Wildlife Matters

Welcome to Wildlife Matters, a podcast by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Hear from our expert staff and special guests about our work to protect Dorset’s wildlife and wild places. And find out what you can do to make space for nature in your life and help wildlife wherever you live.

S2: E6 Go wild in your garden

With nature in crisis and the decline in many species especially pollinators, wildlife-friendly gardening in your garden, on your balcony, patio or local green space is a fantastic way for everyone to do something to help wildlife in their patch. Karen Stanberry and Mitch Perkins from the Wilder Communities team offer practical advice and inspiring examples to inspire us all to help wildlife on our doorstep.  https://www.facebook.com/karenstanberrywildlife/

03-11
32:26

S2: E5 Wild Bere Regis

The story of a community coming together to make a difference to wildlife and people. From the churchyard and a rewilding project to the village nature reserve and many wildlife-friendly gardens in between, Bere Regis is a haven for wildlife. This podcast features an engaging conversation between Dorset Wildlife Trust's Wilder Community Manager, Nicki Brunt and ex Dorset Wildlife Trust President and current volunteer, Tony Bates about the Bere Regis community's wild journey. 

01-08
23:42

S2: E4 Lyscombe: the road ahead

In March 2024, Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired 827 acres of land at Lyscombe, north-east of Dorchester. It's the biggest land acquisition in Dorset Wildlife Trust's history and represents an incredible opportunity to make space for nature. So  In this podcast, Steve Jones, Wilder Landscapes Officer and Lyscombe ranger, Ben Atkinson discuss why Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired this site, how it will make more space for nature and what happens next.

12-10
36:07

S2: E3 Wild Woodbury: three years on

It's three years since Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired the 420-acre site at Wild Woodbury, just outside Bere Regis in Dorset. In that time, the incredible Wild Woodbury community rewilding project has seen a remarkable uplift in biodiversity and a transformation of the landscape. Find out about what's been happening on the site and what has been achieved so far. 

12-04
31:39

S2: E2 Wild Brownsea

Meet the Dorset Wildlife Trust rangers who manage the northern part of Brownsea island for wildlife in partnership with the National Trust and engage with visitors. For its size, Brownsea is one of the most biodiverse sites in England with a species list of 4,900 in total and over 300 bird species recorded. Find out about the birds which make Brownsea Lagoon their home, how Dorset Wildlife Trust manages the area to help wildlife thrive, and what makes the island such a special place for wildlife and people.

11-28
50:20

S2: E1 Dorset’s wild places

Join Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Managers, Luke and Neil, as they discuss why nature reserves are important and how they provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Find out about the conservation work carried out by our dedicated staff and volunteers to maintain and enhance the habitat to enable so many species to thrive.    Dorset’s wildlife depends on our nature reserves. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please donate to the Nature Reserves Fund - your donation will directly enhance and expand habitats for Dorset's most vulnerable wildlife species. 

11-13
36:43

S1: E9 Wilder Communities

The Urban Green project aimed to empower local people to improve their green spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities Officer, Anona Dawson talks to Tessa Nesbit, the rector of St Peter’s Church in Hamworthy to share the story of the transformation of the Bluebell Community Woodland at St Michael’s Church, Hamworthy. Their conversation gives an insight into the project’s incredible impact on this beautiful woodland, its wildlife and the community of neighbours, volunteers and parishioners.   LEARN MORE ABOUT THE URBAN GREEN PROJECT https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/connecting-people-with-nature/urban-green   BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/   Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/   Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust    GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop   With Thanks to Anona Dawson, Tessa Nesbit  Production: Dani Wilson

11-30
32:04

S1: E8 The Power of Peat

What is the power of peat? Peatland is such an important and amazing habitat - it can store carbon, help to tackle climate change, reduce flooding and provides the right conditions for a variety of wildlife. Join Tilly Hudsmith, master's student at Exeter University in conversation with Grace Herve, project manager for the Dorset Peat Partnership about the environmental impact and significance of this collaborative peat project happening right here in Dorset.   SUPPORT THE DORSET PEAT PARTNERSHIP https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/conservation-work-land/dorset-peat-partnership    BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/   Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/   Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust    GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop   With Thanks to Grace Herve, Tilly Hudsmith  Production: Dani Wilson

