Nature News from RSPB Scotland
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -Keep up to date with what's going on in nature. Host Stephen Magee will have the latest news on wildlife, policy and what's going on on RSPB Scotland's amazing reserves. Get in touch @RSPBScotland on Twitter or [email protected]
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Episodes
EPISODE 29 BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2024
January 25, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBIt's that time of year again! Big Garden Birdwatch is here. Stephen and Dan Snowdon from RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve explain how to take part. There are also tips on how to work out what you're seeing out there. Stephen also travels to Dundee to meet staff and volunteers involved in inspirational work building connections with nature for people living in the city. More about Big Garden Birdwatch here https://t.co/tC0YFBrsRr Find out more about our work in Dundee Winter Wild...
EPISODE 28 CAN WE END THE ILLEGAL KILLING OF BIRDS OF PREY?
December 01, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBIt's an important time for Scotland's birds of prey as the Scottish Government introduces legislation to license grouse moors in a bid to end raptor persecution. Raptor persecution - the illegal killing of birds of prey - continues in Scotland and around the UK. In this podcast Stephen meets those working to end this criminality. He hears from RSPB Scotland's Head of Investigations Ian Thomson, Ruth Tingay from the influential Raptor Persecution UK blog and campaigner Chris Packham. And th...
EPISODE 27 CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF WINTER WILDFOWL
November 09, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBAs the days shorten wintering ducks, geese and swans are making their way back to Scotland. Stephen is at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve to see some of the birds that make this time of year so special. He's joined by Site Manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon to chat about Pintail, Smew and Wigeon. Stephen also travels to the Slammanan Plateau in search of the UK's rarest goose. Conservation officer Scott Shanks and volunteers Angus Maciver and Billy Thomson he...
EPISODE 26 ORKNEY NATIVE WILDLIFE PROJECT SPECIAL
September 29, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this special edition of the podcast Stephen is in Orkney to hear about work to protect its special, native wildlife. Orkney has its own native Vole species and also hosts globally important populations of seabirds, waders and other species. But that wildlife is under threat from an invasive predator, the Stoat. RSPB Scotland is part of a groundbreaking project that has set out to eradicate Stoats and protect native wildlife. Stephen hears from those involved in trapping, monitoring an...
EPISODE 25 Seabirds in Crisis and How You Can Help
August 25, 2023 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBThis episode is a deep dive into the crisis facing seabirds around Scotland's coasts. Stephen is joined at the seaside by Head of Species Paul Walton and Head of Marine Policy Helen McLachlan. They explain why Scotland is so important globally for seabirds and the threats they face. Stephen also travels to RSPB Scotland nature reserves in Orkney, Fowlsheugh and Troup Head to hear what the impact of bird flu has been on birds like Gannets and Kittiwakes. There's lots you can do to help and ...
EPIOSDE 24 - SAVING NATURE ACROSS EUROPE
July 18, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBEarlier this year experts from bird charities across Europe gathered in Scotland to share how they are working to save nature across the continent. Stephen is joined by Isobel Mercer to talk about how working together across national boundaries is more important than ever. We hear from people working all over Europe about the challenges they face. And there's time for some nature news including a close pass by a common sandpiper and a birding first for Isobel. LINKS Find out more about Bird...
EPISODE 23 - CONNECTING TO NATURE
May 25, 2023 12:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBStephen and Kate are visiting RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven reserve to find out how to really connect to nature. Freya and Daniel from the visitor experience team at the reserve explain the difference between just spending time in nature and connecting with it. Stephen tags along with a group of blind and visually impaired people who are learning about birdsong. There's nature news and a lot of chat about peewits. LINKS The latest on Bird Flu https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/...
EPISODE 22 SAVING OUR WILD ISLES
April 24, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBStephen and Kate are looking back at the amazing wildlife featured in the Wild Isles series. They are also looking forward to the plans being made to protect and renew it. James How from RSPB Scotland's Loch Gruinart nature reserve on Islay gives us the inside story of how the Wild Isles team filmed White Tailed Eagles hunting Barnacle Geese. Stephen chats to one of the people who has taking part in putting together the People's Plan For Nature. And there's all the usual nature news. LINKS ...
