The Lodge Cast

Join us for a fascinating double interview in this final episode of the series, featuring Paul Martin, a leading wildlife education professional and author of the natural literacy model, and Holly Usher, a primary teacher with 15 years of experience turned Senior Education Officer at Beaver Trust.  Together, they provide invaluable insights into the critical role of education in fostering a stronger connection between people and nature, particularly in the context of beaver reintroduction. In this episode, you will hear about: The impact of beavers on children's engagement with nature: Hear how beavers capture the imagination of children and act as a gateway to ecologically-minded action, fostering a sense of ownership and agency. The Beaver Trust's education program: Learn about the aims of the program, co-designed by Paul, to build a head, heart, and hands connection to nature in children.  Why beavers are the perfect ‘gateway species’ for engaging children in conservation. Strategies for integrating nature into the existing curriculum: Hear practical advice for teachers on how to weave nature into lessons and utilise school grounds to foster nature connection. Also coming up: Find out who wins the highly anticipated fact off, judged first by Paul and then by Holly! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brien, and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Derek Gow, world-renowned conservationist, author and owner of Rewilding Coombeshead, a pioneering species recovery centre in North Devon. A key figure in UK rewilding, Derek shares his vast knowledge and experience on the historical, cultural and ecological significance of beavers. In this episode, we delve into: A history of beavers in Britain: Uncover fascinating details about their presence from prehistoric times, their exploitation for various purposes and their eventual decline. The cultural significance of beavers: Explore their role in Saxon times, their representation in place names and the diverse values placed upon them throughout history, from medicinal uses of castorium to the fur trade. The future of beavers in Britain: Hear Derek's vision for a fully restored beaver population, the challenges and societal views surrounding their return and the transformative impact they could have on our landscapes. Also coming up: Find out Derek's verdict as he judges this week's beaver fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Roger Auster, lecturer in environmental social science at the University of Exeter, as we delve into the social dimensions of beaver reintroduction and the human element of wildlife recovery and nature restoration.  In this episode, we will be exploring: The concept of renewed coexistence: Understand the meaning behind this term, coined by Roger and his colleagues, and why it is vital for the long-term success of species reintroductions. The importance of social and behavioural research: Why understanding public perceptions, addressing concerns, navigating diverse viewpoints and fostering constructive dialogue is essential for successful beaver reintroduction projects. The human need for control and the role of beavers: Explore how social science can help people understand the benefits of allowing beavers to contribute to natural processes, such as natural flood management, and the mindset shift required to share landscapes. Also coming up: Hear Dr. Auster's reaction as he judges this week's highly competitive fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Sean McCormack, vet, Beaver Trust ambassador, co-founder of Ealing Beaver Project and founder of Ealing Wildlife Group, as we explore beaver reintroductions in the heart of London. Sean sits at the intersection between community and wildlife reintroduction, and has done a huge amount for raising awareness about beavers and connecting people with their wetlands. In this episode, we will be finding out about: The Ealing Beaver project: Hear about the inspirations, challenges and successes of bringing beavers back to an urban environment. Community engagement: Learn about the importance of community buy-in, diverse perspectives and addressing misconceptions in rewilding projects. Lessons from beavers: Discover how beavers can teach us about self-willed landscapes, adaptive management and the benefits of stepping back and observing. Also coming up: Find out who wins the fact off, judged by Sean! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Who better to close the series than the one and only, Chris Packham CBE? Chris is a world-renowned naturalist, campaigner, broadcaster and science communicator. He makes waves across the conservation sector for championing the natural world, and we couldn't think of a better guest to help us understand the big stuff: beavers, biodiversity, climate - and the road ahead. Also coming up: Producer Emma makes an appearance as judge to deliver overall series winners of the #FactOff and the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode or the series 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!  This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.

This week we're joined by Professor Richard Brazier - a leading academic in Earth Surface Processes at the University of Exeter and an authority on how beavers interact with a changing landscape. Richard co-directs the University’s Centre for Resilience in Environment Water and Waste (CREWW), which pioneers research projects that find out how we can better protect the environment and live alongside it. Most notably, Richard was also a key figure in the research that led to the success of the River Otter Beaver Trial in 2020! Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge and Eva might be leaving Sophie in tears 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!  This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.

Following the news that 2023 was officially Earth's hottest year on record, Eva and Sophie want answers. This week, we return to ecohydrologist, assistant professor and science communicator, Dr Emily Fairfax  - world-renowned beaver researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, and our go-to for all things beaver and wildfire. Emily is leading groundbreaking research in the States into how beaver wetlands can act as natural firebreaks, and mitigate against extreme climate-induced megafires. Since she came on The Lodge Cast back in Series 2, it's time for an update. What lessons can Britain learn from the States in enlisting beavers to help strengthen landscape resilience against the climate? How can beavers restore areas of habitat that were destroyed? And why does this matter? Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge and Sophie tests Eva's spark 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!  This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.

