The Birdy Bug Pod

If you’ve been listening to the pod for a while, you’ll know we have a real soft spot for curlews. They were even the topic of our second ever episode back in September 2022!Since then, lots has happened in the world of curlews. There’s been some sad news about the slender-billed curlew, but also lots to celebrate, with some great conservation projects underway. And on The Birdy Bug Pod front, Steve has a very exciting curlew update of his own.So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the latest curlew developments and chat about Steve’s new curlew venture.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksCurlew Action – Action Now for Curlews TomorrowHOME - Curlew LIFESlender-Billed Curlew: The Latest Bird Extinction ExplainedResources | Curlew Recovery PartnershipMan treks 53 miles in bird costume costume to raise awareness about endangered Eurasian Curlew | New York Post

Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so!Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk.We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly?We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksThe UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation TrustThe national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation TrustUK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.ukMultiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BESGenus-Wide Characterization of Bumblebee Genomes Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Variation in Ecological and Behavioral Traits | Molecular Biology and Evolution | Oxford Academic

Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback!2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries.Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it.Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksReturn: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction DocumentaryWhite-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry EnglandWhite-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding BritainWhite-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife FoundationWhite-tailed eagle saga - Dave Sexton

Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Not just their descendants, but the last living branch of one of the most successful animal groups to ever walk the Earth.In this episode, we sit down with paleo artist, keen birdwatcher, and lifelong dinosaur enthusiast Sean Hennessy (aka Speed Thief) to uncover the fascinating evolutionary link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives. We dispel some common dino myths and misunderstandings, explore how dinosaurs capture the public imagination, and discuss why they remain vital ambassadors for natural history and science.We also chat to Sean about how he sees paleo art as a powerful form of science communication and learn more about his fantastic paleo comics. Sean has probably had more mentions on the podcast than anyone else, we've been wanting to have him on for ages. It was brilliant to finally have him in the studio and chat all things dinosaur (prehistoric and living).Sean's art and socials: https://linktr.ee/speed.thief@speed.thiefGet in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Ancient, agile, and unmatched in the air, dragonflies have ruled the skies for over 300 million years. But in today’s rapidly changing world, how are they faring?In this episode, we explore the world of these remarkable insects, from their perfectly-adapted anatomy and impressive hunting skills, to the art, poetry, and legends they have inspired across centuries and cultures.We examine the state of the UK’s dragonfly populations, where some species are in steep decline while others are on the rise, revealing important clues about the health of our ecosystems and the effects of climate change.And we of course, highlight the brilliant work of the dedicated people and organisations striving to protect these extraordinary insects and restore the habitats they need to survive.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksBritish Dragonfly Society - British Dragonfly SocietyRare dragonfly introduced into a hidden corner of CumbriaDragonfly species are colonising the UK 'at a greater rate than ever before' | Natural History MuseumUK’s dragonflies are benefiting from climate change | UK Centre for Ecology & HydrologyRare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The GuardianRare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The Guardian

A symbol of spring with its unmistakable call, the cuckoo is one of our most intriguing birds.From their truly unique (and brutal) breeding habits to their remarkable migrations, the life of a cuckoo is absolutely fascinating and steeped in folklore.Join us as we step into their world of brood parasitism, how they trick another species to raise their young for them and mostly get away with it.We discuss which bird species are more susceptible to becoming hosts and which ones have got wiser to having a rogue egg dropped on them. It's evolutionary warfare at its most captivating.Unfortunately, our cuckoo populations are facing a variety of challenges as complex as themselves. As the climate changes, disrupting their routines, they are struggling.But there is still hope. As we always try to do, we look at the brilliant projects being carried out to help these remarkable birds and hope they succeed in saving this iconic bird.Spring without the sound of a cuckoo is unthinkable.** And a little game, while you listen. Matthew made a slight, and rather funny, error in the episode. Can you spot it? Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksCuckoo Bird Facts | Cuculus CanorusChange in host rejection behavior mediated by the predatory behavior of its brood parasite | Behavioral Ecology | Oxford AcademicCuckoo Tracking Project | BTOEpic 7,500-mile cuckoo migration wows scientists - BBC NewsA call for the cuckoo: how to help an endangered bird | Gardens | The GuardianPopulation decline is linked to migration route in the Common Cuckoo, a long-distance nocturnally-migrating bird | BTO