EPISODE 21 RAINFOREST SPECIAL
March 31, 2023 11:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBScotland's rainforest is an amazing place but it's under threat. Stephen and Kate take a trip to see the habitat for themselves at RSPB Scotland's Inversnaid nature reserve. Stephen has been to the Morvern peninsula on Scotland's west coast to hear about an exciting new RSPB Scotland project working with communities to protect, restore and expand the forest there. Kate is feeling hopeful about spring and Stephen is learning to love lichens. LINKS Save Our Wild Isles https://www.saveourwild...
EPISODE 20 Is It Spring Yet?
February 24, 2023 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Conservation Officer Scott Shanks for a wander in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. They're on the lookout for early signs of Spring and bumblebees in particular. Stephen has also been testing out his birdsong knowledge. And Kate is feeling the weight of winter lift from her shoulders. LINKS Beavers Learn more about the reintroduction of beavers on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooCQniFUAd4 Follow their progress on the Loch Lomond nature rese...
EPISODE 19 Big Garden Birdwatch 2023
January 25, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Katie O’Neill and David Hunt for a Big Garden Birdwatch. Join them in Kate’s “garden room” for some tips on how to take part in this important bit of citizen science. There’s also all the latest nature news and a very odd folk tale about goldcrests. LINKS Species Campaign https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/1 Mull Eagle Blog https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/flying-home-for-christmas/ Big Garden B...
EPISODE 18 - A look back at 2022
December 15, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBStephen and Kate are joined for a snowy wander by Scotland Director Anne McCall and Head of Species and Habitats Paul Walton. They pick out their highlights of the past year and look ahead to 2023. There's also an unexpected link between long tailed tits and the Waltons. LINKS Report on the state of Scotland's protected areas https://www.scotlink.org/two-thirds-of-scots-support-ambitious-30-by-30-target-to-protect-nature/ A chance to see our new Glencripesdale nature reserve for yoursel...
EPISODE 17 Things to Look Out for in Winter
November 26, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBStephen and Kate take a trip to RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve. They're joined by Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson who has some tips for things to keep an eye out for as we head into winter. Warden Dan Snowdon shows off his new scrapes which are proving to be a home for all kinds of wildlife. The team also has all the latest nature news. LINKS If you want to see the scrapes at Lochwinnoch watch this video https://youtu.be/rChb6zIsFz8 This project is supported by the Scot...
EPISODE 16 ATTACK ON NATURE
October 14, 2022 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBThe podcast is back after a summer break! Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss the Westminster Government's attack on nature and the RSPB's response. There's nature news and Stephen has been visiting Scotland's rainforest. Let us know what you want the podcast to cover @RSPBScotland on Twitter or [email protected] uk LINKS Capercaillie Survey National survey results reveal capercaillie numbers at critically low levels (rspb.org.uk) People’...
BIRD FLU SPECIAL
June 21, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBStephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland's Head of Species Paul Walton to discuss the unfolding bird flu outbreak. They discuss the latest from the seabird colonies most affected, hear from RSPB staff on the ground in Shetland and talk about what we all can do to help. LINKS Keep up to date with bird flu https://rspb.org.uk/birdflu Donate to the Appeal https://rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/donate/appeals/avian-flu-emergency-appeal/?from=morelikethis Learn about biosecurity on islands ht...
EPISODE 15 THE SCIENCE OF MIGRATION
May 25, 2022 11:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Head of Conservation Science Jen Smart to chat about migration. On a steamy day at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve the team talk about why birds migrate and some of the mind boggling distances covered. We also delve into Jen's obsession with waders. Stephen shares his recordings of corncrakes in the Hebrides. Kate has been admiring gannets. SHOW NOTES RSPB information on Avian Influenza https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-he...
