The Lodge Cast

Well, listeners, that's nearly it for Series 4! We have one treat left for you to round-off our debut foray into the essential topic of 'beavers and farming.' We are joined by Lee Schofield, acclaimed author of Wild Fell and Senior Site Manager atRSPB Haweswater in Cumbria.  Lee is a master at managing vast areas of intensively worked land in a way which favours both people and nature, finding it a test of patience, economics and bravery to embrace change. Wild Fell explores the fragility of the British countryside and discusses the many impacts that humans and farming, particularly in Cumbria, have had on nature and wildlife, and reflects on the things that are being done, and could potentially, be done, to create a landscape that works for everyone.  With Lee we reflect on the lessons learnt from the previous three discussions in Series 4, and look ahead to the all-important: 'what's next?' in Britain's journey with beavers, and regenerative agriculture.  Also coming up: the final #FactOff of the series and a special visit from marvellous Producer Emma, who will give the final scores of the series! Need we say more? Dive on in!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

In this episode, we hop into driver's seat behind crucial environmental decisions, and talk money. It might not sound like a hot topic, but it's a vitally important one. Money, as is so often the case, is the backbone of species reintroduction programmes. And this topic is also a great opportunity to sit across the table and explore the importance and role of government departments like DEFRA and their advisory organisations like Natural England, in ensuring a robust and positive future for nature in Britain. We are joined by Delphine Pouget, Principal Adviser for the Species Reintroduction Programme and the 'beaver lead' at Natural England, the government's advisory body for nature in England.  Natural England issue the wildlife management licences that are required to move, capture or kill beavers, or to damage their homes and breeding sites in England. They also work with stakeholders and offer beaver management training and education . Delphine gives an uplifting and fascinating insight into how Natural England are approaching beaver reintroduction, and how to finance a future which benefits both nature and people.  Also coming up: another enlightening #FactOff challenge and Sophie sees how many famous beavers Eva knows in the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

In this episode, we are joined by two key voices in the 'beavers and farming' world.  Keen to better understand what it's really like to have wild beavers living on your land, we're joined by the Head of Wildlife and Conservation, Sam Bridgewater, and Head of Agriculture, Sam Briant-Evans, at Clinton Devon Estates - a major landowner stewarding 25,000 acres across East Devon's River Otter Catchment. The estate was a core partner in the River Otter Beaver Trial, working with Devon Wildlife Trust, the University of Exeter and Derek Gow Consultancy on the game-changing five-year study. The trial, from 2015-2020, determined that beavers could provide benefits to both nature and people if allowed to live wild in the English countryside. Three years on, and the reality of living with beavers is a daily task. The beavers themselves can need careful management, and often a big and important consideration is working with local communities and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aware and informed of the various impacts. Both Sams' offer fascinating and honest insights into the highs and lows of managing beavers, and how a well-managed, supported future alongside them is something we must expect and hope for. Also coming up: another riveting #FactOff challenge and Eva sees how beavery Sophie really is in the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

Greetings fair listeners! And welcome back to a brand new, shiny series of Beaver Trust's The Lodge Cast! We're excited to bring you an evolved format. Full disclosure: we're going a bit more beaver. Each new series will be a deep dive into a core discussion area around beaver restoration in Britain, starting with...beavers and farming.  To kick-start a fantastic Series 4, we are joined by Sarah Langford, London barrister-turned-regenerative farmer and author of the acclaimed book, Rooted. Through this book and her recent work, Sarah explores the current situation farmers face in the UK, and the changes to the industry over the last few generations. Her grandfather and uncle both farmed, but she headed for life in the city as a young adult, before returning to life in the countryside to run a small family farm with her husband and two young children. Sarah is now a leading voice for regenerative agriculture, and an inspirational representative of a new generation of farmers. She tells us how British agriculture is 'electric' at the moment, and there has never been a more exciting and essential time to explore and evolve how we work with the land. In this fantastic conversation, we explore with Sarah the process of changing to a more restorative management of the countryside - what are the basics of regenerative farming? And how on earth can beavers fit into that busy picture?! What are the key things to consider if you're beaver curious? Also coming up: the return of the iconic #FactOff challenge and Sophie puts Eva's farming knowledge to the test in the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

*Final episode alert*! And it's a corker. We finally pin down the wonderful Nina Constable for an honest, open and (at times emotional!) chat about all things motherhood, moviemaking and courageous conservation storytelling.  Nina is an award winning self-shooting director/filmmaker based in Cornwall, UK. Her films have screened in festivals globally and her work has featured in many national broadcasts. Nina is dedicated to capturing and exploring the world we live in, believing in the power of film and photography to educate and inspire and, ultimately, to protect.  Nina has also directed and produced Beaver Trust's upcoming documentary about river buffers On The Edge, and offers some exclusive BTS content for you to look forward to!  Also coming up: a FINAL (rather desperate) #FactOff challenge and a winner-takes-all in the last QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Thank you for listening!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.    