We’ve hit the big 5-0, and we’re absolutely chuffed! When we started this podcast, neither of us had ever recorded one before and we had no idea what to expect. But 50 episodes in and we're absolutely loving it.In this episode, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and reflect. We chat about how it all began, where the podcast name came from, and why Steve’s all about birds while Matthew’s mad about bugs. We also talk about why we love podcasting and who our dream guests would be. Plus, we throw in a few fun facts about our favourite creatures and challenge each other with a couple of quiz questions to see how well we really know our own, and each other’s, specialties.A relaxed and chatty episode to mark hitting 50. Come celebrate with us and get to know us and the pod a little better.A huge thank you to everyone who has listened so far!Get in touchDon't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksAmazing! Bird Sounds From The Lyre Bird - David Attenborough - BBC Wildlife

They may not have backbones, but invertebrates are the unsung heroes of the natural world, shaping landscapes, driving ecosystems, and even influencing the behaviour of top predators.In this episode, we journey into their fascinating and often overlooked world. We explore how termites engineer entire ecosystems, how ant behaviour can influence lion hunting patterns, and why a specific rainforest bee is the key to every Brazil nut you’ve ever eaten.While many invertebrates are now in decline, it's not all bad news. We share some hopeful conservation stories, organisations working hard to protect our invertebrate populations, and highlight simple ways we can all help support these vital animals.Researching this episode took us down all sorts of unexpected rabbit holes, something you’ll definitely hear reflected in the conversation.We hope you enjoy listening What’s your favourite invertebrate fact, story, or encounter? Come share it with us over on Instagram. We’d love to hear from you @thebirdybugpod.Get in touchDon't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks'We cannot survive without insects' – DW – 06/22/2018How loud is YOUR penis?! The waterboatman and his mighty member!Stream Lesser Water Boatman, the loudest underwater insect by terranova | Listen online for free on SoundCloudFigs & Wasps | How Are Figs Pollinated? | FoodUnfoldedLetting grass grow long boosts butterfly numbers, UK study proves | Butterflies | The GuardianEcological feedbacks. Termite mounds can increase the robustness of dryland ecosystems to climatic change - PubMed

Mysterious, fierce, and teetering on the edge of extinction, the Scottish Wildcat is one of the UK’s rarest and most elusive mammals.Nicknamed the Highland Tiger, this striking predator once prowled across much of the UK. But today, it's hanging on by a thread.In this episode, we take a closer look at what makes this cat so special, from its huge personality and charismatic scowl to its deep roots in Scottish culture and folklore. We explore the threats it faces, uncover the reasons behind its decline, and shine a light on the passionate conservationists working to bring this iconic species back from the brink.Contact:As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks:European wildcat | RZSSWildcat conservation in Scotland | Saving Wildcats | Saving WildcatsWildcat HavenWildcats | NatureScotWildcats released in Scottish Highlands in effort to prevent extinction in UK | Rewilding | The Guardianhttps://treesforlife.org.uk/

Everyone can play a role in conservation, from protecting wildlife to contributing to real scientific research. Volunteering and its powerful branch, citizen science, is making a real difference for the environment.In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of these efforts across the UK. From bird counts and river monitoring to tree planting and habitat restoration, passionate people are tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and shaping environmental policy.We also discuss how volunteering benefits individuals and communities and share our own experiences with these initiatives.By the end, you’ll probably guess that we’re big fans of volunteering!We hope you enjoy the episode and would love to hear about your own experiences or projects you’re passionate about.Contact:As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks:The Big River Watch | The Rivers TrustHome - Earthwatch EuropeTake part in a project | BTO - British Trust for Ornithologyhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-doJoin the Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain TidyBig Butterfly CountFrom farm to forest: the volunteers planting 100,000 trees in Somerset | Trees and forests | The GuardianNature's Calendar - Woodland TrustThe Conservation Volunteers

