Doug is an Award-winning natural history photographer, documentary filmmaker, diver, author and public speaker. Doug's photographic awards include eight Emmys, five BAFTAs and five Wildscreen Pandas. In his 35 years of filming he's been involved with more than 65 films, freelancing for the BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and others. He was principal cameraman on many prestigious award-winning programmes, making over 25 trips to the Antarctic and more than 30 across the Arctic, filming for series including Hostile Planet, Forces of Nature, Operation Iceberg, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Human Planet, Life, Planet Earth, The Blue Planet and Life in the Freezer. Doug is on tour in Ireland - check out the dates on his websitehttps://dougallan.comContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Ruth Hanniffy. Ruth is Species Conservation Officer at the Vincent wildlife trust and is based at the National University of Ireland GalwayShe is presently undertaking a dietary analysis of lesser horseshoe bats but today we are talking to her about that ancient elusive irish creature the Pine Martin or tree cat. The pinemartin is rarely seen and only really spoken about when it has created mischief. Ruth is a voice for the pinemartin so that we can learn more about this beautiful animal and why it is a key predator in our ecosystem and how we can easily manage any conflict that may arise with humans.https://www.vincentwildlife.ie/https://biodiversityireland.iehttps://pinemarten.ie/

After various requests this week's episode is a brief description of The Burren Nature Sanctuary; it's vision and mission. Mary paints a picture of the home of Nature Magic to help people place the podcast in the landscape that it is broadcasting from.Visit the website www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie to find out moreOr email Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Dr Stephen Newton. senior Seabird Conservation OfficerStephen is responsible for managing the long-term conservation projects at Rockabill (Roseate Terns), Kilcoole (Little Terns) and a variety of other seabird monitoring and research initiatives, including the FAME and MarPAMM programmes which have focused on deploying loggers on seabirds to identify key feeding areas and migration strategies.Away from seabirds, Stephen has coordinated surveys of Choughs, upland birds and was a member of the team who developed the ‘Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland' concept back in 1999. He is also Chairperson of the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel and in his spare-time is a keen local patch ‘Birdtracker'.Recommended booksCollins Bird GuideBy: Lars SvenssonContact Dr Stephen Newton at info@birdwatchireland.ieFind ways to get involved herehttps://birdwatchireland.ie/get-involved/https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/birdtrackContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is speaking to Éanna Ní Lamhna.Éanna is an Irish biologist, environmental consultant, radio and television presenter, author and educator. She is one of the best-known public figures in Ireland in the area of nature and the environment. Her books include Talking Wild, Wild and Wonderful and Straight Talking Wild.Her latest book Our Wild WorldFrom the birds and bees to our boglands and the ice capsis available from O Brien PressContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary gives a brief outline of her experience at the National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin Castle that took place over two days in June 2022. Act Now For Naturehttps://www.biodiversityconference.ie/

Féidhlim Harty is an environmental consultant and writer. His company, FH Wetland Systems, established in 1996, offers designs and guidance on waterway repair and rewilding, eco-friendly wastewater treatment, and holistic landuse management for catchment protection and regeneration. His recent books include Towards Zero Waste and Permaculture Guide to Reed Beds. www.wetlandsystems.ie

Today Mary is talking to Harrison Gardner. Harrison is a builder, teacher and co-founder of Common Knowledge, the non-profit social enterprise focused on sharing skills for a sustainable life. He has 15 years experience designing and managing the construction of conventional, sustainable and alternative buildings worldwide. His current focus is on facilitating the creation of community spaces whilst teaching the core construction principles and techniques needed to build more efficient, affordable and sustainable structures. He has just released a new book entitled BUILD YOUR OWN, instructing owner-builders on the fundamentals of construction, and is currently filming ‘Build Your Own', a 5 part TV series with RTE which is due to broadcast in the Autumn of 2022.https://www.harrisongardner.net/Buy the book!https://bit.ly/3wlSfK0Contact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Janet Jones. Janet applies brain science to the training of horses and riders. She earned her Ph.D. from UCLA and taught the neuroscience of perception, language, memory, and thought for 23 years. Janet trained horses at a large stable early in her career, and later ran a successful horse training business of her own. She has schooled hundreds of green or difficult horses and competed in hunter, jumper, halter, reining, and western pleasure disciplines. Her 2020 book Horse Brain, Human Brain won Japan's Equine Culture Award and is being translated into seven languages.www.janet-jones.comwww.facebook.com/Janet-Jones-Horse-Brains-104485187713379/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/horse-brain-human-brain Photo of Janet by The Untamed Image

