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PODCAST

Wildlife Matters The Podcast

Welcome to Wildlife Matters, where we explore the incredible world of wildlife and nature. Join your host Nigel Palmer, a lifelong nature lover and expert with over 30 years experience of working with wildlife, as he takes you on an adventure into the fascinating complexities of the natural world. Through solo shows and engaging interviews, we deep dive into topics such as Animal behaviour, ecology of species, plants, biodiversity, and habitat loss, we will take you on engaging wildlife and

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All Episodes

38:02

Celebrating the Autumn Equinox Live Campfire Nature...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/09/23

We celebrate the autumn equinox by sharing two nature-based folk tales with a live audience. I invite listeners to sit by the fire and listen as we tell the tale of the king and queen of birds and the tale of why the mole lives underground. We set these stories in the deep woodland and speak of balance, harvest, and quiet gratitude. I describe vivid scenes of birds, foxes, and a small mouse chronicler, highlighting courage and cleverness in the natural world. We close by reminding listeners to feel

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46:14

Walthamstow Wetlands Wild and Wonderful

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/09/09

The podcast episode takes listeners on an immersive journey back to the Walthamstow Wetlands, showcasing the diverse range of wildlife that inhabits this vital ecological hub. The hosts skillfully illustrate the intricate dynamics of the reed beds, which act as crucial habitats for myriad species, offering shelter, breeding grounds, and natural filtration for the surrounding waters. As they explore this serene environment, the hosts emphasise the importance of maintaining these ecosystems amid

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38:11

London's Wildest Places Walthamstow Wetlands Part One

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/08/26

On this week's Wildlife Matters podcast, we look at the perilous state of the River Severn, the longest river in the United Kingdom, which is the focus of today's discussion. We highlight the profound impact of extreme heat and drought on both wildlife and human resources.We reveal the alarming reality that the river is on the brink of drying up, jeopardising not only the myriad species that inhabit its waters but also the drinking water supply for millions of people.Wildlife Matters further

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40:05

Wings in the Woods: A Night of Moths and Bats in an...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/08/12

This week, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary journey. Our inaugural moth night promises to be a delightful experience, kicking off after an enchanting bat walk through ancient woodlands as the sun dips below the horizon. As we step into the twilight, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of nature, an acoustic backdrop that captures the serenity of the woods, wrapping you in a moment of peace amidst the excitement of our adventure.We'll also tackle some pressing wildlife news that's sure to

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44:36

Exploring the Enchanted Hundred Acre Wood: An...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/07/29

This week's episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast invites you into the magical world of Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood, celebrating the centenary of this beloved character and his friends. We take a captivating journey to Ashdown Forest, the real-life inspiration behind A.A. Milne's cherished stories, and enjoy charming activities like a game of Pooh sticks. Our conversation also shines a spotlight on urgent wildlife issues, such as the sharp decline in butterfly populations across the UK,

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32:09

Discovering the Hidden Waterfalls of Sussex

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/07/15

This week, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of Sussex's hidden waterfalls, delving into their enchanting allure and the serene beauty they embody. Our journey reveals these secretive cascades, shrouded in the lush greenery of the countryside, waiting to be discovered by the intrepid adventurer. As we navigate the picturesque landscapes of Ashdown Forest, we invite listeners to immerse themselves in nature's auditory tapestry, where the soothing sounds of flowing water offer a momentary

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38:56

The Invisible Thread: Exploring Our Connection to Nature

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/07/01

This week's episode of the A Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the profound influence of nature on our mental health and overall well-being. We explore the compelling notion that spending time outdoors is not merely a leisure activity but an essential means of enhancing our emotional and psychological well-being. The episode presents a wealth of scientific research alongside poignant anecdotes that underscore how nature fosters connections among individuals and communities alike. Furthermore, we

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42:03

Exploring the Enchantment of Avalon Marshes: A Summer...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/06/17

This week, we delve into the critical issue of marine bycatch and its devastating impact on marine wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and whales. We explore recent findings indicating that over 10,000 seabirds and thousands of marine mammals are victims of this problem annually in the UK. Our discussion highlights innovative solutions, such as the acoustic pingers developed by FishTech Marine, which show promise in significantly reducing bycatch rates. Additionally, we celebrate the successful

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43:58

The Clue Is in the Poo: A Field Guide to Wildlife...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/06/03

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast unveils an intriguing exploration into the world of nature detective work, aptly titled "The Clue is in the Poo." In this compelling feature, we delve into the significance of animal droppings as vital clues in understanding local wildlife and their habitats. Our discussion highlights the myriad insights that can be gleaned from these often-overlooked indicators, enriching our appreciation of the natural world. Additionally, we reflect on recent developments in

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42:59

Discovering the Wet Woodlands of the Weald

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/05/20

This week's Wildlife Matters Podcast explores the enchanting wet woodlands of the Southern Weald, delving into the mysterious gills and the diverse flora that inhabit these ancient ecosystems. Our journey invites listeners to engage in fungi foraging, revealing the hidden wonders of nature as they don their boots in anticipation of a muddy adventure. Furthermore, we will intersperse our exploration with an auditory experience of nature, allowing the sounds of the woods to envelop us in a soothing