How are the UK's animals really doing? In this episode, we dive into the IUCN Red List, the world’s most comprehensive assessment of species at risk of extinction, to uncover which of our birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, and more are struggling.Some of the findings won't come as a surprise, but others might shock you, as a few of our most familiar and commonly seen birds are in fact on the Red list.Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode takes a step back to reveal the bigger picture of wildlife decline in the UK. But it’s not all bad news! We also highlight conservation success stories, celebrating species that are making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts.Join us as we uncover the challenges, surprises, and inspiring efforts to turn the tide for the UK’s wildlife.Contact:As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks:IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesPeoples Trust for Endangered SpeciesUK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The GuardianVendace and powan | NatureScotEndangered UK crayfish released into the wild at secret river site in Hampshire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife TrustThe State Of Britain's Moths | Butterfly Conservation

Amid the constant stream of negative headlines, we’re keeping our annual tradition alive and spending an episode reflecting on the positive environmental strides made in 2024!From newly established marine protected areas to passionate local communities defending nature, this episode is packed with inspiring stories. We've got dam removals, flying scientists teaching birds how to migrate, species reintroductions, and much more.As we move into a new year, join us for this uplifting look back at the brilliant work being done worldwide to protect and restore our nature. We love recording these episodes as they are a reminder that dedicated people everywhere are working tirelessly to make a real difference for the environment, wildlife, and people... and that is worth celebrating.What was your favourite positive nature story of 2024? Get in touch, we would love to know 👇Contact:As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksDenmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest | AP NewsScientists taught this once-extinct bird how to migrate by guiding them across Europe | EuronewsHerd of 170 bison could help store CO2 equivalent of 43,000 cars, researchers say | Rewilding | The GuardianAs Zambia schools take on climate change, one teen is spreading the word in sign language | The IndependentHow a tribe brought back its sacred California condors - BBC FutureJapan develops plastic that disappears within hours in the sea and boosts soil health - Times of IndiaAmazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 - BBC NewsWild tiger population increases in Thailand

Passionate young conservationist, dedicated reptile surveyor and winner of the BBC Springwatch Under 18s Wildlife Hero Award 2024, Reuben Martin joins us on The Birdy Bug Pod.Grab a coffee and tune in for a fantastic chat with Reuben as we learn all about his conservation work, his love for our native reptiles, the experience of appearing on BBC Springwatch and what it was like getting recognised in public for the first time.This episode is packed with reptile facts, inspiring projects, and some brilliant stories from Reuben's surveys. In true Birdy Bug Pod style, we wrap up with some heart warming conservation stories, shining a light on the incredible efforts being made to protect and restore our wildlife.We were thrilled to have Reuben as a guest. Seeing someone so young and passionate making a real difference for nature is truly inspiring.Make sure you check out Reuben's YouTube channel: Reuben’s Reptiles - YouTubeAnd don't forget to follow him over on Instagram: @reubens_reptilesA huge thank you to Reuben and his Dad for travelling down to record with us!Get in touchDon't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodTimestamps00:00:00 Meet Reuben Martin00:06:42 Reuben's wildlife heroes00:08:40 All about our reptiles00:15:25 Reuben's conservation work00:24:51 Winning Springwatch's Wildlife Hero award00:32:16 Future career & Reuben's YouTube channel00:38:29 Positive conservation news00:53:59 What's next & wrap upLinks:Amphibian and Reptile ConservationGarden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile ConservationHome | Steyning Downland Schemehttps://www.southdowns.gov.uk/help-your-heaths/heathlands-reunited/

Whilst we all know about the tropical rainforests of the world, we often forget the temperate rainforests we have right here in the UK.Found in the misty valleys and coastal areas of western Scotland, Wales, and south west England, these rainforests are rare ecosystems that support a wealth of biodiversity, from vibrant mosses and lichens to endangered species like red squirrels and pine martens.Settle in and join us as we explore why these rainforests are so ecologically significant, their historic decline, the threats they face, and the encouraging conservation efforts to protect them.Have you ever been to one of our temperate rainforests? We'd love to know, comment or ping us a message over on Instagram @thebirdybugpod.Timestamps00:00:00 Catch up00:01:56 Introduction to UK's rainforests00:23:32 Decline of our rainforests and threats00:31:14 Rainforest restoration and positive news00:45:59 Wrap upGet in touchDon't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksTemperate Rainforest in the UK - Woodland TrustTemperate rainforest - PlantlifeInteractive Map Reveals Britain's Rare And Hidden Rainforests (countryliving.com)Temperate rainforest | The Wildlife TrustsDiscover Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens - PlantlifeLost Rainforests of BritainEngland’s largest temperate rainforest a National Nature Reserve - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Lost rainforest could be revived across 20% of Great Britain | Environment | The Guardian