Today Mary is talking to John Carrig. John set up The Barn Owl project in January 2019 to help with conservation of Barn Owls in Ireland. Johnis a published wildlife photographer and has been involved in wildlife conservation and rescue for many years. The project team consists of a number of wildlife experts covering conservation rescue and rehabilitation of Barn Owls in Ireland.Find John on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/BarnowlprojectirelandOr on his website at https://www.thebarnowlproject.comRecommended bookBarn Owl Trust Conservation Handbook A Comprehensive Guide for Ecologists, Surveyors, Land Managers and Ornithologists - Conservation HandbooksContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Elaine Butler. Elaine runs the website Living Lightly in Ireland. This website is a sustainable living guide with all the information needed to live a greener life; from where to shop, to what to cook. She has been featured in the Irish Times, The Irish Independent, and on Radio 1, RTE and Virgin Media. https://livinglightlyinireland.comFor second hand clothes try Depophttps://www.depop.com/

Welcome back to Nature Magic after our winter hibernation! Today Mary is talking to Lisa Tully. Lisa is professional animal healer & communicator She has an international practice working with all kinds of species. Lisa travelled to Mongolia to study shamanic healing for animals. During her studies she learnt to identify the root causes behind any mental, emotional, physical or spiritual challenges animal companions may be facing & she creates holistic programs to heal them. With a science background she understands both sides of the coin and collaborates with homeopathic vets when needed. By communicating directly with animals of all kinds she gives them a voice, thus, deepening our human understanding of their essential nature, needs and messages. Working through photos or in person her work reaches any animal anywhere.www.animalhealing.iewww.horsehealing.ieSocial media @animalhealinglisatullyRecommended book: Wild Health by Cindy Engel

