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In Your Nature returns with a fascinating new episode spotlighting the Ealing Beaver Project, a pioneering urban rewilding initiative bringing these charismatic ecosystem engineers back to West London after a 400-year absence.

Niall is joined (recorded live from Global BirdFair 2025) by Dr Sean McCormack, founder of the project and a native of County Kildare. Together, they delve into the story behind the beavers’ return, from the inspiration and planning stages to the challenges of introducing them into a highly urbanised setting. They explore how these remarkable animals are helping to restore wetland habitats, boost biodiversity, and reconnect city dwellers with the wild. Dr McCormack shares insights into the community’s enthusiastic response, the ecological benefits already emerging, and his hopes for the project’s future.

The Hobby is the featured Bird of the Week, a small and agile falcon known for its dazzling aerial hunting displays. Often seen swooping after dragonflies or darting after swifts in summer skies, this elusive bird is a thrilling symbol of wildness returning to landscapes where nature is given space to thrive.

A special thanks goes to Charlie Bingham and Oscar Henderson for the invitation to record at Global BirdFair 2025 and for facilitating us at the Whinchat Podcast Stage over the weekend. 

In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.

The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council.

For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.