Pigeons! They're everywhere, but often overlooked and definitely unfairly labelled. Known to some as "rats with wings," pigeons have gained a reputation as pesky, unintelligent city dwellers—but that's far from the full story.In this episode, we’re giving pigeons the love and respect they deserve. We bust the biggest myths surrounding these birds, explore their fascinating history, and reveal just how intelligent and resourceful they really are. From acing complex intelligence tests to performing life-saving acts of heroism during the world wars, pigeons have a lot more going for them than you might think.We've got a pigeon quiz, answers to pressing questions like, "Why do they bob their heads when they walk?" and much more! We hope his episode will have you looking at pigeons in a whole new light.Timestamps00:00:00 Catch up and introduction00:04:31 Get to know the pigeon00:18:32 Pigeons throughout history00:28:55 Intelligence & navigation00:38:53 Impact on culture & science00:42:31 General pigeon appreciation00:45:55 Pigeon threats00:49:10 Wrap upGet in touchDon't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinksSecret World of Pigeons Timeline (cbc.ca)Whose coos are whose? The five types of pigeon you’ll see in Britain - Country LifeBBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - The pigeon: Britain’s most misunderstood bird?Pigeons Are Secretly Brilliant Birds That Understand Space and Time, Study Finds | Mental FlossHow homing pigeons find their way home - BirdWatching (birdwatchingdaily.com)What's Up With That: Birds Bob Their Heads When They Walk | WIRED

One of the UK's rarest spiders is coming back from the brink of extinction thanks to a brilliant conservation effort.Large, scarce, and undeniably striking, the fen raft spider is one of only three British spider species on the Red List and vulnerable to extinction.But there is good news! A dedicated collaboration of organisations has been working hard to restore our valuable fen habitats and the raft spiders that rely so heavily on them, and the results are promising.So, grab a coffee, sit back, and join us as we explore the incredible world of the fen raft spider. We uncover fascinating facts about their water-based lifestyle, from running across the surface to diving beneath it, and take a closer look at the conservation success story that’s giving these spiders a fighting chance for survival.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodTimestamps:00:00:00 Intro & catchup00:07:02 All about raft spiders00:23:38 Habitat decline & the importance of fens00:31:47 Conservation & good news00:45:48 Wrap upLinks:https://www.dolomedes.org.uk/biology/life_historyhttps://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs/bug-directory/fen-raft-spider/https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/blog/suffolk-wildlife-trust/10-facts-about-fen-raft-spiders#:~:text=Fen rafthttps://www.britishwildlife.com/article/article-volume-32-number-2-page-98-109/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320700000306https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetlands/fens/Raft spiders (britishspiders.org.uk)

Our humble hedgerows. They may seem ordinary and easy to overlook as they border our gardens and fields and crisscross our landscape, but they are in fact one of our most vital habitats. Yet sadly, our hedges have seen a decline in both abundance and health.In this episode, we uncover the incredible benefits of healthy hedgerows—from providing shelter to countless species to boosting farm productivity and even combating climate change.So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of hedgerows. We explore their importance, cultural significance, how we have lost so many of them, and what can be done to restore our hedges to the benefit of our communities and nature.Get in touch!Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks:https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/hedgerow-wildlife-to-hear-and-see/https://ptes.org/hedgerow/hedgerow-wildlife/https://www.gwct.org.uk/blogs/news/2024/may/new-hedgerow-regulations-what-you-need-to-know/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/habitats/hedgerows/https://hedgelink.org.uk/How to manage a hedgerow for wildlife | The Wildlife Trustshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/hedgerow-protections-reinstated-in-englandhttps://hedgerowsurvey.ptes.org/the-great-british-hedgerow-survey

