Podcasts about rspb

Which Geese will be taking to the sky this month? Why do we celebrate fireworks night? Amelia shares some of the birds, celebrations and folklore you can enjoy this November. Learn more about the nature you can enjoy every month on the RSPB website - The year in nature Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can build a resilient, nature-positive farming future. The summit addressed how nature and profitability are not opposites and showed how the path to a thriving, nature-friendly farming future is already taking shape. Harry and Alex explore the main themes from the day, from farmers as stewards of the land, how profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand and set the scene on biodiversity loss, climate pressures, and the need to de-risk nature-based solutions. The episode also looks at the future of funding, how current and new payment systems can reward environmental outcomes and discusses some of the key messages and announcements made on the day. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Related FAS resources: FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/ NC LENs episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-landscape-enterprise-networks-leven-lens/ NC John and Louise Seed Woodend episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/arable/ Thrill of the Hill - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/ Other Related Resources: Nature Friendly Farming Network - https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Minister for Agriculture speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/minister-for-agriculture-speech-nature-friendly-farming-network-summit/ RSPB article on summit - https://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/nature-friendly-farming-summit-scotland AECS announcement - https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/ministers-have-confirmed-the-2026-round-of-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme--aecs-.html Alex Pirie - https://www.sruc.ac.uk/all-unearthed-posts/meet-the-consultant-alex-pirie/ Timestamps: 0:56 – 6:10 Intro to summit, nature friendly farming and setting the scene 6:11 – 25:26 Range of different farmers, organisations and messages from speakers and exhibitors 25:27 – 29:10 Policy, government messages and funding announcements 29:10 – 35:04 Landscape scale initiatives and LENs 35:05 – end. Summing up and main takeaways.

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can build a resilient, nature-positive farming future. The summit addressed how nature and profitability are not opposites and showed how the path to a thriving, nature-friendly farming future is already taking shape. Harry and Alex explore the main themes from the day, from farmers as stewards of the land, how profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand and set the scene on biodiversity loss, climate pressures, and the need to de-risk nature-based solutions. The episode also looks at the future of funding, how current and new payment systems can reward environmental outcomes and discusses some of the key messages and announcements made on the day. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Related FAS resources: FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/ NC LENs episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-landscape-enterprise-networks-leven-lens/ NC John and Louise Seed Woodend episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/arable/ Thrill of the Hill - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/ Other Related Resources: Nature Friendly Farming Network - https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Minister for Agriculture speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/minister-for-agriculture-speech-nature-friendly-farming-network-summit/ RSPB article on summit - https://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/nature-friendly-farming-summit-scotland AECS announcement - https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/ministers-have-confirmed-the-2026-round-of-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme--aecs-.html Alex Pirie - https://www.sruc.ac.uk/all-unearthed-posts/meet-the-consultant-alex-pirie/ Timestamps: 0:56 – 6:10 Intro to summit, nature friendly farming and setting the scene 6:11 – 25:26 Range of different farmers, organisations and messages from speakers and exhibitors 25:27 – 29:10 Policy, government messages and funding announcements 29:10 – 35:04 Landscape scale initiatives and LENs 35:05 – end. Summing up and main takeaways.

Episode 328 Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour's team at the University of Florida used standard mRNA vaccines as a control - they weren't meant to do anything. Except they did - and the effect was huge. It's still early days, but as we await more trial results, people are beginning to speculate how this might transform cancer treatment. Ahead of COP30, the World Resources Institute has published the State of Climate Action 2025 report - and it doesn't make for good reading. It finds that we have failed to meet any of the goals laid out in the Paris agreement to avoid breaching 1.5°C of global warming. From deforestation to coal use, we're not moving fast enough on anything. Hear from the authors of the report, who offer an important message of hope. Why do birds sing the dawn chorus? Many theories exist - 11 in fact - but a new one has emerged, after scientists were studying zebra finches in the lab. Hear their conclusion while enjoying the serenity of birdsong, recorded at some of the RSPB's nature reserves. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:34) How mRNA vaccines fight cancer (10:00) State of Climate Action report (21:13) Why birds sing the dawn chorus Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Clea Schumer and Sophie Boehm. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about Yakult at www.yakult.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What birds can you listen our for as the leaves change? Where does the jack-o-lantern come from? Amelia shares the history, folklore and nature of October in this month's almanac. Learn more about the nature you can enjoy every month on the RSPB website - The year in nature Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Today we are privileged to be chatting with the amazing Dave Sexton, who has played a massive role in the reintroduction & conservation of the magnificent White Tailed Eagle. With the release of the moving RSPB film 'RETURN' it was perfect timing to discuss with Dave his decades of experience with the UK's biggest bird of prey, his time on the BBC 'Watches' and even featuring on the first ever episode of The One Show. Our conversation also touches on ethical photography practices and the impact of supplementary feeding on wildlife with a focus on Mull Charters and their boat the Lady Jane. The chat delves into the intricate relationship between wildlife conservation, particularly the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles, and the role of wildlife tourism. We discuss the challenges of protecting wildlife in deforested areas, the importance of community involvement, and the impact of media on public perception. An important and facinating conversation with Dave not to be missed! And also make sure you watch the 'RETURN'! It's powerful and beautifully made. Link below.https://youtu.be/uInFdcL876I?si=iu-GK4q2w4s6NxGgSo sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Farmland bird populations in England have seen a 'rapid nosedive' says the RSPB. It's worried by new Government figures showing an 11% decrease in farmland bird numbers between 2019 and 2024. Meanwhile, farmers in Scotland have been trialling tweaks to conservation scheme options which could help the Corn Bunting.And, new techniques to make Plum growing more profitable by using resources more efficiently.Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