EPISODE 14 BIRDSONG SPECIAL
April 22, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBJoin Kate, Stephen and Katie O'Neill from the Nature on Your Doorstep team for an early morning trip to a woodland full of birdsong. They talk about why birds sing and why we love to hear them. There's also a guest appearance by a very tuneful song thrush and Stephen gets to try out a fancy microphone. LINKS City Nature Challenge https://citynaturechallenge.org/ Big Garden Birdwatch Results https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Take part in Dawn Chorus DAy https://www...
EPISODE 13 UPLANDS
March 17, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer Claire Smith to talk about how important uplands are for nature and what needs to be done to make them even better. There's a surprise visit from a special raptor and Stephen has a lovely walk in the Caledonian Pine Forest with Ewan Craig from the National Capercaillie Survey. LINKS South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/ Scottish Government Farming Strategy https://www.gov.scot/publicat...
EPISODE 12 SIGNS OF SPRING
February 22, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBStephen and Kate are seeing early signs of Spring. They are joined by young naturalist Sorrel Lyall to talk about what it's like to work on North Ronaldsay ringing birds. Stephen also takes a walk on RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve with Senior Habitats and Species officer James Silvey to see what evidence of spring there is amongst the sleet. Stephen apologises to some ducks and Kate makes a Celtic connection. LINKS Interesting organisations looking at nature and inclusion https:/...
EPISODE 11 BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH SPECIAL
January 20, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBJoin Kate, Stephen and Head of Habitats and Species Paul Walton for a bit of birdwatching and some tips on how to have a great Big Garden Birdwatch. The team also delve into the real science behind the event. Paul chats about glow in the dark blue tits, Kate is thinking about pigeon milk and Stephen doesn't want to play wrens at board games. LINKS NATURE PRESCRIPTIONS https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/nature-prescriptions/Edinburgh-pilot-final-report.pdf FEEDING BIRD...
EPISODE 10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR
December 13, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer and Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to look back at 2021. It's been a massive year for nature and the conversation ranges from the biggest Big Garden Birdwatch of all time to Glasgow's moment in the global spotlight during COP26. They also take time to share their biggest personal nature moments of the year. LINKS Take part in Big Garden Birdwatch https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ More on Seab...
EPISODE 9 COP26 AND FLYING TEASPOONS
November 16, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBStephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall to analyse the deal done at COP26. They pick out what’s good for nature in the agreement and discuss the impact of activism on the summit. There’s also nature news involving long tailed tits, gallus foxes and juvenile delinquent gulls. Stephen also hears from two young activists Milly Hayward and Oluwaseyi Moejoh who spent the last two weeks at COP. See the fox in question https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland/status/145879665448...
COPCAST EPISODE 12
November 13, 2021 21:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBA deal is done! Stephen is joined by RSPB staffer Melanie Coath who has been working for nature throughout the summit. They analyse the final agreement and reflect on the last two weeks. I f you've enjoyed these podcasts don't forget to listen to Nature News from RSPB Scotland and make sure you like and subscribe. You can find it in this fed or anywhere you get podcasts.
COPCAST EPISODE 11
November 12, 2021 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MBAs it becomes clear COP26 will roll on past its Friday deadline Stephen is joined by Melanie Coath to find out where nature features in the latest draft agreement. He also chats to young activists Rob Knott and Ruari Brogan about their experiences at the summit. Let us know what you think [email protected]
COPCAST EPISODE 10
November 11, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.9 MBAs crunch time approaches Stephen is joined by two of the RSPB's staff working inside Cop Melanie Coath and Fiona Dobson. They discuss the increasingly prominent role nature is taking at COPs and what an eventual deal might look like. He also catches up with former world champion cyclist Chris Boardman. And hears from ambient music pioneer and climate change campaigner Brian Eno.
COPCAST EPISODE 9
November 10, 2021 15:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBAs a draft deal is published Stephen is joined by RSPB Scotland's COP26 Project Manager Lottie van Grieken and Parliamentary Manager Patrick McGlinchey to examine this first indication of what a deal might look like. They ask whether nature is being given the attention it needs. Stephen also takes a trip to one of Glasgow's many parks with Dr Scott Shanks to get an insight into the role urban green spaces play in tackling the nature and climate emergency. Don't forget to like and subscribe ...