The nature magic podcast is taking a short break - We wish you all a very happy holidays and for the final episode of 2021 Today Mary is reading a short story that she wrote based on real life events. Thank you for all the support spreading a positive voice for nature from Ireland- See you in 2022!Contact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Conor Ruane. Conor is a Community Water Officer with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) covering Galway and South Roscommon. Conor works with voluntary groups to support projects focusing on the protection of rivers, lakes, coastal, and groundwater. Conor previously worked as a freshwater ecologist carrying out ecological surveys and river restoration works. More Information on LAWPRO; https://lawaters.ie/The Draft River Basin Management Plan; https://drbmp-vcr.ie/Funding for community groups; https://lawaters.ie/funding/Conor's Twitter; https://twitter.com/ruane22LAWPRO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAWPROteamLAWPRO Twitter; https://twitter.com/watersprogramme?lang=enRecommended booksWildingBy: Isabella TreeContact Conor Ruane atcruane@lawaters.ieContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Nancy Striniste, as part of our mini series of nature educators. Nancy has a lot of amazing advice to offer. She is Director of East Coast Programs for Green Schoolyards America; and founder and principal designer at EarlySpace. Nancy has a unique background as both a landscape designer and an early childhood educator and she has worked with schools, childcare centers, municipalities and organizations across America to create beautiful, sustainably designed natural play and learning spaces.Nancy is the author of Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children to the Natural World. She teaches at Antioch University New England in their Nature-based Early Childhood Education Graduate Program, serves on the Nature Play Work Group of the Maryland Partnership for Children and Nature, and on the Leadership Team of NoVA Outside. Recommended books:Asphalt to Ecosystems: Design Ideas for Schoolyard Transformation by Sharon DanksSchools That Heal: Design with Mental Health in Mind by Claire LatanéHow to Grow a School Garden: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers by Arden Buckin- Sporer and Rachel Kathleen Pringle. (that one is out of print but available used online)The websites mentioned are GreenSchoolyards.org The National Outdoor Learning Library can be found at https://www.greenschoolyards.org/covid-learn-outsideContact Nancy at www.earlyspace.comContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is speaking to Wildlife warrior Matilda. Matilda moved from Australia to Ireland a couple of years ago. Matilda is a conservationist and activist and we became aquainted two years ago when she was running a fundraiser for wildlife aged 6She is part of the Australian zoo wildlife warrior programme. The vision of the programme is that people, wildlife and habitat survive and prosper without being detrimental to the existence of each other.Their mission is to be the most effective wildlife conservation organisation in the world through the delivery of outstanding outcome-based programs and projects, inclusive of humanity.Matilda was inspired by seeing Steve Irwin on TV and when she visited the Australian zoo that he founded. She has a facebook page Wildlife Warrior Matilda and runs fun events in her area including litter picking days. We all have this innate love for nature and wildlife but somewhere along the way life distracts us. Matilda is on the podcast today to remind you how we should all be caring for our fellow creatures.Recommended bookSanta Koala by Colin BuchananCheck out the Australia Zoohttps://wildlifewarriors.org.au Contact Wildlife Warrior Matilda athttps://www.facebook.com/wildlifewarriormatildaContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Nikita Zimov, director of Pleistocene park. Nikita is a Russian scientist at the cutting edge of the fight against climate change. Nikita and his father Sergey have been resurrecting an Ice Age biome since 1998. Pleistocene Park is a major initiative that includes an attempt to restore the mammoth steppe ecosystem, which was dominant in the Arctic in the late Pleistocene era. The initiative requires replacement of the current unproductive northern ecosystems by highly productive pastures which have both a high animal density and a high rate of biocycling. (Biocycling is the cycle through which energy and essential substances are transferred among species)Grazing ecosystems in the Arctic promote climate cooling through series of ecological effects.Experiments with animal reintroductions were begun in 1988 including 8 major herbivore species: reindeer, Yakutian horse, moose, bison, musk ox, yak, Kalmykian cow and sheep. It will soon hopefully welcome the genetically cloned Woolly Mammoth that is predicted to be born in the next six years.This project has the capacity to spread across the Arctic region and reduce worldwide carbon emissions by up to 20%. We have much to thank these tough resilient scientists who started and have been running Pleistocene Park with no recognition until very recently. Suddenly everyones heads are turned in their direction and the world is looking at their important work and their life's quest to save this planet.Nikita Zimov is the Director of Pleistocene Park, a nature reserve on the Kolyma River south of Chersky in the Sakha Republic, Russia, in northeastern Siberia. In the early 2000s, Nikita attended one of Russia's top science high schools, in Novosibirsk, and then stayed there at the state university for undergraduate and master's degrees in math and computer modeling.Nikita grew up on the research station and returned to the Arctic after graduation to contribute to the scientific discoveries and development of the Pleistocene Park. The park is a scientific experiment on reconstruction of grazing ecosystems in the Arctic and mitigating climate change. It was originally found by Sergey Zimov, Nikita's father, in 1988. The aim of the project and Zimov's work is to research the climatic effects of the expected changes in the ecosystem as it relates to permafrost melting.Contact Nikita and check out the project at https://pleistocenepark.ruRecommended book39 Ways to save the planetBy:Tom HeapContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ieWe would like to thank Professor Martin Bunzl for sponsoring this episodeFind his new book Thinking While Walkinghttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-while-Walking-Reflections-Pacific/dp/0578882221www.mbunzl.com

Today Mary is talking to Professor Martin Bunzl. Martin taught Philosophy at Rutgers University in New Jersey for 40 years Much of his work has revolved around the nature of scientific knowledge and in his new book Thinking While Walking reflections on the pacific quest trail….. He delves into difficult topics such as these.•Millions of trees along the trail are being destroyed by beetles. If we have a duty of respect to nature, why does that respect not extend to the beetles?•We have rights, and perhaps other animals do as well, but does nature itself have rights? If not, how do we ground our duty to respect it?•We have inherited a distinction between the natural and the “man-made”. How does that affect how we think about nature and our relationship to it?It was a lot of fun discussing nature and ethics with Martin and I am sure you will enjoy trying to figure out these mind riddles that will inhabit your thinking for days after the conversation…Check out Professor Bunzl's book 'Thinking While Walking, reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail' athttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0949J8939Contact Professor Martin Bunzl atwww.mbunzl.comRecommended booksA Theory of JusticeBy: John RawlsNaming and Necessity By: Saul KripkeAn Inconvenient TruthBy:Al GoreContact Mary Bermingham atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport the Nature Magic Podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagicShow websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Joe Slattery. Joe is an Experienced Addiction counsellor and coordinator of the NorthStar Family Support Project, a community based project in Limerick , Joe is a specialist in-dealing with issues of substance abuse with adolescents and their families. Joe is the Irish network coordinator and advanced certified in the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Counselling and CEO of JS Equine Assisted Therapies. Joe is a public speaker/educator in the area of drug abuse and disadvantage and the important role horses can play in supporting people to heal from emotional and physical distress. He is TEDx talk is well worth a watch- Joe shares his own experience of growing up in a socially deprived area of Ireland and how horses helped him cope in that environment.Contact Joe at https://jsequinetherapies.ie/Watch Joe's Tedx talk herehttps://www.ted.com/talks/joe_slattery_how_horses_can_help_us_to_find_the_answers_from_withinWatch Joe on the Tommy Tiernan Show on the RTE playerCheck out the Eagle method on You Tubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/EAGALAVideosRecommended bookTransforming Therapy Through Horses (Eagala method)By:Lynn Thomas, Mark Little and Brenda DammannThis episode is sponsored by Martin BunzlCheck out Martin's new book Thinking While Walking - Reflections while walking the Pacific Crest Trail https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-while-Walking-Reflections-Pacific/dp/0578882221

