We talk about tawny owls which are very active and calling at this time of year. In news we discuss The badger cull ‘halting’, using birth control to control squirrels, more raptor persecution and a strange arrangement between Natural England and BASC, a study showing half of all bird biomass in August is non native…
We talk to the fish twitcher himself, Jack Perks, about how he ended up filming freshwater fish and other wildlife, his quest to film every species of British freshwater fish and many other things. In news we cover the call by conservationists to monitor our smaller streams and ponds, andJack also gives his insights on…
We talk to entomologist and museum curator Ashleigh Whiffin, discussing how she got to being a museum curator and entomologist, the need for taking specimens in entomology and how entomological displays have changed over the years. We also discuss Carrion Beetles, their wonderful behaviours of this group, (which include a surprising amount of parental care),…
We talk about the 2 main winter flowers Snowdrops and Winter Aconites. Looking at the natural history of these 2 plants that are not native, but found in the wild of the UK We choose our favourite nature moment from 2020 and share some of yours. In news we discuss the last welsh Golden Eagle…
A bit of a different episode, with just Neil and he is talking about a much maligned group of animals, the leeches, and how his fear turned to fascination. With some cool facts and his personal experiences of these largely misunderstood creatures.
We chat to Kate MacRae about teaching children outside, about wildlife/nature (including remotely during the lockdown!), the remote wildlife cameras in her garden, tips on using trailcams and a host of other things!
We discuss Wildlife Photography Competitions and Ethics with our guest Rob Read who runs the Wild Art photography competition. We also talk about wildlife writing with his Purple Crow subscription service. We talk through how to set rules in competitions and how this links in with ethics of getting the shot and navigating the grey…
For our 1 year anniversary special we are joined by entomologist and wildlife presenter George McGavin, discussing how he got into entomology and then broadcasting, bot flies, the important conservation role that has been played by Scottish midges and what happened when he was left alone in a dark cave among many other subjects! Here…
We discuss the 2 British winter thrush species – Redwing and Fieldfare. Their identification, migration, feeding and breeding habits. In news we talk about the charging of an owner who let their dog kill a deer in Richmond Park, the rediscovery of the Great Fox-Spider and concerns about government interference of the post Brexit environmental…
We are joined by Cian Gill for a bit of a fun episode for Halloween. We discuss some of the weird and bizarre fantastical creatures (and monsters) that people claim to have seen in the UK. We delve into the world of Cryptozoology talking about sightings of Nessie the Loch Ness monster, Morgawr (the Cornish…
We are joined by Dr Amir Khan GP, known from Channel 5’s GPs Behind Closed Doors, BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning, and ambassador for the Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation, to discuss health benefits of wildlife, getting under represented groups access to nature and these benefits, the wonderful wildlife in his garden and Yorkshire,…
In this autumnal episode we discuss the changing colours of tree leaves and the science behind it. In news we cover the successful saltmarsh creation at Fingeringhoe Wick in Essex, pheasants wiping out adders, yet more raptors being killed and some swearing parrots!
In this species special we look at the social wasps. We discuss all 9 resident species (and the Asian Hornet), their habits, feeding, nest building, predators and parasites, along with their sting and what exactly is the point of wasps?
In this episode we talk flies with Dr Erica McAlister, Senior Curator of Diptera (true flies) at the Natural History Museum in London. She is also president of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, and author of the The Secret Life of Flies and her new book The Inside Out of Flies.Erica answers listener questions on flies and tells…
We talk to Derek Gow about Beaver reintroduction and the story behind it, which is the topic for his book ‘Bringing Back the Beaver’ (available at all good bookstores).He tells the story of well evidenced projects that were stopped by the actions of an influential few, and the success that was won to keep the…
In this species special we look at the Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi, discussing their feeding behaviour, the males struggling to not be cannibalised while trying to mate with females, the possible function of both their striped body markings and the zig-zag of silk in their web, which is known as a ‘stabilimentum’. We also look at…
We talk to Iolo Williams about raptor persecution and the wildlife found in Wales. We also discuss and Iolo answers questions on how he ended up as a wildlife presenter, his favourite wildlife encounter, the effects of cats and pheasants on wildlife, Mya Bambricks plan to get more wildlife habitat in schools, where to look…
Neil and guest host herpetologist Steve Allain discuss the UK’s Newt species. They talk about smooth, palmate and great crested newts, their habits, feeding and breeding and also look at the non native alpine and Italian crested newts, and neotony that sometimes occurs in UK species. In news they look at the pollution spill kills…
A (very) short episode where Neil talks about our freshwater Cnidarians, the usually marine group that include corals and sea anemones, which focuses on the freshwater Hydra species. With a brief look at the alien freshwater jellyfish that occasionally turn up in the UK as well.
We talk about Rockpools; the wildlife found there and the extreme environment in which they have to survive. In news we cover yet more BOP being killed in North Yorkshire and numerous cases of dogs attacking wildlife.
We talk about the cetaceans, whales and dolphins, found around the UK’s shoreline, discuss the species found there with details on the 4 most common species and where to see them. In news we discuss a bearded vulture appearing in the UK, restoring meadows at the white cliffs of Dover, and 200,000 incidents of sewage…
In a special short episode we talk about Stag Beetles and Lesser Stag Beetles. We discuss their life cycle, distribution, behaviour and how Neil determined if the males could bite or not! The links mentioned in the podcastPTES websiteStag beetle.infoStag beetles
We talk to ‘Ant Boy’ Xander about all thing Cairngorms and invertebrates included narrow headed ants, capercaillie, shining guest ant and pine hoverfly. We also discuss getting younger people into wildlife. In wildlife news we talk about the peregrine nests raided for their eggs/chicks, the better news that mountain hare culls are to be subject…
We look at the wonderful world of odonata: Dragonflies and damselflies
Part two of our chat/interview with Nick Baker, presenter from Really Wild Show, Nick’s quest, Springwatch, Weird Creatures and Nick Baker’s Wild West among others. We discuss his favourite UK Reptile or amphibian, what British animal we would love to see and chat away on various other topics! (If you missed part one/Episode 14 you…
A conversation between three naturalists driven slightly mad by the lockdown! We have Wildlife TV presenter Nick Baker on the show, famous for presenting Really Wild show, Nick’s Quest and Weird Creatures, and we discuss all sorts of wildlife topics and answer questions sent in by listeners. In news we cover ‘no mow May’, BOP…
A special episode where we look at photography ideas and projects you can do during the lockdown, most of which in your home or garden. Includes macro, garden bird and pond creature photography, mini indoor nature studio and an idea for your exercise walk are all discussed. Links for the sources for further ideas/projects mentioned…
We talk abut the 3 most commonly found ant species in gardens: the black garden ant Lasius niger, the red ant Myrmica rubra and the yellow meadow ant Lasius flavus. and answer some of your question on ants. WARNING contains ant puns! In news we discuss porpoises in a river, idiotic Chinese lantern releases and…
In this episode we talk to Stephen Moss, author of over 40 natural history books, producer of TV programmes such as Birding with Bill Oddie and Springwatch and lecturer in creative writing at Bath Spa University We talk about tips for writing nature books, his experiences in broadcasting, bird watching and Birdfair being cancelled among…
Main topic is what to do in your garden during the lockdown. We have some good feedback/follow up on the mole topic and a sound clip from a friend of the show. In the News we look at a new way to age Great Crested Newts, irresponsible grouse moors setting fires during a time of…