Welcome back to the Deepdale Podcast, our magazine programme about North Norfolk. It's September 2005, there's a blue sky, it's a beautiful, beautiful day. In this episode, Jason has three lovely chats, with some musicians and some wildlife enthusiasts. Steve and Sam from the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival chat about the festival this coming weekend, when the whole of Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale are filled with shanty bands of all shapes and sizes, singing their hearts out in aid of charity. There are six venues, including The Jolly Sailors, White Horse, Marshside, Village Hall, St Mary's Church and our Brick Barn at Deepdale Camping & Rooms. Cole and Joseph from the India Electric Co, join Jason for a chat ahead of their gig at Deepdale Camping & Rooms on Saturday 27th September. They played at the Deepdale Festival 2023, and went down an absolute storm on the Sunday night. Cole joined Jason back in August 2023 on the podcast, so you may have heard him before, but since then the gents have a new album and have been busy with a whole host of projects. And the third chat is with Lucy and Paul from RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve. It's a fabulous place, not far from Deepdale, just a couple of villages away. A haven for wildlife and a key site in this beautiful part of the world, where you can see a huge range of habitats in this one place. Spend a few hours walking around and investigating. They run a whole series of events through the year for both those new to birdwatching and those with much more experience. Thank you so much listening to the Deepdale podcast, we really enjoy putting this show together. Please do leave a review on your favourite podcast app or directory, it really helps other people find us, and please do tell your family and friends about us too. This will be the last podcast for the next couple of months, Jason will be back with Chris chatting about their 12 albums for Christmas, as they normally do in the December episode. They so enjoy putting together this magazine programme about the beautiful north Norfolk coast and are glad you enjoy listening to it. See you again in December, in the meantime, if you need to fill your listening ears with more of the beautiful North Norfolk Coast, then do listen back to the back catalogue. Chats with a huge range of really interesting people, who know this beautiful part of the world so well.00:00 - Introduction03:38 - Deepdale Podcast Theme Tune by Jess Morgan04:41 - Steve & Sam from the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival13:41 - Roll The Old Chariot by Nelson's Shantymen15:07 - Cole & Joseph from India Electric Co28:51 - Pomegranate by India Electric Co30:25 - Lucy & Paul from RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve

Which seasonal fruit and veg can you enjoy this month? Amelia shares the folklore, nature and history to enjoy this September. Learn more about the nature you can enjoy every month on the RSPB website - The year in nature Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