Today Mary is talking to Randal Plunkett, 21st Baron of Dunsany Castle, in County Meath. The Plunkett family motto is: Make Haste Slowly and through Randal's dedication to rewild the estate he is at the forefront of the battle to fight the biodiversity crisis. The ancient slow growing trees are the backbone to the project that leaves 750 acres to nature. A charismatic figure, Randal is a film director and movie maker and as he said himself ‘a bit of a goth' His latest movie: The Green Seais available to rent on Sky and You Tube now. It is appropriate to his character that his favourite tree is the Yew, typically found in graveyards. His love for heavy metal music and an inate anger at injustice creates a force to be reckoned with. He is holding up the flag amongst an army of eco warriors to fight against the destruction of nature and our planet.Connect with Randal at randalplunkett@gmail.comCheck out Dunsany Estate on Facebook and InstagramCheck out Randal Plunkett on Facebook and InstagramRent The Green Sea on You Tube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNg3ISYG5JkRecommended bookRewilding by Isabella TreeCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out the Burren Nature Sanctuary café and shop lease at https://www.daft.ie/commercial-properties-for-rent/kinvara-galwayNature Magic Websitewww.naturemagic.ie

Today Mary is talking to Kushal Jayakumar and Anees Ali from the Ecology department of Christ Junior College, Bangalore on their new podcast Geeks in Suits.Geeks in Suits are on a quest to unravel the journeys of experts in various fields with an enquiry on Physis-Nomos!We talk about the biodiversity crisis, species on the edge of extinction and the healing power of nature. Contact Geeks in Suits at 20p0630@cjc.christcollege.eduContact Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out the Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieBuy the Nature Magic book at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nature-Magic-Engage-Everyone-Biodiversity-ebook/dp/B08DL7L43MBuy DUST- An Irish Fairy Tale at https://www.amazon.co.uk/DUST-Ms-Mary-Therese-Bermingham/dp/1838105328