Have you ever wondered what time spent in a thriving beaver wetland might do for your mental health? It turns out that this is a hugely overlooked area of science, and Sophie and Eva turn to Sam Gandy for answers. Sam is an ecologist and researcher with Imperial College London, who has been working with Dr Ros Watts, Clinical Psychologist on a groundbreaking new piece of research demonstrating the psychological benefits of beaver reintroduction. Sam believes that nature connectedness shouldn't be looked at totally rationally, and is motivated in his work by the direct, emotional connection provoked by the story of hope that beavers bring. He argues that this psychological state is the key to shifting baselines and inspiring a change in mindsets, in nature restoration.  Read Sam and Ros's fascinating paper here. Also coming up: a  #FactOff challenge and Sophie confuses Eva and Emma in the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

In the age of dual climate and biodiversity crises, endless jargon and deafening online 'noise', is science communication more important than ever to get right? You are in for a treat this week, as Sophie and Eva get down to business with 'Radio Lady-O' herself, Emily Knight. She is responsible for incredible BBC ear food like NatureBang, Extinction Tapes for Radio 4 and the BBC Earth Podcast. She's one of our favourite people to listen to and we are thrilled you are about to join us in chatting with her about her exploits behind the mic, and why she thinks audio is such a powerful messaging medium at the moment.  Also coming up: a  #FactOff challenge and Emma tests Eva and Sophie's animal and literary prowess in the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

Were you ever aware of the long lost story of The Great British Wetland? Introducing your storyteller: Arlin Rickard OBE.  Founder of the West Country Rivers Trust and later The Rivers Trust organisation, now their Chief Policy Advisor - Arlin is a leader of freshwater in his own league - leading the movement for over 25 years.  A key contributor in Beaver Trust's upcoming documentary about river buffers On The Edge, Arlin tells us how rivers should be highly connected, dynamic, multi-faceted systems, instead of reservoirs of pollutants. He explains how simple measures like river buffers could restore our rivers to ecological health, and crucially improve community and agricultural resilience to incidences of climate-induced flooding, drought and pollution.  Also coming up: a  #FactOff challenge and Eva puts Emma and Sophie's global river knowledge to the test. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

Not many people have the guts to leave farming and pioneer a newer, wilder, potentially riskier approach to land management. But then farmer and conservationist, Charlie Burrell and his wife, Isabella Tree are not many people. Talking to Sophie and Eva from one of the most talked-about estates in the UK, and no doubt in a room not too far from nesting stalks, author and landowner Isabella Tree shares the inspirational story of Knepp Castle Estate - and shows us that we can dare to hope for a wilder future.  To buy Issy's award-winning book Wilding, click here.  To visit the glorious Knepp for yourself, click here.  Also coming up: a  #FactOff challenge and Sophie struggles with the alphabet in her quiz. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

To kick off a brand new series, Team Lodge Cast at Beaver Trust couldn't think of a more apt person to help with this than Ben Goldfarb.  Award-winning environment writer, and author of the book, Eager; the secret life of beavers and why they matter - Ben is in a league of his own when it comes to helping us understand beavers and our surprisingly entwined history with them in the USA and UK. Ben unpacks the fascinating social and ecological nuance surrounding their reintroduction, and offers valuable lessons learned from their more established presence in the USA. Also coming up: a brand new #FactOff challenge and producer Emma comes out of her box with a juicy QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.    

Well ahoy there listeners! The Lodge Cast is back with a beaver bang for a shiny SERIES THREE of brain prodding chats with you all!  Given the um, state of things, this series focusses on the theme of HOPE - be it hope for nature, the climate, or personally. From BBC broadcasters to award-winning authors and rewilding pioneers, we couldn't be more excited with the range of incredible guests we have in store for you, or the fact that we are now going to be coming to you WEEKLY - bringing six special conversations, quizzes and (ofc) #FactOffs to your ears every Tuesday for the next six weeks!  So - do subscribe to be the first to listen, share with your friends and join us as we welcome beavers back to our rivers and explore the state of nature in the UK. #TheLodgeCast Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop. Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion. Find out more about Beaver Trust's work here.