For most of the last 2,000 years, the white-tailed eagle — or sea eagle — has been one of the most common birds of prey in Britain.That all ended in horrendous fashion from the late 18th century onwards. Shooting, poisoning, egg collection, a mania for taxidermy and more combined to see this majestic creature — affectionately dubbed the 'flying barn door — hunted to extinction in Britain. The last bird is thought to have been killed in 1918.Fast forward a century and they are now one of the great success stories of nature. Starting with four chicks brought to RAF Kinloss in June 1975, a 50-year effort led by the RSPB but supported by a string of other organisations has seen populations restored from the Highlands to West Sussex. The RSPB have celebrated this milestone with the making of a film, Return, which tells the full story, and we're delighted that two of the — conservationist Dave Sexton and musician Alice Boyd — joined the Country Life Podcast to talk to James Fisher about how it all came together.It's a wonderful, inspiring story which shows just what can be done by committed experts, backed by long-term thinking, and is a must-watch for anyone with even a passing interest in wildlife and nature. As of August 29 it's now available to watch on the RSPB's YouTube channel.You can find out more on the RSPB website — rspb.org.uk — about white-tailed eagles themselves, the making of the film and Alice's hauntingly beautiful music which captures the beauty and majesty of these great creatures. Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuests: Dave Sexton and Alice BoydProducer and Editor: Toby KeelMusic: Alice Boyd and JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is in Aberdeenshire with RSPB's Hywel Maggs to try to catch a glimpse of the Common crane and to find out why numbers of the birds are increasing in North East Scotland.Naturalist and Educator Dan Puplett reads the Scottish landscape to track wildlife. Jenny Graham meets him Rafford, near Forres to search for evidence of local species.‘Clouds', a new book by Dr Edward Graham explores cloud formations, the science behind them and even the famous artists who have painted them. Mark meets author Eddy to take a look at the formations floating in the sky above Glasgow Green.Crafted entirely from upcycled materials, a new statue by Helen Denerley is bringing the story of one of Scotland's most notorious historical figures back to life. Phil Sime joins Shirley Neild in Kingussie to chat about the history of Alexander Stewart marked by the structure.On a recent trip to Norway, Jenny Graham hopped on her bike in the Fosen district to adventure through Fjord territory.The Balmoral Estate is home to a series of Royal commemorative cairns, including a structure that's more reminiscent of ancient Egypt than Scotland. Mark explores with Heraldist Gordon Casely.Red grouse numbers continue to be low in Scotland. Mark and Jenny are joined by Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Director for Scotland Dr Nick Hesford to talk about their latest research on the grouse population.Every summer the Woodland Trust announces its shortlist for UK Tree of the Year. The National Contest aims to highlight how vital trees are. Mark meets instrument maker Steve Burnett at Napier's Craiglockhart Campus in Edinburgh to discover the history behind a sycamore with connections to famous war poet Wilfred Owen.

Salted pig's trotter? Brains on toast? Why the carcass balance is important to farmers. We like steak but we're not so keen on tripe, and we eat a lot of chicken but not the feet. To both reduce waste and get the best price for the whole animal or bird we need to do something with the offal. This is carcass balance, balancing the sale of the popular bits with finding markets for the bits that are less desirable here. Those parts that can't be sold are sent for rendering, using heat to separate them into fats and proteins to be sold as animal feed, fertiliser or go into things like cosmetics.Shooting clubs on Salisbury Plain say they may have to close because they can't get a licence to release game birds. Clubs near protected areas, like Sites of Special Scientific Interest, now need a special licence from Natural England to release birds like pheasants and that's now harder to get because of the threat of bird flu. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation says the licensing system is legally flawed and it's issued legal proceedings against Natural England. However, the RSPB would like to see the licensing regime extended. New rules to make trade fairer for pig producers came in this week. A series of recent difficulties in the industry revealed that many farmers didn't have proper contracts for their stock. The new system aims to change that.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Shooting clubs on Salisbury Plain say they may have to close because they can't get a licence to release game birds. Clubs near protected areas, like Sites of Special Scientific Interest, now need a special licence from Natural England to release birds like pheasants and that's now harder to get because of the threat of bird flu. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation or BASC says the licensing system is legally flawed and it's issued legal proceedings against Natural England. However the RSPB would like to see the licensing regime extended. It's called for all game bird releases to be stopped this year because of the risks. In the meantime, clubs say no shoots means no money coming in which means some, like the Bulford and Tidworth Garrison Shoot, are at risk of folding.All week we're looking at what's known as the 5th quarter - this is the name given to the offcuts of meat which, though edible, the British palate isn't keen on. Carcass balance is about finding a use for offal and things like ears or trotters both to combat waste and to get the best price for the whole animal and that means exports. British consumers may not want to eat this sort of thing, but in other parts of the world there is a market so in recent years greater emphasis has been put on seeking out new buyers to get the best out of animal carcasses. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Join Amelia for another almanac - this month we celebrate the sturgeon moon and world bee day. Learn more about the nature and birds of July on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Katie and Rob, who embody Maid Marian and Robin Hood with the medieval performance troop known, appropriately enough, as the Sherwood Outlaws, join me in the Greenwood for an energetic discussion about how they embody those legendary characters as they performance with the other Sherwood Outlaws across the UK and abroad.Stick around until the end for a quick bonus segment from Rob James of the RSPB as we discuss what's happening at the 2025 Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest!For more on The Sherwood Outlaws:https://www.thesherwoodoutlaws.com/https://www.facebook.com/thesherwoodoutlawsFor more on the Robin Hood Festival:https://visitsherwood.co.uk/home/robin-hood-festival-2025/https://www.buzzsprout.com/1727735/episodes/15587100For more from Into the Greenwood:www.instagram.com/intogreenwood/www.threads.net/@intogreenwoodbsky.app/profile/intogreenwood.bsky.socialwww.facebook.com/intogreenwoodTo support the podcast go to:www.patreon.com/IntoGreenwoodorwww.buymeacoffee.com/intogreenwoodOur selected charity: Trees, Water & PeopleInto the Greenwood is produced by Thaddeus PapkeTheme music is by Plastic3intogreenwood@gmail.comSupport the show

