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How should we think about killing, introductions and “invasives” in a world we’ve already changed? In this episode we talk to Hugh Warwick — ecologist, writer and hedgehog champion — about his award-winning book Cull of the Wild and the uncomfortable question at its heart: can killing ever be conservation?

From hedgehogs on the Hebrides to rats on South Georgia, Hugh explores what happens when good intentions meet ecological complexity. We discuss the power of names, the moral weight of words like “pest” and “eradication,” and why conservation decisions always come with ethical consequences.

Expect humour, philosophy, and a few awkward truths — including why he thinks every scientist’s spreadsheet should have a column for cruelty.

Episode Highlights

• How the words we use — “pest,” “invasive,” “pet” — decide how animals are treated
• When eradication makes sense, and when it causes more harm than good
• The story of the Uist hedgehogs and the lessons of unintended consequences
• Why nature recovery is also people recovery — the need for social capital and empathy
• From philosophers to gamekeepers: learning from those we disagree with

Links & resources:

• Hugh Warwick — website  https://hughwarwick.com
  
  
• Cull of the Wild — buy / details:
  https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/cull-of-the-wild-killing-in-the-name-of-conservation-winner-of-the-zsl-clarivate-award
  
  

The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is interested in promoting a wide variety of views and opinions on nature recovery from researchers and practitioners.

The views, opinions and positions expressed within this podcast are those of the speakers alone, they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, or its researchers.

The work of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is made possible thanks to the support of the Leverhulme Trust.