COPCAST EPISODE 8
November 09, 2021 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBToday is Gender Day at COP26. Stephen Talks to Bianca Pitt, Co-Founder of She Changes Climate. It was set up to campaign for equal representation at COP for women. He also hears from two women who have travelled from Africa to attend COP, Prudence Muchinouta of Zambian organisation COMACO and Judy Muriithi of Kenya's Focused Conservation. Let us know what you think about COP [email protected]
COPCAST 7
November 08, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBStephen talks to RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall about Saturday's Day of Action and what the atmosphere is like inside the negotiations. He's also joined again by Principal Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi to discuss what the likely sticking points of any deal might be and whose voices are the loudest in the room. Don't forget to let us know what you think [email protected] You can see the video Stephen mentions about the Day of Action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTO...
COPCAST EPISODE 7
November 08, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBStephen talks to RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall about Saturday's Day of Action and what the atmosphere is like inside the negotiations. He's also joined again by Principal Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi to discuss what the likely sticking points of any deal might be and whose voices are the loudest in the room. Don't forget to let us know what you think [email protected] You can see the video Stephen mentions about the Day of Action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTO...
COPCAST 6
November 06, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIt's the Day of Action and thousands are marching in Glasgow and elsewhere to speak up for nature and the climate. Stephen and Kate catch up with RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, naturalist and campaigner Chris Packham, CBeebies star and RSPB stalwart Rory Crawford and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together. It's raining and the helicopters are back, but nothing can dampen their spirits or drown them out. Let us know how you marked the day [email protected]
COPCAST EPISODE 6
November 06, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIt's the Day of Action and thousands are marching in Glasgow and elsewhere to speak up for nature and the climate. Stephen and Kate catch up with RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, naturalist and campaigner Chris Packham, CBeebies star and RSPB stalwart Rory Crawford and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together. It's raining and the helicopters are back, but nothing can dampen their spirits or drown them out. Let us know how you marked the day [email protected]
COPCAST EPISODE 5
November 04, 2021 15:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBAs COP26 starts to really get into the hard work of forging a deal Stephen talks to Principle Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi about the realities of negotiations. She's at her sixth COP and is closely observing events in Glasgow. Stephen also talks to young advocates for nature Oluwaseyi Moejoh from Nigeria and Milly Hawyward, a a residential volunteer at RSPB Forsinard Flows. They discuss whether young people are really being listened to and whether the perspective of the global South is re...
COPCAST EPISODE 4
November 03, 2021 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBStephen is joined by Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the RSPB and Patricia Zurata CEO of BirdLife International to get an insight into what's happening in the negotiating rooms of COP 26. Beccy outlines how we'll know if COP has produced a good deal. Patricia gives a global perspective on what's happening in Glasgow and Stephen sees a pretty fancy looking Police boat. Don't forget to let us know what you think [email protected] uk LINKS BirdLife International https://www.birdlife....
COPCAST EPISODE 3
November 02, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBToday the focus is on forests. Stephen talks to Scotland's Environment and Land Reform Minister Mairi McAllan MSP about what the Scottish Government plans to do to restore Scotland's rainforest. He also chats to Director, Scotland Anne McCall and Principal Policy Officer Andrew Weatherall about this unique habitat and the threats it faces. All this comes as world leaders promise to end deforestation globally by 2030. Don't forget to subscribe and review, and let us know what you think podcas...
COPCAST EPISODE 2
November 01, 2021 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBStephen is actually at COP26, or at least just the other side of the security fence. But fear not as he has guests who have been inside making the case for nature. He's joined by Milly Hayward, a residential volunteer from RSPB Scotland's Forsinard Flows nature reserve who is in Glasgow to share her enthusiasm for our peatlands. The podcast also features a chat with Paul Walton from RSPB Scotland and John Martin from RSPB Northern Ireland about how peatlands are fast becoming a key focus of ...