In this episode of Golden Grenades, Kit is joined by his good friend Will Rose, for a live podcast recorded on the Whinchat podcasting stage at Golbal Birdfair 2015. Kit and Will’s very special guest for this episode is Indy Kiemel Greene. Indy is a conservationist, wildlife guide, RSPB volunteer and ambassador, Butterfly Conservation ambassador and a man who was 50% of a team walking from Lands’… Source

The Welsh government has unveiled a new system of payments for farmers. The sustainable farming scheme or SFS replaces the current basic payment scheme or BPS, which farmers received under the EU. BPS is being wound down and farmers in Wales are being encouraged to take part in the new scheme, which will pay them to produce food sustainably and protect the environment. Farming unions welcome some aspects of the SFS but say farmers now face a cliff edge as old payments are phased out next year. Environmentalists say that although it's a step in the right direction, it is also a missed opportunity and Wales needs to do more to protect biodiversity and tackle climate change. We speak to the Tenant Farmers Association, the RSPB, NFU Cymru, and Wales deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs Huw Irranca-Davies. Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Rebecca Rooney

In a couple of weeks, swifts will leave our skies and depart for their wintering grounds in Africa. Author and naturalist Mark Cocker has spent a lifetime observing them and Rachel meets him in Crail to chat about the migrating birds and his new book One Midsummer's Day - Swifts and the Story of Life on Earth. Never a stranger to getting his hands dirty, Mark grabs a trowel and joins community volunteers on an archaeological dig on East Lomond Hill in Fife. Chairman of the Falkland Stewardship Trust Joe Fitzpatrick unearths the history behind some significant Pictish findings on the hill and chats to Mark about the importance of volunteer excavators. Producer Phil gets on the saddle with the Highland Blind Tandem Club for a cycle along the canal tow path in Inverness. Rachel's on a hunt for the egg cases of the critically endangered flapper skate. She meets marine biologist Dr Lauren Smith at Cairnbulg Harbour near Fraserburgh to hear about the work going on to safeguard these huge creatures and map exactly where they are. Mark visits the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh to discover how changes at the site are supporting the local urban biodiversity. We hear how the Museum is monitoring wildlife around the Centre from Curator of Entomology Ashleigh Whiffin. An Irish teenager has just become the youngest person to swim the North Channel from Northern Ireland to Scotland solo. 15-year-old Oscar Black joins Rachel and Mark to share his experience battling the currents to reach Scottish shores While following the Whithorn Way, Mark and Rachel stop at Prestwick, Ayrshire to visit Bruce's Well, named after Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329. They meet Julia Muir Watt of the Whithorn Way Trust and local historian Alasdair Malcolm to explore King Robert's connection to the well. In 2003, part of a sea wall at Nigg Bay on the Cromarty Firth was deliberately breached to reconnect an area of land to the sea. Rachel catches up with Steph Elliot from the RSPB to discover how the intertidal habitat created is now benefiting bird life.

Stewart hails from Scotland and joined CDT PIADS in autumn 2020 having previously completed a BSc in Physics with The Open University, and a Masters degree in Theoretical Physics at the University of Glasgow. Stewart has an interest in all areas of physics and engineering, and the practical applications of them and outside of university life, volunteers as a leader with his local Boys' Brigade company, and have volunteered for many years with his local RSPB reserve. 

What seasonal foods can you enjoy in July? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac. Learn more about the nature and birds of July on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, Mark and Rachel start with a quick stop off at Renfrew to contemplate the motivation for pilgrimage in medieval times. Then they head to Paisley Cathedral to learn about the unearthing of a drain which revealed a slate containing musical notation from the 1400's. And they end up at the RSPB's Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve for a bit of wildlife watching and poetry.

