The Birdy Bug Pod

Last year, the news that half of our butterfly species are in decline hit the headlines. Unpredictable seasons, habitat loss, and pollution our butterfly and moth populations face a lot of challenges, but it's not all bad news!

Join us as we look in on our lepidopterans and see how they are doing. From the pressures to the heartwarming number of fantastic projects going on to help them. Habitat restoration, citizen science initiatives, species reintroductions, it is an incredible reminder that there are always incredible people and organisations working to protect our wildlife.

It is great to be back after a bit of a hiatus (we explain where we've been), thank you to everyone who listens, we hope you enjoy this episode.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-butterflies-and-moths

https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/the-state-of-britains-butterflies

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/work-to-save-rare-british-moth-from-extinction-in-england

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-moths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgo

https://www.royensoc.co.uk/news/large-blue-and-other-rare-insects-thriving-on-grasslands-restored-as-part-of-res-project/

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-moths

https://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/conservation-projects/england/kents-magnificent-moths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgo

The RSPB has recently advised people to temporarily remove many garden bird feeders to help slow the spread of Trichomonosis, a disease affecting some of our most familiar garden birds.

But what exactly is Trichomonosis? How does it spread, which species are most at risk, and why are bird feeders part of the problem?

In this episode, we explore the science behind the disease, its impact on bird populations, and the practical steps we can all take to help protect the birds visiting our gardens.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Trichomonosis | BTO

Finch trichomonosis transmission in gardens

The emergence and spread of finch trichomonosis in the British Isles - PMC

Protozoan | Definition, Parasites, Diseases, Characteristics, Size, Kingdom, & Facts | Britannica

We see it everywhere. Climbing trees, clinging to walls, and carpeting woodland floors. Ivy is one of the most familiar plants in our landscapes, but is it really the garden nuisance it is often made out to be, or is it in fact an unsung biodiversity haven?

Join us we take a closer look at ivy’s hidden world. From the surprising range of wildlife it supports to its deep-rooted cultural history, we explore why this resilient plant might deserve a little more respect.

And there is even a link between ivy and our recent hiatus from recording. It's brilliant to be back after a bit of a break, we hope you enjoy listening!

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/43091/hedera-helix/details

https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/icad.12033

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/ivy-lifeline-for-autumn-moths

https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/learn-about-bumblebees/solitarybees/ivy-bee/

Small in size, big in personality, you can't help but love the Little Owl.

While not native to the UK, this charismatic species has firmly established itself since its introduction, carving out a niche in our countryside and charming anyone lucky enough to spot one perched on a post.

Sadly, however, Little Owl populations are seeing worrying declines, and the exact causes are not fully understood.

So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the captivating world of the little owl: from its symbolic connection to ancient Greek mythology, to its journey to Britain, the challenges it faces today, and the fantastic conservation efforts working to help protect them.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Little Owl | BTO

Little Owl Facts | Athene Noctua

UK Little Owl Project

Little owl | The Wildlife Trusts

Little Owl (Athene noctua) - British Birds - Woodland Trust

Little Owl Monitoring Network — Leigh Ecology

Little Owl facts - The Barn Owl Trust

Blue whales are the largest animal that has ever lived. Topping all kinds of charts and holding a host of impressive records in the animal kingdom. Yet despite their remarkable size, and partly because of it, they were driven close to extinction in the 20th century. But there is good news, as their numbers are beginning rise!

Join us as we explore the incredible world of the blue whale. From their evolution from land-based mammals to the devastating impact of industrial whaling, and the conservation efforts working hard to support their recovery and returning numbers.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

New research indicates blue whale population recovery - Curious Earth

Blue whales: Facts, threats, and our conservation plan | IFAW

fact_sheet_blue_whale_climate_change.pdf

Whales evolved in three rapid phases, reveals largest study of its kind | UCL News - UCL – University College London

First records of orcas seen killing and eating blue whales - Discover Wildlife

Blue Corridors of the Eastern Pacific Ocean | World Wildlife Fund

Antarctic blue whale numbers are recovering | WWF

With so much bad news in our daily feeds, it’s easy to forget that people around the world are working tirelessly to protect nature, wildlife, and the environment.

So, before 2025 fades completely in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking one final look back at the year’s good news for the planet. From species making remarkable recoveries and long-lost wildlife being rediscovered, to major habitat protections and hard-won environmental policies, there’s far more hope than the headlines often suggest.

Join us for a relaxed and chatty episode featuring some brilliant wins for nature, many mispronounced place names, and a hopeful start to 2026.

Our annual positive news roundup is always one of our favourite episodes to research and record, we hope you enjoy listening.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Thermal Cameras and AI Help Protect Rhinos in Kenya | World Wildlife Fund

Nepal Reports Stable Snow Leopard Population | World Wildlife Fund

Devon pine marten kits born in 'historic moment' on Dartmoor - BBC News

Smallest otter in the world rediscovered in Nepal after 185-year absence | Discover Wildlife

Gorongosa Conservation Progress and Success 2025

Rediscovered in a Forgotten Park: The Elusive Upemba Lechwe - African Conservation Foundation

Mountain Gorillas: Rising From the Brink of Extinction | World Wildlife Fund

Seal Greece: 1,000 Miles for the 1,000 Mediterranean Monk Seals Left on the Planet - Seal Greece

We've mentioned them a lot but now it is time they get their very own episode.

They're ecosystem engineers, climate change protectors, master builders, and have a tail with more functions than you'd think. You can't help but love them.

So, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of beavers. From their unrivalled ability to shape landscapes and support entire ecosystems, to their extinction in the UK and the inspiring efforts to bring them back, we cover it all in this deep dive into one of our favourite animals.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers

https://beavertrust.org/beaver-basics/beaver-impacts/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/beavers-save-czech-taxpayers-by-flooding-ex-army-training-site

https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/cornwall-beaver-project

https://www.norfolkriverstrust.org/case-studies/returning-beavers-to-the-glaven

https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beaver-benefits/

https://news.westernu.ca/2020/08/ancient-beavers-cut-trees-for-food-first-not-to-build-dams/

Beavers: How and why they build dams - YouTube

If you’ve been listening to the pod for a while, you’ll know we have a real soft spot for curlews. They were even the topic of our second ever episode back in September 2022!

Since then, lots has happened in the world of curlews. There’s been some sad news about the slender-billed curlew, but also lots to celebrate, with some great conservation projects underway. And on The Birdy Bug Pod front, Steve has a very exciting curlew update of his own.

So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the latest curlew developments and chat about Steve’s new curlew venture.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Curlew Action – Action Now for Curlews Tomorrow

HOME - Curlew LIFE

Slender-Billed Curlew: The Latest Bird Extinction Explained

Resources | Curlew Recovery Partnership

Man treks 53 miles in bird costume costume to raise awareness about endangered Eurasian Curlew | New York Post

Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so!

Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk.

We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly?

We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

The UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

The national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

UK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.uk

Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BES

Genus-Wide Characterization of Bumblebee Genomes Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Variation in Ecological and Behavioral Traits | Molecular Biology and Evolution | Oxford Academic

Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback!

2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries.

Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it.

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary

White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England

White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain

White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

White-tailed eagle saga - Dave Sexton