In Your Nature

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In some ways, looking for rare birds is similar to looking for rare plants — you may travel to new places, see new habitats, and grow your connection with nature. However, finding rare plants has its own set of challenges, which may come as a surprise for something that can't fly away.

This week, Niall and Ricky welcome author and naturalist, Declan Murphy, to the podcast. Murphy shares inspirations and insights into his new book,  The Hunt for the Wild Irish Orchid: One Man and his Dog, where he and his loyal canine companion set out to see all of Ireland’s wild orchid species in a single summer.

The bird of the week is Great Shearwater, which airs as much mystery and beauty as the orchids described in the episode.

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 Offaly and Westmeath County Councils, the Heritage Council's Ceangal programme, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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

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You may know the Ostrich is the world’s largest bird, but did you know an extinct bird known as the Elephant Bird was around five times heavier? Or that Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture can fly at altitudes of up to 11,000 metres — more than 2,000 metres above Mount Everest!

This week, Niall and Ricky are talking about record-breaking birds. From speed and longevity, to wingbeats, clutch size or migration, discover some of the most remarkable bird species in Ireland and beyond. 

The Bird of the Week is the Blue Tit - a common visitor to our gardens that may occasionally get overlooked. Where does that striking yellow color from? How can I attract more to my garden? Don't worry, Niall and Ricky have got you covered. 

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 Offaly and Westmeath County Councils, the Heritage Council's Ceangal programme, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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

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Professor John Feehan is a renowned Irish geologist, botanist, author and former lecturer at University College Dublin (UCD), widely respected for his work interpreting Ireland’s landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

In this episode, he shares his deep knowledge of Ireland’s peatlands, exploring their ecological and cultural importance whilst offering a perspective on their future. 

John recalls exploring the bog near his home in Offaly as a young boy. In the middle of this bog was a lake, where he saw his first dragonfly. Now, the same bog is a brown desert. 

This week, Niall and Ricky learn more about Irish bogs with John.

Bogs are deeply connected with Irish culture and heritage. But, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to what bogs are and what the best course of action, if any, is to restore them.

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

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

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In this week's episode of In Your Nature, Ricky and Niall are diving into the world of bird nests. Whether the nest is on the ground, in a cavity, or reused from another species, nests are just as unique as the birds who use them. Long before a chick is hatched or a egg is laid, birds pick specific spots for their nests and to build their families.

Learn how, when, and who is building nests across Ireland.

In Ireland, nests and breeding birds are legally protected from March 1 to August 31. As curious as we, or our pets, may be about how a nest is doing, it's important to never disturb a nest. Even minor disturbances can be detrimental to the success of that bird's breeding season. 

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 Offaly and Westmeath County Councils, the Heritage Council's Ceangal programme, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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

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In Your Nature with Niall Hatch and Ricky Whelan is back! Kicking off the season at Bog of Allen Nature Reserve in Co. Kildare, Niall and Ricky meet up with butterfly guru, Jesmond Harding. 

The three explore the reserve while covering a range of topics, from fascinating wing adaptations that trick hungry predators to specific plants required for the survival of different species. Like much of Ireland's wildlife, butterfly species are on the decline. Even our most common species are in trouble. Out of the 30 butterfly species found in Ireland, only 15 have substantial data, with records only formally starting in 2008, all of which show a decline in population. 

Bog of Allen Nature Reserve is the perfect place to talk butterfly—two-thirds of Ireland's butterfly species can be found at this location. Within minutes, Jesmond names off several of the species they can see, including Common Blues, Peacocks (not the bird), Silver-washed Fritillary and much more. But it's not just the butterflies that make this area unique, it's the combination of plants, trees and grasses that make this place a butterfly haven.

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 Offaly and Westmeath County Councils, the Heritage Council's Ceangal programme, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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

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In Your Nature is back for a new season and this time we welcome Owen Murphy, Senior Project Manager with the Breeding Waders EIP, to discuss the ambitious and urgent work being done to conserve Ireland’s most threatened ground-nesting birds. With populations of species like the Curlew, Lapwing, and Redshank in steep decline, the Breeding Waders EIP is taking bold, science-led action to reverse the trend.