What is a strawberry moon? How do people celebrate the summer solstice? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac for June. Learn more about the nature and birds of June on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Whilst out along the Kent side of the Thames Estuary on Saturday, aiming to capture the sound of skylarks and reeds, we met a walker with a very friendly border terrier. She told us there was talk of a nightingale not too far away at RSPB's Northward Hill Nature Reserve. We aren't strictly speaking wildlife recordists, the Lento box is designed like a wide angle camera to capture panoramic landscape sounds, but we thought it might be worth a visit to the reserve to see if we might be able to find it. Unusually for us public transport devotees, we were able to travel on to Northward Hill easily thanks to a magnificent Lento supporter. He'd driven us and the Lento box out from Brockley station in South East London to explore another corner of the Hoo Peninsula, and was keen to visit the reserve. We didn't feel hugely confident about actually hearing a nightingale. They are the kinds of birds you don't expect to find on demand. We rolled into the reserve's car park and quickly headed down into the woodland. We descended a rough flight of bare earth steps under the dark shadows of dense tree canopy, surrounded by glorious birdsong. All the usual suspects of course, familiar if you regularly listen to Lento - chif chaf, blackbirds, black caps, jackdaws, robins, various others plus trusty wood pigeons.  After turning right and proceeding further into the woods over a few hundred yards our ears pricked up. I found myself saying "and there it is" before I had even properly heard it. We continued for a few steps and, fortunately, there it was again, this time much more clearly, and without doubt a nightingale only about thirty yards away! Up on the tripod went the Lento box. I turned it to face the sound of the nightingale, and pressed record, bathed in the rich tapestry of spring woodland birds, coming from all around us.  Here's what the box captured. It's only twenty minutes. The passage of time is from around 5pm on 24th May. There are some people vaguely audible and a horse (louder) somewhere to left of scene. A road must pass the reserve too because some level of vehicle noise is distantly audible, but not so much as to spoil the overall effect. We capture whole landscapes from one fixed position, so what you hear is the nightingale just as we heard it from standing on the path and facing into the reserve. Wildlife recordists find ways to post their microphones very close to their subjects and as such we are all used to hearing nightingales proportionately far louder than anything else. In reality though these are not birds that like being approached, so few people can ever actually hear in-person, the bird singing as loudly as they do in specially focused recordings.  With a pair of headphones though this episode provides a realistic woodland soundscape with a nightingale almost dead centre of scene. You should be able quite easily to hear it between the other birds which are spread out to the left and to the right of scene. Listen out for a wonderfully special coincidence that happens a few times where a distant cuckoo comes into earshot too. It is pretty well dead centre, behind the nightingale.  There must be a farm nearby because several cockerels crow towards the end. The whole scene is in fact very busy, and whether a connection or not, I note how the nightingale seems to become more active when the chif chaf is in full voice. Coincidence, or not? This bonus episode is shared with big thanks to our trusty supporter and to the dog walker we met. 

This week we saddle up for the limp 2003 action buddy comedy Shanghai Noon. There's East meets West, there's the ever watchable Jackie Chan and hit-and-miss charmer Owen Wilson. There's some buddy movie chat and every excuse is made to discuss anything but this dull dross.  Plus: Joe gets waylaid by a call to the RSPB. Got a film you forgot you forgot? Hit us up at moviesyouforgotyouforgot@gmail.com with your thoughts, episode suggestions, or just some light praise.  The best Forgot You Forgot offerings make it onto the sacred Communal List - who knows, one day, fate (or our deeply flawed selection process) might smile upon your Forgot You Forgot. You can also follow Adam @errorofways on Letterboxd; he rates and reviews the films he watches. The comments section is a very cool place to be. Also, be a pal: tell your chums, rate us, review us, shout our name into the void - whatever helps spread the word.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, Mike embarks on a journey to the magnificent Norfolk Broads. Speaking first to the RSPB's Ian Robinson about the importance of fen conservation, before Tim Harris shares his and wife Geli's extraordinary tale of safeguarding Catfield Fen from the challenges of water mismanagement. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 22/9/2023.

Where does April Fools Day come from? Which birds will sing in the dawn chorus? Here's Amelia with this month's almanac... Learn more about April nature on the RSPB website - Nature's Calendar: April Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

The Great Auk: Its Extraordinary Life, Hideous Death and Mysterious Afterlife is the subject of Tim Birkhead's new book. This goose-sized seabird became the favoured food of hungry sailors and hunters, and the last two were killed in 1844. But then the bird became an obsession for collectors who vied for the last skins, eggs and skeletons. Victorian hunters, explorers and collectors feature strongly in the story of the Great Auk. The writer Kaliane Bradley places the 19th century polar explorer Commander Graham Gore at the heart of her time-travelling novel, The Ministry of Time. The book is being made into a television series on BBC1 – to be aired later in the Spring. Human activity has had, and continues to have, a big impact on bird populations. While several species have gone extinct, more are classified as threatened. But a joint conservation project between farmers and wildlife organisations is looking at restoring ‘zombie' ponds, in an effort to increase pockets of wildlife. The RSPB's Mark Nowers helps to organise the Lost Ponds Project and is involved in the protection of turtle doves, whose numbers are vulnerable.Producer: Katy Hickman