Join Eva and Sophie for a final time (honestly) for 2021 in a jolly round up of the year, and one last chat with an amazing guest! Together we'll reminisce the best bits of Season 2 with our amazing guests including Dr Amir Khan and Gillian Burke.  And we also have a wonderful, happy time with the inimitable Iolo Williams, Welsh naturalist and broadcaster. Tune in for an honest, inspiring chat about his life and career, from spending 14 years working for the RSPB, to wildlife guiding and being a beloved face of The Watches on BBC Two.  Iolo also shares his top tips for how to make your home a home for nature, how to respond to the innate connection to nature we all possess. We also discover a mutual obsession with CAKE...that #mustbemoist. Need we elaborate?!  Listen out for the genuine finale of the #FactOff and a hilarious QUIZ with a twist....! Follow Iolo's work and check out his guiding tours: https://iolowilliams.co.uk  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Listen again to Season 1 and 2 and please leave us a lovely little review, and tell us what you want to hear from SEASON 3 in 2022! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

Hello Lodgecasters!  Tis the season to be jolly, and we have the perfect way for your to channel your ever-growing love and interest for beavers.  Beaver Trust have joined the The Big Give Christmas Challenge! It means any donations made to Beaver Trust until midday on Tuesday 7th December (ie. tomorrow!) will be *DOUBLED*! We've been working hard bringing beavers back to Britain, helping communities to learn and live alongside beavers again and restoring the riparian habitats along our rivers. All to help us tackle the climate and biodiversity crises! But, we can't continue our work without your support. Please consider giving what you can here to help give beavers a brighter future in Britain, and obviously, make sure you and your friends have subscribed to #TheLodgecast....we have a Christmas surprise dropping for you VERY soon!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

OK listeners - we have a confession. We're coming to the end of Season 2 of The Lodge Cast and we're only just talking about the elephant (or fish?) in the room: do beavers help or hinder fish? However, it's never too late. And good timing too, as a fascinating new piece of research has recently been published by scientist, Rob Needham, as part of his PhD with the University of Southampton. As well as being Restoration Coordinator at Beaver Trust, Rob's landmark study investigates the response of brown trout to beavers being reintroduced in the UK - and the results are very encouraging: beavers can be very good news for fish populations. Join Eva and Sophie for a final time this season, as they explore just how fish and beavers might be able to coexist on the river once again. How would this work? And what concerns are there?  Listen out for the finale of the #FactOff and one final QUIZ! Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, and tell us what you want to hear from SEASON 3 in 2022! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

Leading up to the UN's 26th Climate Summit in Glasgow (COP26), Sophie and guest co-presenter Emma Brisdion (the producer is multi-skilled!) look up - and delve into the astonishing world of trees.  To help them on their quest to find out just why we need trees and woodland, and how they're under threat, they chat to actor, fellow podcaster, environmentalist and total tree nerd, David Oakes. Fresh off the set of an upcoming viking Netflix series, Sophie and Emma pick David's brains on why trees are so fundamental - not just for ecosystem health and climate resilience - but also for preserving human culture and society.  Also coming up: Emma debuts a corker of a fact in the #FactOff and tests Sophie in a bit of a QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted this week by Sophie Pavelle and Emma Brisdion.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.    

Against the backdrop of blazing landscapes and record-breaking global heatwaves in 2021, Sophie and Eva want answers. This month, they chat to ecohydrologist, assistant professor and science communicator, Dr Emily Fairfax from California - who is leading groundbreaking research into how beaver wetlands can act as natural firebreaks.  Also coming up: Sophie surprises in the #FactOff and Eva devises a bit of a QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.    

75% of the UK is set aside for agriculture - and yet we continue to overlook its role in offering effective and positive solutions to environmental degradation and climate change.  So how can conservationists best support farmers through the demands of farming the land in the next decade? How can collaboration improve ecosystem and community resilience to climate change?  This episode, we speak to the inspirational and thought-provoking Richard Bramley. As well as being an award-winning arable farmer with a 570-acre farm in Yorkshire, Richard chairs the National Farmers Union (NFU) Environmental Forum, which meets to discuss and champion environmental issues and policy in farming. Also this month: there's a competitive #FactOff, and Sophie sees how well Eva knows her safari animals in a very special quiz... Enjoy!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.    

