Messages from the Wild

This Dipper is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Mark Cocker, author and naturalist.

"I think it’s a fantastic quiet bit of politics because the central challenge of our entire species and our civilisation is to understand our dependence on the rest of life and this project allows those organisms, as close as possible, to speak for themselves about the issues that affect not only them but more centrally humans themselves and I think that’s the beauty of it.” Mark Cocker on Messages from the Wild

further info: [email protected] 

This Mayfly is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Charles Foster, author and academic.

further info: [email protected] 

This Water Vole is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Christine Gregory, writer, photographer and painter.

The Water Vole: The Story of One of Britain's Most Endangered Mammals

further info: [email protected] 

This episode is especially made to accompany the work of the painter and print maker, Frances Gynn, for her exhibition on Fairy Shrimps as part of her Public Erasures series. It's powerful stuff so please go along if you can.

Public Erasures at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol.

Featuring the Fairy Shrimp (Chirocephalus diaphanous)

Endangered translucent crustacean

Living in temporary ponds

Main source of food to many organisms

Important indicator of a healthy eco-system

With many thanks to Frances for inviting me along to open her Fairy Shrimp Public Erasure and for being such a great Fairy Shrimp herself.

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 

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

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.

[email protected]

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

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 

[email protected]

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 

[email protected]

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]