Where does March get its name? Which birds will be singing over this month? Here's Amelia with this month's almanac... Learn more about March nature on the RSPB website - Nature's Calendar March Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

David Maxwell finds out about storm proof trees at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh where head gardener, Seamus O'Brien also has tips on creating a wind break with holly, hazel and mix of other native species. At Ardgillan Castle on the coast of north county Dublin, Dominica McKevitt reveals a garden for all seasons where reliable shrubs like Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n' Gold' shine out even on dull days. In studio, Colin Agnew explains what to do to get your Amaryllis bulb flowering again next year and with the increasing move away from peat products RSPB ambassador and Springwatch's Lucy Lapwing joins David in studio to talk about the importance of peatland habitats. Contact the programme - gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk

Solar farms managed for nature can benefit birds more than intensively farmed arable land. Research by the RSPB and the University of Cambridge looked at two types of solar farms in the East Anglian Fens. Those with mixed habitats - with hedgerows, no grass cutting or grazing sheep had a greater number and diversity of flowering plants and birds than intensively farmed arable land, or solar farms which were intensively managed.As England consults on its new land use framework we find out how Scotland's land use strategy's been working. It was first published in 2011 and is updated every five years. We speak to a policy manager at NFU Scotland to find out how it's affected farmers and crofters on the ground.Regenerative agriculture or regen ag, is something that's discussed a lot, and it's a term creeping into the marketing jargon of food businesses - so what exactly is meant by it? Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Episode Notes Suzy reviews her birding experiences from January 2025, starting with the final week of an epic vacation to Australia! Back in the UK Suzy joined a local RSPB outing and went to the New Forest with the Ladybirder sub-group of the Hampshire Ornithlogical Society (HOS). While in the New Forest Suzy spoke with HOS Chair Keith Betton about his early birding experiences and the success of HOS initiatives to increase the engagement of young people and women birders in the group. Also: news about a new Casual Birder Community! Links Bird lists Take a look at the eBird checklists Suzy made from the locations mentioned: Bruny Island, Tasmania Chook Dam, Tasmania Mount Field National Park, Tasmania Eastrop Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire   Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community   Books mentioned in the interview with Keith Betton: Where to Watch Birds in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight: 5th Edition Behind the Binoculars: Interviews with acclaimed birdwatchers Behind More Binoculars: Interviews with acclaimed birdwatchers   Podcast buddies mentioned: Hannah - Women Birders Happy Hour Kirsty - Weekend Birder Harry - Podcast Junkies Lance Anderson's GoFundMe   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net  

How did February get its name? What bird calls can you listen out for this month? Amelia is back with another Winter warmer to highlight some of the folklore and nature you can enjoy over February. Learn more about February nature on the RSPB website - Nature's calendar February Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

You don't have to have a garden to enjoy plants and this week David Maxwell explores the plant world that prefers the indoor life. Roisin Horgan set up her houseplant business in east Belfast after years working in offices which lacked greenery. She reveals the best plants for different indoor locations including, the trailing Pothos or Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) for a dull hallway, the Calathea for areas of high humidity or the tree like Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) for bright locations. In his Templepatrick garden, Reg Maxwell is pruning gooseberries and apples and David visits Claire Barnett's new north Antrim garden where she'll be taking part on the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Cherry Townsend joins David in studio with tips on making gardening easier and the best beans to grow in 2025. Email the programme - gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk

A 20-year-old from Sheppey who died following complications caused by diabetes has been described by his family as 'wonderful, kind, creative and loving'.Jake Chapman from Minster suffered a cardiac event which is thought to have been caused by a lack of insulin.Also in today's podcast, a Dartford shop owner's spoken of his devastation after a lorry containing all of his stock went up in flames.Crews were called to the blaze near the Orchards Shopping Centre last Saturday night.A weather warning for strong wind is in force across Kent as Storm Eowyn hits.Forecasters are predicting gusts of up to 70 miles per hour in coastal areas. Hear from the RNLI who are advising us to stay away from the coast.There are calls for a new youth centre to be built on derelict land near Dover.The site in Aylesham used to house a leisure facility but has been vacant since a fire there almost 10 years ago.We're being asked to count the number of birds we see in our gardens in Kent this weekend as part of the biggest survey of its kind.The Big Garden Birdwatch is organised by the RSPB so they can keep a track of populations.In sport, Gillingham will be looking to end a run of five games without a win this weekend.They're travelling to take on Tranmere Rovers in league two.