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40:38

Wet Woodlands of the Weald

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/05/06

This week's podcast focuses on the important issue of hedgehog conservation. We discuss groundbreaking research from the University of Oxford that reveals hedgehogs can perceive ultrasound. Researchers have proposed using innovative ultrasonic repellers on vehicles to reduce hedgehog fatalities on roads significantly. This is particularly urgent, as hedgehog populations have declined by 70% in rural areas. In addition, we explore the rare and biodiverse temperate rainforests of the Southern Weald,

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42:08

Early Nesters - Exploring the Evolutionary Edge

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/04/22

In the latest instalment of Wildlife Matters, we delve into the intriguing realm of early nesters those audacious avian species that embark on the formidable task of rearing their progeny amidst the lingering chill of winter. This episode seeks to elucidate the motivations behind their seemingly perilous decision to nest early and to ascertain whether this strategy ultimately yields favourable outcomes for their offspring. As we traverse this compelling narrative, we will also pause for Wildlife

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36:12

Back to the Light: Celebrating the Spring Equinox

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/03/25

Celebrating the arrival of the spring equinox, this week's Wildlife Matters podcast presents two captivating tales rooted in folklore that illuminate the intricate relationships between nature and humanity.The first story, "The Alder Sprite," intricately weaves themes of respect for the natural world and the consequences of human folly, drawing upon the rich traditions of Celtic mythology. This tale serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heeding nature's warnings. Following this, I share

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42:15

A Journey Through Nature: Our Winter Wildlife Adventure

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/03/11

This week, we embark on a winter wildlife walk in an ancient woodland, where we will immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of nature and capture moments on audio and video for our podcast and YouTube episodes.Our exploration begins with a review of intriguing wildlife and nature news, including the remarkable return of beavers to Cornwall's rivers after a 400-year absence and an inspiring project in Wales aimed at reconnecting fragments of temperate rainforest.As spring approaches, we also

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35:56

Unveiling the Secrets of Scotland's Celtic Rainforest...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/02/25

In this week's Wildlife Matters podcast, I finally reveal the iconic wild animal that approached me at the end of the last episode, as I continue exploring Scotland's ancient temperate rainforest. Before this exciting moment, I discussed urgent wildlife and natural issues, including the serious problem of illegal wildlife persecution and the ongoing delay in implementing the peat ban, even though most politicians agree it's needed. I also discuss the concerning decline in butterfly numbers in

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38:39

Unveiling the Secrets of Scotland's Celtic Rainforest

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/02/11

This week on Wildlife Matters, I kick off an exciting journey through the temperate rainforests along Scotland's northwest coast. We'll explore the ancient, mossy woodlands, home to vibrant wildlife and ecosystems. Before we set out, we discuss important nature stories, including avian influenza and why blaming wild birds is misguided. Intensive farming is a bigger factor. We also discuss a recent fox hunt that disturbed a cemetery, underscoring the need for stronger laws. On a brighter note, we

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39:52

Winter Wildlife: Tracking the Hidden Creatures of the...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/01/28

This week on Wildlife Matters, we explore animal tracks in a local snowy woodland, highlighting how tracking wildlife reveals connections among species, their habitats, and the environment.We focus on the wildlife species that call this peaceful woodland home and discuss how natural sounds shape our experience across different habitats. As we walk through the snowy landscape, we encourage listeners to pause and enjoy the calm and beauty of nature. Before we begin, we cover important wildlife and

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25:25

Caring for Your Garden Birds in Winter: A Wildlife...

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2026/01/14

In this week's episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast, we explore how to care for garden birds during the winter months. As winter sets in, providing food and shelter is essential for our feathered friends, who face significant challenges surviving the season. We also take a moment for reflection with our Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments, featuring a beautiful audio nature soundscape from our recent winter walk in the South Downs.Additionally, this episode shares uplifting stories from the wildlife

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32:09

The Magic of Murmuration

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2025/12/31

This week's episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast explores the fascinating phenomenon of starling murmurations, which are a captivating spectacle as thousands of these birds gracefully navigate the evening skies of the UK. In Wildlife Matters Nature News, we report on a recent government initiative to ban trail hunting in England and Wales, marking a significant advance in the broader animal welfare strategy. This episode also highlights the importance of restoring natural habitats, exemplified by

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38:18

Winter Solstice Reflections: Connecting with Nature

Wildlife Matters The Podcast ·

2025/12/17

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast celebrates the Winter Solstice and its intrinsic connection to nature. As we reflect on this celestial event, which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, we are reminded of its profound significance across cultures and of the cyclical nature of life itself. The Winter Solstice not only symbolises the triumph of light over darkness but also ignites a sense of hope and renewal, encouraging introspection and gratitude for the past year. In this

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100 results

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