COPCAST EPISODE 1
October 31, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.58 MBIn the first of our special podcasts Kate and Stephen talk to Emma, a young person from Glasgow about her hopes for COP26. Emma is a member of the COP26 Youth Climate Steering Group and has been working with other young people to make sure their voices are heard at the summit. We'll be bringing you more updates over the next couple of weeks. Let us know what you think @RSPBScotland on Twitter or [email protected]
EPISODE 8 GOOD COP/BAD COP
October 26, 2021 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBStephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland’s Director Anne McCall to look ahead to the COP26 summit. There’s also news of snow buntings, a grouse based confrontation and a wildlife mystery to solve. Star of CBeebies, Rory Crawford also shares some tips about engaging kids with nature. Send us your nature news [email protected] LINKS Take the Peat Free Pledge https://t.co/YqYLngFsq0?amp=1 Day of Action on November 06th Join the Global Day of Action on 6 November 2021 | The R...
EPISODE 7 - LIGHTLY MENACED BY DUCKS
October 11, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this episode Stephen has lunch with some ducks and Kate gets an unusual view of a sparrowhawk. They are joined by Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss how well Scotland's protected areas are actually looked after in practice and what the future holds for these key habitats. There's also a trip into the woods to go looking for fungi with James from the Comms team and a lovely autumnal message from Gullane beavers. LINKS Bad Ducks RSPB Scotland on Twitter: "New podcast alert! In this ...
EPISODE 6 - INVESTIGATING SEABIRD DEATHS
September 27, 2021 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this week's episode Kate and Stephen talk to Dr Francis Daunt of the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology about why seabirds are behaving strangely - and even dying - down the UK's East Coast. Over the last few weeks reports have come in of birds feeding in unusual areas and members of the public have been finding dead guillemots and razorbills along the coastline. We explore whether climate change is involved and the theory that toxic algae may be playing a part in these disturbing events...
EPISODE 5 - IS IT DREICH OR IS IT CLOSE?
September 09, 2021 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBJoin Stephen and Kate on a damp day to chat sun kissed machair, benign neglect and whether or not we can get a listener in Antarctica. They’re also joined by Parliamentary Officer Nora Casey for a look at the Scottish Government’s programme for government. You can vote for your favourite Nature Champions of the Decade here Nature Champions of the Decade (rspb.org.uk) Information on nature friendly gardening Nature on your Doorstep – Wildlife-friendly Gardening | The RSPB
EPISODE 4 - THAT'S NOT MY DUNNOCK
August 26, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBStephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to talk about the approach of Autumn and the marvels of migration. There are some surprising revelations about the identities of the little brown birds in the garden and an attempt to get into the mind of a green sandpiper. Stephen shares his experience of performing starlings and Kate is having soup for lunch. Let us know your nature news [email protected] Stephen mentioned the Fight For Sotland's Nature. You ...
EP 3 SWIFTS - MORE INTERESTING THAN DARTS
August 10, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBKate and Stephen discuss Eco-Anxiety in the wake of the IPCC report on climate change, the success of the Edinburgh Swift City Project and hear about a new wetland on RSPB Scotland's Loch Lomond nature reserve. They also reflect on some of their own nature moments from the last couple of weeks. The Swift City Project is supported by ScottishPower Foundation. The Loch Lomond wetland is being created in partnership with Froglife and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the RSPB ....
EPISODE 2 CLEGGMAGEDDON
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBKate and Stephen share their nature news after some hot weather brings out all that's good and slightly less welcome from the world of invertebrates. There's advice on how to help birds in warm weather. We look ahead to a vital climate conference in Glasgow. And we hear from a young woman who has fallen in love with the peat bogs at RSPB Scotland's Forsinard reserve. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. And get in touch with your nature news [email protected] You can ...
NATURE NEWS FROM RSPB Scotland Episode 1
June 22, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBJoin Stephen and Kate as they mark midsummer by hearing about the "Simmer Dim" in Shetland. The podcast also covers recent nature news including a mass influx of rosy starlings and how to make sure you and your dog enjoy the outdoors without causing problems for wildlife. Let us know what you think of the podcast and what you want us to cover @RSPB Scotland on twitter or [email protected]