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 @thebirdybugpod Links: The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust Home - Earthwatch Europe Take part in a project | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do Join the Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain Tidy Big Butterfly Count From farm to forest: the volunteers planting 100,000 trees in Somerset | Trees and forests | The Guardian Nature's Calendar - Woodland Trust The 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 @thebirdybugpod Links: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Peoples Trust for Endangered Species UK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The Guardian Vendace and powan | NatureScot Endangered UK crayfish released into the wild at secret river site in Hampshire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust The 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 @thebirdybugpod Links Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest | AP News Scientists taught this once-extinct bird how to migrate by guiding them across Europe | Euronews Herd of 170 bison could help store CO2 equivalent of 43,000 cars, researchers say | Rewilding | The Guardian As Zambia schools take on climate change, one teen is spreading the word in sign language | The Independent How a tribe brought back its sacred California condors - BBC Future Japan develops plastic that disappears within hours in the sea and boosts soil health - Times of India Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 - BBC News Wild 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 - YouTube And don't forget to follow him over on Instagram: @reubens_reptiles A huge thank you to Reuben and his Dad for travelling down to record with us! 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 @thebirdybugpod Timestamps 00:00:00 Meet Reuben Martin 00:06:42 Reuben's wildlife heroes 00:08:40 All about our reptiles 00:15:25 Reuben's conservation work 00:24:51 Winning Springwatch's Wildlife Hero award 00:32:16 Future career & Reuben's YouTube channel 00:38:29 Positive conservation news 00:53:59 What's next & wrap up Links: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Garden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Home | Steyning Downland Scheme https://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. Timestamps 00:00:00 Catch up 00:01:56 Introduction to UK's rainforests 00:23:32 Decline of our rainforests and threats 00:31:14 Rainforest restoration and positive news 00:45:59 Wrap up 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 @thebirdybugpod Links Temperate Rainforest in the UK - Woodland Trust Temperate rainforest - Plantlife Interactive Map Reveals Britain's Rare And Hidden Rainforests (countryliving.com) Temperate rainforest | The Wildlife Trusts Discover Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens - Plantlife Lost Rainforests of Britain England’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