Today Mary is talking to Dr Karen L. Bacon. Karen is a plant ecologist and palaeoecologist based in Botany & Plant Sciences at the National University of Ireland, Galway. She completed her PhD in plant palaeoecology in 2012 in University College Dublin. After spending several years in the UK, she returned to Ireland in 2019. Dr Bacon's interests span palaeobotany to modern plant ecology and incorporates elements of plant biology, geology and chemistry. She is particularly interested in understanding plant extinction and how plants respond to environmental change both in a modern context and in relation to environmental upheavals, such as mass extinctions, in the geological record. She is also interested in taphonomy, the science of fossil preservation, and understanding what quality of information can be determined from the fossil record. Her modern ecological research focuses on invasive species, plant chemistry, ecosystem services, and plant awareness (plant blindness).Some links:Dr Karen Bacon NUI Galway page: https://www.nuigalway.ie/our-research/people/natural-sciences/kbacon/ Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2020 State of the World's Plants and Fungi: https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi BBC article on plant blindness: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190425-plant-blindness-what-we-lose-with-nature-deficit-disorder Biodiversity:National Biodiversity Data Centre (great resource): https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/ Link to the government page asking the public what research they would like funded. https://creatingourfuture.iePlease go to this page and highlight what you would like funded- (plant biodiversity etc)Some questions for people seeking election:-Do you consider biodiversity and the biodiversity crisis a priority? If no, why not?-How will you fund research and support for biodiversity in Ireland?-What do you think the most important thing the government can do to support biodiversity is? How will you achieve that?Recommended booksA walk in the woods By: Bill Byron and William Roberts Wildflowers of IrelandBy: Zoe DevlinContact Mary mary@burrennaturesanctuaryieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary on Instagram, Facebook or on the websitewww.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Aga Grandowicz. Aga is a multi-award winning art director, graphic designer and wildlife illustrator.Aga studied graphic design, graphic art, fine arts and traditional photography in ASP Gdansk (Academy of Fine Arts Gdansk) and Shortly after completing her masters in 2003, with the highest honours, she set up her graphic design practice and started working for a large variety of Polish businesses. In 2006, in search of adventure and inspiration, Aga has moved to Ireland where she still lives and works.Her first book, created together with Rob Maguire, ‘Dr Hibernica Finch's Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals' (published by Little Island in 2018) was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards 2018, Literacy Ireland Children's Book Award 2019, and won Aga the Honour Award for Illustration in CBI's Book of the Year Award 2019.Since the book's publication, Aga has been involved in a working on biodiversity-related projects – contributing to them with her design and illustration skills, and now she works towards making it her new career path.Her second book - 'Remarkable creatures - a short guide to Irish disappearing animals', has been published in June 2021 by Natural World Publishing.More info here:https://aga-grandowicz.com/content/about-and-contactAga is using all her skills to play her part in tackling the biodiversity crisis that is challenging our worldRecommended books:Dr Hibernica Finch's Compelling Compendium of Irish AnimalsRemarkable creatures - a short guide to Irish disappearing animalsBy: Aga GrandowizcBonkers about BeetlesFantastic about FrogsObsessive about Octopuses Smart about SharksCurious about CrocodilesMad about MonkeysCrazy about Cats By: Owen DaveyFlying Eye Press30 Second ZoologyBy: Mark FellowesContact Aga at More info here:https://aga-grandowicz.com/content/about-and-contactContact Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary atwww.burrennaturesanctuary.ieSupport Nature Magic athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagic?

Today Mary is talking to Gearoid McEvoy, a 21-year-old Irish Wildlife Biology graduate and the founder of Reforest Nation that has just hit it's goal of planting 50,000 trees in Ireland. Burren Nature Sanctuary has partnered with Reforest nation to plant 1000 trees this Autumn. Their new goal is 1 million trees planted- listen in to the amazing story of how one young person started Reforest nation in lockdown during a global pandemic. A message from Gearóid...I have a passion for all creatures big and small and I want to do something that really makes a difference for our environment. Of all the things humans have done to destroy the planet, the removal of its trees has to be one of the most noticeable and heartbreaking. Through deforestation, we've cut down about half the world's trees. This amounts to an area about 4 and a half times the size of Europe.Despite how heartbreaking the destruction of the natural world is to me, past and current generations have done little to stop this destruction. That's why I decided to become a wildlife biologist to help protect endangered species around the world. It's also why I've set up this initiative to help give back to my own country's environment and give an opportunity for others to do the same.I'm going to put my heart and soul into this project along with my passionate team and I hope you'll be able to see that from the work we're doing. We have big ambitions to make a big impact and are excited to make our members proud. Let's get to 1,000,000!!!Check out Reforest Nation atwww.reforestnation.ieRecommended books:How did we get into this mess?By: George MonbiotSapiensBy:Yuval Noah HarariCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ieNature Magic Podcast websitewww.naturemagic.ieSupport Nature Magic at https://www.patreon.com/naturemagic

Today Mary is talking to Conor W. O'Brien, author of Life in Ireland- A short history of a long time. Available to purchase athttps://irishacademicpress.ie/product/life-in-ireland-a-short-history-of-a-long-time/Conor is a wildlife writer and photographer, with a lifelong interest in the natural world. His work has been published in Ireland's Own, Irish Wildlife magazine and Wings, the official publication of Birdwatch Ireland, in which he wrote about Ireland's extinct birds. Conor's first book, Ireland Through Birds: Journeys in Search of a Wild Nation, was nominated for Best Irish Published Book of the Year at the 2019 An Post Irish Book Awards. He is a member of Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust, and has given presentations on the great auk and Ireland's Ice Age fauna to the latter. Conor is from Wicklow Town, he now lives in County Meath. Recommended books:Life in Ireland- A short history of a long timeBy: Conor W O Brien My Garden World By: Monty Don Europe: A Natural History By: Tim FlanneryOur Inner Ape: The best and worst of human natureBy: Frans de Waal The cultural lives of whales and dolphinsBy: Hal Whitehead and Luke RendellFive in Five- Trinity Botany Department short video on Burren Florahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYgysq6oUYoContact Conor atobrienconor@live.ieContact Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

