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PODCAST

The Birdy Bug Pod

Matthew and Steve

Just a father and son who are passionate about wildlife, photography and the environment. Grab a coffee and join us as we chat about threatened species and habitats, interesting news stories and the incredible work being done around the world that gives us hope. Oh, and we"ll probably have a good natter about our photographic escapades from time to time too.

science nature

All Episodes

51:23

How the UK's largest bird of prey came back from...

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/09/18

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

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78:39

Birds ARE dinosaurs

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/08/28

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

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45:47

Discussing Dragonflies

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/08/14

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,

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55:38

Cuckoos & the challenges they face

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/07/31

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

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73:19

Our 50th episode!

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/07/16

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

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56:06

Incredibly Important Invertebrates

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/05/15

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

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46:09

The Scottish Wildcat: On the edge of extinction

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/04/16

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

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52:31

The value of volunteering

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/03/11

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

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72:18

UK Species in the Red

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/02/12

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

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62:44

2024: Positive nature news from around the world

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2025/01/14

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

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59:07

We chat with wildlife hero Reuben Martin

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/12/18

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

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48:04

The UK's lost rainforests

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/10/29

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

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51:23

Don't shoot the messenger

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/10/16

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

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47:49

Saving a fen-tastic spider

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/09/10

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,

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46:02

Hooray for hedges!

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/08/28

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

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47:03

Team GB's wildlife Olympians

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/08/13

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

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53:43

A chat about rivers

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/07/16

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

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62:13

Bird of prey persecution in the UK

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/07/02

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

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41:58

The UK's rarest reptile

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/06/04

Elusive and secretive, the smooth snake is not often seen and therefore easily overlooked. However, this fascinating reptile is confronting increasing pressures that could make it even scarcer.Join us as we shine a light on the lifestyle of this mysterious serpent, uncover the threats they are facing, and of course, highlight the remarkable conservation efforts dedicated to preserving our rarest reptile and it's habitat.Get in touch:As always, please do contact us with any questions, feedback,

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53:11

What the fungi

The Birdy Bug Pod ·

2024/05/14

Tasty fried mushrooms with your breakfast may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fungi, but did you know that they are essential to mitigating climate change?In fact, the fungi kingdom is far more diverse and vital than we could have imagined. From incredible carbon storage and ability to improve the health of forests to even providing sustainable packaging and breaking down plastics!Grab a coffee and join us for a chilled chat about the remarkable world of fungi. We

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