Join us as we celebrate garden birdlife ahead of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch! The RSPB's Adrian Thomas gives us a crash course in birdwatching from the comfort of your own kitchen window, while scientist Arran Folly discusses the threats facing our feathered friends and what we as gardeners can do to help. Plus Nick Turrell from the RHS advisory team shares how front gardens can play a vital role in reducing flood risks in our communities. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Dr Arran Folly, Adrian Thomas, Nick Turrell Links: The Big Garden Bird Watch RHS guide to identifying garden birds The Vector-Borne RADAR project

If you're looking to support wild birds in your garden, the RSPB's upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch is an essential event for us all.Adam Nicolson and Emma Marsh, Executive Director of the RSPB, join Sarah in this week's bird-focused episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' to discuss how to get involved in this weekend's annual bird count, how it came to be, and the many ways that gardeners can actively support and encourage more wild birds in our gardens and green spaces.In this episode, discover:The role that gardens and gardeners play in restoring a bustling wild bird population.What we all can do to provide natural sustenance, shelter and safety for birds with our choice of planting.How the Big Garden Birdwatch came to be, and how you can get involved this coming weekend.Verbena bonariensishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensisLupinus ‘Masterpiece' (Westcountry series)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lupinus-masterpieceEnglish Yew (Taxus baccata)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/english-yewRosa ‘Rambling Rector'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rose-rambling-rectorFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatchGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

As the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch approaches (24-26 January 2025), the Plodcast team of Fergus, Hannah, Jack and Lewis explore what birds are visiting their own very different patches. Check in to hear their tales and local dramas. And get involved in the Big Garden Birdwatch by visiting www.rspb.org.uk The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Dan chats with Indy from the RSPB about the upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Discover how you can help track the UK’s bird population by spending just one hour counting birds in your garden or local green space! Meanwhile, Adam explores the charm of one of Britain’s most beloved birds—the robin. With its bright red chest and winter song, this iconic bird is full of surprises, as Rob from the British Trust for Ornithology reveals fascinating insights about their territorial behaviour and cheerful melodies. RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch British Trust for Ornithology Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An outbreak of Foot and mouth disease in Germany brings import bans and calls for farmers to be vigilant. We speak to the Chief Vet for Wales.Signs of spring - have you spotted any yet? The Field Studies council would love to hear from you - details below.Ahead of the RSPB's Garden Birdwatch (Jan 24th-26th) for our bird of "conservation concern" in Wales we hear how the humble house sparrow is fairing and the project to kickstart live, community gigs coming to a rural village near you!

Myra Anubi visits a major project in the north of England that's restoring a damaged landscape. Haweswater in the Lake District is an area of stunning natural beauty but over the years it's been degraded by humans and livestock. This has created flood risks and reduced biodiversity. But now work is underway to restore the site to benefit both people and the environment. Rivers have been ‘re-wiggled', peat bogs repaired, and new trees planted. Myra also visits an innovative scheme in the area that's using old Christmas trees to repair damaged river banks.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Gareth Jones(Image: Annabel Rushton and Glen Swainson of the RSPB with Myra Anubi, BBC)

What does it take to lead one of the world's largest conservation organisations through a time when 41% ofUK species are in decline?And how can today's conservation leaders inspire millions to fight for biodiversity? Today's guest, Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, offers her insights into what it takes to manage over 1.2 million members and 200 reserves across the UK.In this episode, we discuss the RSPB's mission, the role of effective leadership, and Beccy's own career path from local government to conservation leadership.Beccy shares the biggest challenges she faces, her hopes for the RSPB over the next decade and what advice she'd give to anyone looking to enter the conservation sector.It's an inspiring, insightful, and mission-driven podcast.

The RSPB says more than 1,300 protected birds of prey have been killed across the UK over the past 15 years. The Birdcrime report blames rogue gamekeepers who, it claims, are more concerned about protecting the gamebirds on their shooting estates. But the British Association for Shooting and Conservation says its members have "absolutely zero tolerance" of the illegal shooting of birds of prey.The Green Alliance says the number of ruminant livestock in the UK needs to be reduced to reach Net Zero targets, and that farmers should be supported to change their businesses.And the British Alpaca Society estimates there are around 45 thousand alpacas in the UK, kept for breeding and for their high quality fleece. Alpaca breeders use something called a spit-off or a spit-test to see if their females are pregnant with a cria, or baby alpaca. We go along to see the test in action!Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