11-02
45:24

S1: E7 River Restoration at Wild Woodbury

Allowing nature to take the lead is the ethos underpinning the rewilding project at Wild Woodbury. Reversing the system of deep ditches built to drain the land was a key part of the vision to rewet the land to create habitat for wildlife and to slow the flow to reduce flood risk - find out how and why Dorset Wildlife Trust has renaturalised the headwaters of the River Sherford across the land and the difference it has made for wildlife and people.   SUPPORT WILD WOODBURY https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/conservation-work-land/wild-woodbury   BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/   Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/   Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust   GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop     With Thanks to Rob Farrington, Seb Haggett Production: Dani Wilson

10-06
15:30

S1: E6 Meet our President, Dr George McGavin

Meet our President, Dr George McGavin An engaging and entertaining conversation between Dorset Wildlife Trust’s President, Dr George McGavin and Assistant Warden, James Cartwright. The two of them talk career paths, the importance of slowing down on a walk, a day in the life of a reserve warden, the role of nature reserves, and exchange views on verge cutting, seed banks, forest bathing and the perennial question of the importance of ivy and its effect on trees. With Thanks Dr George McGavin and James Cartwright Producer: Dani Wilson   Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/   Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/   Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust

09-07
46:16

S1: E5 Marine wildlife through the lens with Doug Anderson

In this episode we join Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher and award-winning videographer Doug Anderson as they chat about his remarkable career as one of the world’s top underwater cameramen. Doug shares some of the highs and lows of his fascinating career which spans more than 20 years as well as sharing his views on the damage he has witnessed to our seabeds and marine wildlife. You can read more about Doug’s extensive portfolio of work and awards here: https://www.doug-anderson.com/    Dorset Wildlife Trust have launched an urgent appeal for you to support   If we don’t act now, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.  Can you imagine a sea so full of plastic that every fish and every seabird has plastic in its stomach? A world where there is more plastic in the sea than fish?   If we don't act now, this could become reality for Dorset's coast and marine wildlife.   Donate to our urgent appeal and you will be supporting work to stop plastic destroying our seas and the wonderful wildlife living there. Your donation could provide equipment to help remove deadly litter from our coast, or fund essential camera equipment to monitor the effects of pollution on seals and more wildlife.   Your donation will help our seas survive, and our marine wildlife thrive.     SAVE OUR WILD SEAS  Click here to make your donation:  https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/save-our-wild-seas    THANK YOU!    With Thanks to Julie Hatcher, Doug Anderson and Hazel Ormrod  Producer: Dani Wilson    Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset  https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member    STAY CONNECTED  Join our mailing list  https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup    FIND US   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/    Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/    Watch our videos on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust   

07-25
23:37

S1: E4 Experience the Dawn Chorus

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature's greatest symphony. This year we want to bring the dulcet tones of Dorset's diverse birds to you. Sit back and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant sounds of birdsong from the Dorset Beaver Project site and reconnect with nature. SUPPORT US Make a donation to Dorset Wildlife Trust https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/donate Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust    GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop   With Thanks to Stephen Oliver.  Production: Jack Clarke 

05-04
01:00:00

S1: E3 Wild Woodbury

Join chief executive Brian Bleese as he talks with Hazel from the Wildlife Matters team about our pioneering re-wilding project in Bere Regis. We also join the team as they welcome staff and children from Bere Regis Primary School on site as part of a long term community project.  SUPPORT US Make a donation to our rewilding project, Wild Woodbury. https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/wildlife-conservation/wild-woodbury Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust    GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop   With Thanks to Brian Bleese, Hazel Ormrod, Rob Farrington, Seb Haggett, the children and staff of Bere Regis Primary School.  Production: Dani Wilson

03-20
29:10

S1: E2 Dorset Beaver Project

History was made in February 2021 when Dorset Wildlife Trust released a pair of Eurasian beavers into an enclosed site in west Dorset as part of a scientific study to assess the impact of beavers on their natural environment. Join Steve Oliver and Jack from our Wildlife Matters team as they talk about the significance and progress of this exciting project. SUPPORT US Make a donation to the beaver project https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/wildlife-conservation/dorset-beaver-project Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust   GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop   With Thanks to Steve Oliver and Jack Clarke Production: Dani Wilson

03-20
44:54

S1: E1 Conversations at Kingcombe

Join us as we hear from Daisy Meadowcroft and Jim White as they chat about the history of Kingcombe and what makes it such a special place.   VISIT KINGCOMBE Find out more about Kingcombe National Nature Reserve https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/kingcombevisitorcentre   SUPPORT US Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member   STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup   FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/   Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@DorsetWildlifeTrust   With special thanks to Daisy Meadowcroft, Jim White and Hazel Ormrod Production: Dani Wilson  

03-16
34:09

ScottishRose

absolutely wonderful. 👍

12-12 Reply

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