'Green' and 'blue' prescriptions are increasingly spoken about - but what do they actually mean? And what actually happens in our bodies when we spend time in nature?  This episode, we speak to the amazing and hilarious Dr Amir Khan, NHS Doctor, bestselling author, and TV GP on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. As well as being a medical professional, Amir is a hardcore nature lover, spreading daily joy from the wildlife in his garden on social media, as well as encouraging the importance of connecting to nature to his large audience.  Also this month: Dr Amir gets very excited about Eva's #FactOff, and Eva tests Sophie's knowledge on a very niche topic... Enjoy!  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

Welcome back lovely listeners! We are so thrilled to launch SEASON 2 of The Lodge Cast. Eva and Sophie bring you six shiny new episodes and fabulous guests, with topics ranging from nature prescriptions, beavers and plants, beavers and river health, environmental policy and so much more!  To kick us off, we have the fantastic Gillian Burke talking to us about diversity in conservation, and the importance of restoring nature in a just way - and why we must have these conversations. Gillian is a highly respected broadcaster, writer, activist and journalist, best known for presenting BBC Springwatch.  Eva and Sophie dig deep for some bizarre facts, and Sophie puts Eva's knowledge to the test in the weirdest quiz yet...enjoy! Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears as we launch Season 2!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

Why is the youth voice so important in the fight against climate change? And did Greta Thunberg have any idea of the #ClimateStrike movement she would inspire around the world?  Season 1 rounds off with a truly inspirational chat with Harvey and Tom, two teens from Lancashire who are making waves across the captive breeding, rewilding and conservation sector. Celtic Reptile and Amphibian aims to restore Britain's relict populations of these incredible species - and these young men are already inspiring thousands with their passion, drive and knowledge.  Coming up: Eva & Sophie have a FINAL #FactOff battle to crown the winner of Season 1! Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears as we plan Season 2!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

What's the science behind beaver translocation? And why should it form part of an positive management strategy? As part of our content to celebrate British Science Week and International Women's Day, we talk to top beaver ecologist Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer. With an impressive career and background in animal management and welfare, field operations and beaver/human conflict management, Roisin imparts heaps of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to bringing these mammals back to British rivers safely, and responsibly.  Coming up: Eva hits Sophie with an epic #FactOff, and brains are teased in another quiz! For more information on eco anxiety and professional advice, please click here. Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

We hear a lot about 'eco anxiety' - but what does it mean?  Our health is intrinsically linked to the health of the planet. But how do we manage those feelings when it all gets a bit overwhelming? Sophie and Eva chat to Dr Catriona Mellor, a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist, who specialises in understanding how the climate and ecological crisis can affect our mental health at any age. Dr Mellor seeks to offer training and insight for other medical clinicians, to develop practical 'toolkits' to manage human fear and distress for the health of the planet.  In a truly fascinating and moving discussion, this episode hopes to offer a solution-based approach to a sensitive, and very real issue.  Coming up: will Sophie regain her lead in the #FactOff, and put Eva's knowledge to the test in a quiz?  For more information on eco anxiety and professional advice, please click here. Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

So what does 'climate change' really mean? And what can we do about it?  Sophie and Eva chat to acclaimed author, TV presenter and journalist Simon Reeve, using his unique experience of the planet and expeditions to far-flung corners of the world, to share thoughts on the climate crisis and explore where beavers fit into a solution-based approach.  Also coming up: the Fact-Off returns and Sophie puts Eva's nature knowledge to the test in a quiz.  Want to buy Simon's latest book? Click here.  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears!  Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

What does 'access to nature' really mean? And why is it so important to get right? Sophie and Eva chat to author, activist and illustrator Nick Hayes, delving into this vital issue and exploring Nick's  fascinating adventures through the fields and waterways of Britain, to discover just how easy it is for us to get into the wilder places. Also coming up: the Fact-Off returns and Eva puts Sophie's nature knowledge to the test in a quiz.  Want to buy Nick's book? Click here.  Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop. Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

A brand new podcast brought to you by Beaver Trust as we start to welcome beavers back to our rivers and explore the state of nature in the UK. Have you lost your beaver-ginity yet? Get ready to plunge straight into the beaver pool. Sophie and Eva battle it out to win the 'Fact-Off', explore why beavers have had such great PR this summer, before a heart-to-heart with naturalist and BBC Springwatch Researcher, Jack Baddams (and perhaps rounding off with a quiz or two).   Are you a beaver believer? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust.  Want more beaver? Please leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop. Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.  

A brand new podcast brought to you by Beaver Trust as we start to welcome beavers back to our rivers and explore the state of nature in the UK. Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop. Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion. Find out more about Beaver Trust.