Inspired by the phenomenal performances of Olympic athletes, we turned our attention to the incredible athletic abilities found in the animal kingdom. Join us in this special episode as we assemble our ultimate Olympic Team GB—featuring some of the UK's most impressive wildlife!In classic Birdy Bug Pod style, Steve brings his A-game with a lineup of formidable birds, while Matthew’s picks might be small, but they pack a mighty punch with his team of impressive bugs. And of course, we've added a few wildcards into the mix to keep things interesting.Our contenders are ready to compete in a range of Olympic events: from diving and swimming to wrestling, boxing, and even the rowing. As we build our team, we delve into the mind-blowing abilities of UK wildlife—like a tiny insect that overcomes more G-force than an astronaut and diving birds that could give Tom Daley a run for his money.We had a great time recording this relaxed and slightly different episode, and we hope you enjoy it just as much!Who would make the cut for your Olympic wildlife team? Help us fill the gaps in our Team GB—what medal-contending species did we miss? Or go a step further and build your own national Olympic wildlife team with the animals native to your country. We'd love to see what you come up with! Head over to our Instagram (@thebirdybugpod) and leave a comment on the episode post or ping us a message.Get in touch!Speaking of Instagram, the podcast now has its very own account! The perfect place to contact us with any feedback, comments, questions, or just to say hi. And of course, to let us know all about your wildlife Olympic team!Follow us @thebirdybugpod Get all the latest episode news, behind the scenes content, opportunities to engage with the podcast and much more.Links:https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/highest-jump-by-an-insect/https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/faster-speed-sighthttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240108125719.htm

Rivers form the backbone of the landscape, act as the world's arteries, and also support an incredible wealth of wildlife, which is what we are exploring this episode. So, grab a coffee and join us for a positive chat about the wonderful animals that rely on our rivers. Staying true to our name, Steve is highlighting some of the fantastic bird life that he sees and photographs when out and about around rivers whilst Matthew gives the invertebrates some love with a focus on the fascinating lives of freshwater pearl mussels. Our rivers are facing a variety of issues which we will certainly cover in a future episode. But this time, we just fancied having lighter, positive chat about our remarkable rivers and the nature they support. We also cover some general river facts and there's a quiz or two. Get in touch:As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! You can find us both on Instagram:Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lensMatthew - @a.bug.in.the.lensTimestamps00:00:00 Very quick catch up00:00:58 Introducing rivers00:14:58 River appreciating birds00:22:44 River-y invertebrates00:43:44 River restoration00:52:05 Wrap upLinksWhy rivers are important for everything from biodiversity to wellbeing | New ScientistChalk streams, explained - Thames21Riverfly Partnership — Freshwater Biological Association (fba.org.uk)State of our Rivers Report 2024 | The Rivers TrustImpact Report 2023/24 | The Rivers TrustFreshwater pearl mussel | NatureScotAbout us — The Riverfly Partnership (riverflies.org)

From silhouetted soaring buzzards to the powerful elegance of an osprey snatching a fish from a lake, birds of prey are incredible animals that have entranced us for centuries. Unfortunately, however, this has not prevented them from being persecuted.This episode we are tackling a slightly more serious and somber topic but one that we believe definitely needs talking about and is certainly close to our hearts. So, grab a coffee and join us as we look at how our magnificent birds of prey have been persecuted, both throughout history and its continued prevalence today.But it's not all doom and gloom, we also delve into the tricky world of defining exactly what a 'bird of prey' really is, our historical relationship with these birds, and we of course, highlight the fantastic organisations working tirelessly to protect and restore our bird of prey populations. Steve even throws a surprise quiz in there to test Matthew's knowledge of our UK species.This is a topic that we are both passionate about and despite the heavier nature of the research, we really enjoyed recording this episode. We hope you enjoy listening.Get in touch:As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! You can find us both on Instagram:Steve - @a.bird.in.the.lensMatthew - @a.bug.in.the.lensTimestamps00:00:00 Catch up00:0153 Introducing Birds of Prey00:20:27 A history of persecution00:24:06 How they are persecuted today00:40:19 The positives: changing perceptions and brilliant organisationsLinkshttps://protectthewild.org.uk/our-campaigns/end-shooting/bird-shooting-faqs/what-raptor-persecution/Why the illegal killings of birds of prey is surging in the UK | The IndependentBirds of prey and the Law - Protect the WildGoshawks back from the brink in southern England | Forestry EnglandRSPB Hen Harrier LIFE Report - Skydancer - the UK's hen harriers - Skydancer - The RSPB CommunityGame Bird Shooting | The LeagueAbout Wild Justice - Wild Justice