Ricky speaks with Owen about the formidable challenges of protecting vulnerable bird species in a modern agricultural landscape. A significant portion of their conversation focuses on predator control—an often controversial but essential tool in the conservation toolkit. They explore how targeted interventions are helping to reduce predation pressure on ground-nesting birds like the Curlew, enabling more chicks to fledge successfully. 

The discussion also delves into the cultural importance of retaining native species, with the Curlew symbolizing a deep connection to Ireland’s natural heritage and rural identity. Ricky and Owen reflect on the difficult but necessary conversations around land use policy, acknowledging that meaningful change will require balancing ecological priorities with the realities faced by farmers and landowners. The conversation highlights the complexity of the task, the dedication of the team, and the hope that remains for these iconic species.

The Oystercatcher is Bird of the Week, a striking black-and-white wader with a vivid orange bill, known for its loud piping calls and fondness for coastal and estuarine habitats.

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.

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In Your Nature returns with a thought-provoking new episode featuring Ricky in conversation with Pádraic Fogarty—ecologist, author, and one of Ireland’s most influential voices for nature. The discussion centres on Pádraic’s long-standing work advocating for more ambitious and meaningful conservation efforts across Ireland, from rewilding landscapes to reforming environmental policy.

Together, they explore the state of Irish biodiversity, the systemic challenges facing conservation, and the urgent need to restore ecological integrity. Pádraic shares insights from his time with the Irish Wildlife Trust, his writing, and his vision for a future where nature is prioritised and protected. The episode offers a compelling look at how Ireland can move beyond token gestures and embrace real change for its wild places and species.

The Gannet is the featured Bird of the Week—an iconic seabird known for its spectacular plunge-diving and striking appearance. Nesting in dramatic cliff colonies around Ireland’s coasts, the Gannet is a powerful symbol of our marine heritage and a reminder of the richness that lies just offshore.

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.

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In Your Nature returns with a captivating new episode recorded live from Global BirdFair 2025, where Niall Hatch is joined by two seasoned nature guides with deep ties to the Falkland Islands—Andy Pollard, a Falklands native and expert birder, and Martin Anstee, a conservationist and expedition leader with decades of experience in the region.

Together, they explore the unique biodiversity of the Falklands and surrounding South Atlantic islands, from windswept tussac grasslands to rugged coastal cliffs teeming with life. The conversation dives into the islands’ remarkable endemic bird species, including the Cobb’s Wren and Falkland Steamer Duck, and expands to cover the broader ecological richness of the region—penguins, seals, and the delicate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Andy and Martin share stories from the field, insights into conservation challenges, and reflections on what makes the Falklands such a special place for wildlife and wildness.

The Johnny Rook is the featured Bird of the Week—a bold and intelligent raptor also known as the Striated Caracara. Endemic to the Falklands, this curious bird is famed for its cheeky behavior and problem-solving prowess, often seen investigating backpacks or stealing unattended items. A true symbol of the islands’ wild spirit, the Johnny Rook is both a conservation icon and a favourite among visiting birders.

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.

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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.

Send us Fan Mail

In Your Nature returns with a heartening new episode exploring the Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project, a community-driven initiative transforming churchyards into havens for wildlife and reflection. 

Ricky is joined by Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council, to discuss the origins of the project, its progress to date, and the vital role of community involvement in its success. Together, they reflect on how with the bishops blessing, these sacred spaces are being reimagined as biodiversity hotspots, blending heritage with habitat.

Later in the episode we meet Jennie Drysdale and Anne McLaughlan, two local champions of the project. On location in Doonbeg, they share their experiences of embracing the initiative, the positive changes already visible in their community, and their hopes for the future. Their story is a testament to the power of grassroots action and the beauty that emerges when people and nature reconnect.

The Hedgehog is the featured species of the week, chosen by special request from Jennie. These charming nocturnal mammals are increasingly reliant on connected green spaces like churchyards for foraging and shelter. Their presence is a hopeful sign of a healthier, more hospitable landscape for all wildlife.

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.