Messages from the Wild

Earthworms are arguably our most vital animal. They're quite funny too. (This one has been added to the podcast for a second time to be used in Derby City as part of their Wildlife Festival.)

With many thanks to Nicky Scott, aka Dr Compost,

Food Waste Educator, Community Compost Expert

Dr Compost | Growing Devon Schools

"I may have trained as an agronomist but I learned something new about earthworms today - listen in!" John Meadley 

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www.messagesfromthewild.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Our largest ant species explains how vital ants are to our survival, despite his seemingly lazy life, he manages to make the effort.

With many thanks to Professor Adam Hart, Entomologist & Professor of Science Communication, University of Gloucestershire Adam Hart

And thank you to Gregory Ovenden for his ant recordings in this episode: http://www.thesoundfarmer.com

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

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Vital to our existence and yet maggots have never been a very popular creature but, Dr Erica McAlister makes this particular maggot seem almost adorable.

With many thanks to Dr Erica McAlister, Entomologist, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, Author, Presenter  @ericamcalister

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

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Curious creatures woodlice, well I think so. I'm so happy I finally got to talk to one, I'd always wondered if they actually did eat their own poo.

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

With many thanks to Lucy Lapwing, Wildlife Presenter and Campainger @lucy_lapwing

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

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Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

After listening to this badger I think you'll realise that they don't deserve the bad press they seem to get. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

With many thanks to Steve Backshall, Naturalist, Presenter, Author, Campaigner www.stevebackshall.com 

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

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Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Dragonflies are out and about in all their glory across Britain now so keep your eyes peeled for them. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to Steve Jones, Author and Dragonfly expert @aparthenop on Instagram. 

If you want to hear the special bonus segment about their mating sequence, send us an email.

Messages from the Wild on iTunes

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Feedback to: [email protected]

Bluebells are at their peak across Britain now and they love to be admired but they really suffer as a whole if any of them are trampled on. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to Nicola Bradley, Head Gardener at the Lost Gardens as she really brings these beautiful flowers to life. She's the perfect Bluebell.

Messages from the Wild on iTunes

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Feedback to: [email protected]

An alternative to the traditional Christmas tree but perhaps more quintessentially British, The Oak. 

This Oak lives at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and comes from the collection I made for them last year: Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to the wonderful Dame Judi Dench, who really could not have been a more perfect Oak.

A perfect winter warmer, this one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

Jimmy Docherty really makes me laugh and he knows his stuff too - farmer, entomologist, television presenter and I would add comedian. 

Visit Jimmy’s Farm and support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

This interview comes from a collection called Voices from the Ocean.

It is such an important series as we really know so little about the ocean. It comes to us with thanks to Gallifrey Foundation and Mission Blue, finding experts from all over the world to give us their time and energy so that we can be entertained whilst being educated.

“With knowing, comes caring, and with caring there’s hope, that we can find an enduring place for ourselves within the natural systems that support us. But first, we have to know.” Dr Sylvia Earle

And with many thanks to Marine Biologist, Lucy Woodall of Nekton 

Seahorses help protect seagrasses, seaweeds and coral reefs. They are important predators for bottom-dwelling organisms. But, they are often caught just to be sold as souvenir pets. Don’t buy seahorses. Don’t pollute the ocean with plastics and chemicals. Demand protection for seahorse habitats.

Messages from the Wild on iTunes

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Feedback to: [email protected]