We hear warnings from the Country Land and Business Association that changing tax rules for farms could close many down. The RSPB says any cuts to the farming budget would put nature and climate targets at risk. To start our week looking at greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, we speak to Professor Sir Charles Godfrey of the Oxford Martin School who says we should be producing less and better meat.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Mark and Rachel with the second part of their visit the island of Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides.The RSPB has two reserves on the island, one at Loch Gruinart and one at The Oa, which is where Mark and Rachel met warden David Dinsley to try and spot one of the bird species Islay is known for, the chough.Artist Heather Dewar was born on Islay in the 1940s, and although she moved away as a child, she returned regularly until she retired there. We chat to her about what makes Islay such a special place and hear some of her childhood memories.Islay is in a strategically important place in terms of shipping and trade. And between 1914 and 1918 the waters around it were an important route for troopships. Two incidents brought the First World War to the doors of the islanders, and author Les Wilson tells us about one of them and the impact it had on Islay. We also hear about a rather remarkable American flag which was made on the island and has been returned there after spending quite some time in the USA.And we couldn't visit Islay, and island with ten, nearly 11 distilleries, and not talk about whisky. People come from all across the world to visit the distilleries and taste the drams with their unique Islay style. Rachel chats to Rachel MacNeill from the Islay Whisky Academy about how she gets people passionate about whisky. And we visit the Kilchoman Distillery to hear from Sharon McHarrie about how they are continuing some of the old traditions in their comparatively young distillery.

“An early morning wander through RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk, on a bright May morning. According to my bird identification app, throughout the recording, you'll hear sedge warblers, blackbirds, a pheasant, […]

Our lovely nature presenter and ranger Kate Martin is leaving to join our friends at the RSPB, helping to care for wildlife in Scotland. Here are some of Kate's best bits and few moments from behind the scenes. On behalf of everyone at the National Trust, from our listeners and from the podcast team, thank you and wishing you a great and adventure filled future.

It's party conference season and Farming Today will be covering the three main conferences. This week, the Liberal Democrats meet in Brighton. Their relative success in the recent General Election has given them a boost, and many of their new constituencies gained this summer are in rural areas. The big question is budget. Before the election the Liberal Democrats promised £1 billion a year more, for the Environmental Land Management Scheme which replaces old EU payments in England. Different changes are being made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since the election, it's emerged the Conservative government underspent its DEFRA budget by £358m in the previous parliament. We speak to the environment food and rural affairs spokesperson for the Lib Dems, Tim Farron.All week we're taking stock of birdlife on farms. The RSPB says farmland bird numbers are still declining for some species, and more needs to be done to improve numbers through habitat creation, and changing farming methods. On the Lowther Estate, near Penrith, in Cumbria, recent changes in grazing, tree planting, even the introduction of beavers to help with wetland creation, are already having positive repercussions on both the range and number of birds choosing to nest and breed there.The UK has an estimated three million hectares of peatland, both upland and lowland, but it's believed about 80 percent of that is in poor condition. A new report from the International Union for the Convention of Nature shows progress has been made on restoring UK peatlands over the last thirty years but its Peatland Programme also reports that it's unlikely to meet the target to restore two million hectares by 2040.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Phil Sime visits an RSPB reserve on North Uist where local crofters work alongside the charity to improve the habitat for birds including corncrake and Golden Eagle.Rachel is in Milton near Invergordon hearing about a rather impressive beech tree that has an important place in local history. She hears about efforts of the community woodland to help preserve it for future generations.The Forth Bridge is a railway bridge and a UNESCO world heritage site, and it never fails to impress Mark when he's travelling down to Edinburgh. This week, he stopped to record and wonder at this engineering marvel.Botanist Dr Sally Gouldstone spent her career passionately caring about nature. An epiphany in a supermarket aisle one day led her to develop her own skincare products made entirely from ingredients she grows in her wildflower meadow just outside Edinburgh. Rachel went to visit her and hear more about Sally and how her business has grown along with the meadow.Last year, musician and sound artist Jenny Sturgeon completed the 864km Scottish National Trail from Kirk Yetholm in the Borders to Cape Wrath in the North West Highlands. She recorded the sounds of her journey over 37 days, and you can hear them in the latest Scotland Outdoors podcast. We hear an excerpt of a rather noisy section of her route.Mark is in Newburgh in Aberdeenshire, where a new section of boardwalk has recently opened improving the accessibility to the beach for all users.And we chat live to Ben Dolphin, a ranger with the National Trust at Mar Lodge, about this year's midge numbers - there seems to have been a lot of them! And the signs of the changing seasons on Deeside, including the first dusting of snow.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the human fascination with bird feathers went a little too far. Women's hats and dresses featured extravagant feathers from birds both near and far. The trade in feathers drove several species, from the Little Egret to the Great Crested Grebe, to near-extinction. Fed up with the killing of wild birds for fashion, a group of British women met to put an end to this cruelty. The organization became the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, or RSPB, which continues to be a leader in bird conservation today.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.