Today Mary is talking to Dr Joseph Bruchac, proud Nulhegan Abeneki citizen and respected elder of his tribe. For over forty years Joseph Bruchac has been creating literature and music that reflects his indigenous heritage and traditions. He is the author of more than 170 books for children and adults. His best selling Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children series, with its remarkable integration of science and folklore, continues to receive critical acclaim and to be used in classrooms throughout the USA. Joseph attended Cornell University from 1960 to 1965, initially majoring in Wildlife Conservation and then switching his major to English, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Zoology. He attended Syracuse University from 1965-66 on a Creative Writing fellowship and graduated with a Master's degree in English with a creative writing thesis. He also did 3 years of postgraduate study at SUNY Albany, then transferred to the Union Institute of Ohio where he earned his Ph.D.He has 2 honorary Doctorates — from SUNY Potsdam and Wheelock College (which is now a part of Boston University)His work has won many honours His book Jim Thorpes bright path won the Carter Woodson Book award, he holds among many others a Rockefeller humanities fellowship, the Cherokee nation prose award and the storyteller and writer of the year awards from the wordcraft circle of native writers and storytellers Contact Dr Joseph Bruchac at nudatlog@earthlink.netVisit his website athttps://www.josephbruchac.com/Contact Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieRecommended books:Keepers of the EarthBy: Dr Joseph BruchacJoseph Bruchac's newest book: A Peacemaker for Warring Nations:The Founding of the Iroquois LeagueWith illustrations by Daniel Kanietakeron FaddenOur Inner ApeBy: Dr Frans De WallFabres book of InsectsBy: Jean Henri FabreAutumn Across AmericaBy: Edwin Way TealeA People's Ecology By: Gregory CajeteRecommended author: Roger Tory PetersonLink to Choctaw Feather sculpture famine memorial https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindred_Spirits_(sculpture)Support the Nature Magic podcast athttps://www.patreon.com/naturemagic

Today Mary is talking to Dan Donoher Animal Manager of Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland's brand new Wildlife Hospital.Dan is amongst a group of admirable people who this year started the first Wildlife hospital in Ireland. The emergency facility is in Garlow Cross, County Meath in an adapted barn and stables. Dan worked previously at the wildlife unit in Kildare Animal Foundation. He is an advanced oiled wildlife responder and assistant Instructor on WRI wildlife courses.He is WRI Rehabilitation & Outreach Manager and contributes to radio, TV and print articles to support WRI.The Emergency Hospital in Garlow Cross, Co Meath is a national Hospital, a resource to benefit wildlife from all over the country. It is adapted from an empty barn and stables to cater for injured wild animals, and the volunteers need all the help they can get financially, and in-kind, to have this Hospital fully functional for orphaned and injured wildlife.Contact Dan and check out the wildlife hospital at http://wildlifehospital.ieCheck out Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland at http://wri.ieGet in touch with Mary atMary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary atwww.burrennaturesanctuary.ieBook a Fairy Pig Walk athttps://www.airbnb.ie/experiences/446234

Today Mary is talking to Ramiro D. Crego. Ramiro is a conservation biologist from Argentina, living on the farm at Burren Nature Sanctuary with his wife Nora and their rescue cat, Alba and currently working remotely as a postdoctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, USA. Ramiro has been studying birds and mammals inhabiting semi-arid grasslands of Argentina and Kenya, and temperate forests in southern Chile. In his studies, Ramiro investigates how our human actions are affecting ecosystems to find conservation solutions that can benefit both wildlife and the people that live and depend on it. Ramiro is also interested in addressing the interconnection between ecology and society from a biocultural conservation approach, using metaphors that integrate ecological research with philosophy and native American worldviews.www.ramirodcrego.comRecommended booksThe elephant whispererBy: Lawrence Anthony Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? By: Frans de WaalContact Mary atmary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieCheck out Burren Nature Sanctuary atwww.burrennaturesanctuary.ieIf you are interested in leasing our award winning cafe and shop please check it out at https://www.daft.ie/commercial-property-for-rent/burren-nature-sanctuary-cloonasee-kinvara-co-galway/3222122

