The Birdy Bug Pod

Join us as we chat about this characterful, attractive and acrobatic corvid and the pressures it is facing. We discuss the reasons for their dramatic decline, particularly in Cornwall, an historical stronghold for this corvid species.We of course include some fun cultural references but most importantly we highlight the really positive conservation projects that have resulted in a record breaking 2026 breeding season in Cornwall and many good news stories for the Chough in Ireland, Wales, Kent and South East England.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 @thebirdybugpodLinkshttps://chough.orghttps://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/our-cause/nature-climate/nature-conservation/our-work-to-care-for-choughshttps://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/choughreintroductionhttps://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/crows-and-shrikes/choughhttps://chough.org/the-red-billed-chough/decline-of-the-cornish-choughhttps://group.rspb.org.uk/northwales/news-blogs/blog/choughing-around-meet-the-birds-with-red-beaks/https://www.birdguides.com/news/chough-chicks-fledge-at-anglesey-site-after-14-year-breeding-gap/https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/chough

Last year, the news that half of our butterfly species are in decline hit the headlines. Unpredictable seasons, habitat loss, and pollution our butterfly and moth populations face a lot of challenges, but it's not all bad news!Join us as we look in on our lepidopterans and see how they are doing. From the pressures to the heartwarming number of fantastic projects going on to help them. Habitat restoration, citizen science initiatives, species reintroductions, it is an incredible reminder that there are always incredible people and organisations working to protect our wildlife.It is great to be back after a bit of a hiatus (we explain where we've been), thank you to everyone who listens, we hope you enjoy this episode.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 @thebirdybugpodLinkshttps://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-butterflies-and-mothshttps://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/the-state-of-britains-butterflieshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/work-to-save-rare-british-moth-from-extinction-in-englandhttps://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-mothshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgohttps://www.royensoc.co.uk/news/large-blue-and-other-rare-insects-thriving-on-grasslands-restored-as-part-of-res-project/https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-mothshttps://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/conservation-projects/england/kents-magnificent-mothshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgo

The RSPB has recently advised people to temporarily remove many garden bird feeders to help slow the spread of Trichomonosis, a disease affecting some of our most familiar garden birds.But what exactly is Trichomonosis? How does it spread, which species are most at risk, and why are bird feeders part of the problem?In this episode, we explore the science behind the disease, its impact on bird populations, and the practical steps we can all take to help protect the birds visiting our gardens.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 @thebirdybugpodLinksTrichomonosis | BTOFinch trichomonosis transmission in gardensThe emergence and spread of finch trichomonosis in the British Isles - PMCProtozoan | Definition, Parasites, Diseases, Characteristics, Size, Kingdom, & Facts | Britannica

We see it everywhere. Climbing trees, clinging to walls, and carpeting woodland floors. Ivy is one of the most familiar plants in our landscapes, but is it really the garden nuisance it is often made out to be, or is it in fact an unsung biodiversity haven?Join us we take a closer look at ivy’s hidden world. From the surprising range of wildlife it supports to its deep-rooted cultural history, we explore why this resilient plant might deserve a little more respect.And there is even a link between ivy and our recent hiatus from recording. It's brilliant to be back after a bit of a break, we hope you enjoy listening!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 @thebirdybugpodLinkshttps://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/43091/hedera-helix/detailshttps://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/icad.12033https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/ivy-lifeline-for-autumn-mothshttps://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/learn-about-bumblebees/solitarybees/ivy-bee/

Small in size, big in personality, you can't help but love the Little Owl.While not native to the UK, this charismatic species has firmly established itself since its introduction, carving out a niche in our countryside and charming anyone lucky enough to spot one perched on a post.Sadly, however, Little Owl populations are seeing worrying declines, and the exact causes are not fully understood. So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the captivating world of the little owl: from its symbolic connection to ancient Greek mythology, to its journey to Britain, the challenges it faces today, and the fantastic conservation efforts working to help protect them.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 @thebirdybugpodLinksLittle Owl | BTOLittle Owl Facts | Athene NoctuaUK Little Owl ProjectLittle owl | The Wildlife TrustsLittle Owl (Athene noctua) - British Birds - Woodland TrustLittle Owl Monitoring Network — Leigh EcologyLittle Owl facts - The Barn Owl Trust