Greetings fair listeners! And welcome back to a brand new, shiny series of Beaver Trust's The Lodge Cast! In our sixth series join us on an international journey of discovery, where, with the help of leading experts we navigate the global crisis of climate change, how it is playing out locally here in Britain and where beavers fit into the conversation. It’s a highly complex subject, so in this series we hope to illuminate why that is. To start us off, we welcome none other than Bob Ward  - Policy and Communications Director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics. As the Deputy Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership, and he’s spoken out on beavers being brought back to Britain, saying that there is a clear need for them to help manage the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, drought and wildfire. Also coming up: the return of the iconic #FactOff challenge and Eva puts Sophie's climate change 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!  This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.

Who better to close the fifth series of #TheLodgeCast than the man, the myth, the legend - Gerhard Schwab?! Regarded by many as the ‘Beaver Godfather’ of Europe, with a lifetime of dedication to beaver reintroduction and human/wildlife coexistence gaining him major prominence in the beaver restoration movement across Europe.  In 1988 Gerhard began what started as a four-year review of Bavarian beavers. And ever since then he has been involved in reintroduction programmes across Europe. He’s designed and implemented a beaver management system for Bavaria, and a training system attended by over 700 local beaver consultants. Safe to say - Gehard has enormous respect across the reintroduction sector - and without further ado, we invite you to sit comfortably and tune into this frank, pragmatic and provoking conversation! Also coming up: the FINAL #FactOff of the series, a QUIZ, and a special visit from marvellous Producer Emma, who will give the final scores of the series! Hold onto your (non-beaver) hats!  Would you like to discuss anything from this episode or the rest of Series 5 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 beaver management world. To help us better understand the Scottish lived experience with beavers, and to unpack the opportunities presented by the landmark Scottish Beaver Strategy, we speak to Dr Jenny Bryce a Wildlife Ecologist for NatureScot. We then pull on our boots, and hit the ground running in a conversation with Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer - Beaver Trust’s Head of Restoration and the Lodge Cast’s debut returning guest! Roisin offers a reality check on the management of beavers on the field, and reminds us of the hierarchy of mitigation techniques. No situation is the same - it’s catchment dependent - and coexistence often calls for a complex blend of the human and the ecological.  Both women deliver a fascinating conversation into where Britain is at with beaver reintroduction, and what lessons one nation can learn from another - and how a well-managed, supported future alongside beavers is something we must expect and hope for. Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge gets hot and Eva tests Sophie to the limits 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

We were thrilled to be able to speak with Dr Jitka Uhlíková, - a zoologist who works for the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic - the expert body of their Ministry of Environment Agency. Based at the headquarters in Prague in the division where action plans for endangered animal species and management plans for conflict species are implemented, Jitka is the coordinator of the Beaver Management Plan. Jitka tells us, 'beavers taught me humility.' This conversation is an invaluable exploration of the scenario-led approach to beaver management, and Jitka’s experience provides much-needed insight and reassurance for us in Britain. We learn about the ‘5 Pillars’ of beaver management Jitka and her team operate within, and how mitigation decisions can make or break coexistence, and the importance of being proactive - not reactive.  Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge continues and Eva sits in the hot seat during Sophie’s 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! In our fifth series, join us on an international journey of discovery, where, with the help of leading experts we navigate the complexities of beaver mitigation and management - among the most topical discussions surrounding beaver restoration in Britain today.  To kick-off Series 5 with a bang, we are joined by Mike Callahan. Based on the east coast of the United States, Mike’s career and experience is as varied as a thriving beaver wetland. A background in human medicine equipped him with the insight and bedside manner to tackle healing of a greener kind. Fast-forward several years and he is the founder of an organisation called ‘Beaver Solutions’, which specialises in effective beaver management and resolving human-beaver conflicts. He also founded the non-profit The Beaver Institute - of which he is now President. Beavers are a native, keystone species. So what are we mitigating for? Mike’s organisations have created flow devices, learning resources, and delivered training to help professionals or communities interested in dealing with beavers when they present problems, across North America and Europe. Safe to say, speaking with Mike was a joy, and from it we have many pertinent lessons to consider when it comes to human/beaver coexistence. Also coming up: the return of the iconic #FactOff challenge and Sophie puts Eva's crime scene 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.  

Hello, Lodge Casters! We interrupt our series break with a lovely little audio surprise for you. We sent our friend, the actor, environmentalist and Trees A Crowd podcast host, David Oakes, up to RSPB Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Meeting RSPB Site Manager, Paula Baker, David finds out how the beavers are doing six months after arrival, exploring how the landscape has changed, and what’s next for this unique beaver project in Scotland. Tune in for the next 15 minutes to find out more!  Would you like to discuss anything from this short-but-sweet 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! [Keep your eyes and ears peeled...some Series 5 news on the horizon!] This episode of The Lodge Cast was hosted by Sophie Pavelle and featured David Oakes.  Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion.

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.