Today Mary is talking to Janie Chodosh, author of 'The Elephant Doctor of India'. She is an undergraduate at the University of Michigan and majored in biology, ecology, natural resources management, creative writing, and poetry. After college, she moved to Yosemite National Park where she worked as a naturalist and educator and learned to rock climb and backcountry ski.For her thesis as a graduate student in the University of Montana's environmental studies she traveled to a rural community on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico to develop an environmental education program focusing on neotropical migratory songbirds (a fancy title for birds that breed in the north and winter south of the border). She moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work as the education director for the state Audubon Society and later as a teacher.When not writing she loves to hang out with her family, rock climb, try to grow a garden in the arid southwest, bird watch, muck around in cool places, travel, and attempt to play Klezmer music on her violin!Contact Janie through her website with links to all her bookshttps://janiechodosh.com/Elephant friendly teahttps://www.elephantorigins.comRecommended books: The Soul of an Octopus By Sy MontgomeryH is for Hawk Vesper FlightsBy Helen McDonaldBeyond WordsBy Carl SafinaEarth's Wild MusicBy Kathleen Dean MooreContact Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ieThe elephant whisperer whose name I couldn't remember in the podcast was Lawrence Anthony.'No one knows how, but the elephants travelled from one corner of the vast game reserve to the other, and came to Anthony’s home, and stood right outside of it, in the same way as they mourn the passing of one of their family members. They stood there for nearly two days, after which they dispersed again.'

Today Mary is talking to Dr. Claire Warden. Claire is an advocate for outdoor learning. Among many achievemnts she is Founder of Living Classrooms, the International Association of Nature Pedagogy and the Mindstretchers Academy.Claire is also director of the wonderful Auchlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland where children spend 80% of their day outside.She received the international award 'Exceptional Master Leader' for her work on the Floorbooks Approach and she has written many other educational books including ‘Nature Kindergartens and Forest schools’ Get in touch with Claire at https://www.Claire-warden.comCheck out Auchlone Nature Kindergarten at https://www.auchlone.co.ukGet in touch with Mary at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Recommended booksThe Little Grey MenBy: B.B.

Today Mary is speaking to Warwick Schiller. Warwick is a You tube superstar with over 20 million views of his horse training videos. Warwick moved from his home country of Australia in his 20s to the United States. He became NRHA Reserve World Champion representing Australia at the 2010 & 2018 World Equestrian Games. Warwick's ever-evolving training philosophy places the horse's mental well-being at the forefront of every interaction. He now spends his time helping people create deep and meaningful relationships with their horses, by helping them to change their perceptions about their horses and themselves. Warwick has over 600 training videos on his online video platform, designed to create a relaxed, connected and skilled equine partner.His podcast Journey On digs deep into the soul of the horse and the human.Warwick Schiller is changing the way we train the horse and the way we think about ourselves.https://www.youtube.com/c/WarwickSchiller/videoshttps://www.warwickschiller.com/podcast/https://www.warwickschiller.com

Today Mary is talking to Professor David Sobel as a contributor to the nature educators series within Nature Magic. David is a Professor in the Education Department at Antioch University New England. He consults and speaks widely on child development and place-based education with schools, environmental organisations and the National Park Service in the US. He has authored eight books and more than 70 articles focused on children and nature for educators, parents, environmentalists and school administrators in the last 30 years. His published books include Beyond Ecophobia and Place-based Education:: Design Principles for Educators and Wild Play, Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors,. His most recent book is Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens published by Redleaf Press. He was recognized as one of the Daring Dozen educational leaders in the United States in 2007. This interview investigates David’s deep connection with nature and how he believes we can foster the innate spiritual connection that children have with the natural world and how this benefits humanity and our planet. Recommended books The Last Beautiful Days of AutumnBy: John Nichols The Ecology of Imagination in ChildhoodBy: Edith CobbThe Magical ChildBy: Joseph Chilton PearceAn Indian Boyhood By: Charles A. EastmanThe Tender Carnivore and the Sacred Game By: Paul ShepherdFind books by David Sobel here:https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/davidsobelbooksContact David: mailto:dsobel@antioch.eduContact Mary:mary@burrennaturesanctuary.iewww.burrennaturesanctuary.ie