This week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast centres around the poignant issue of badger culling as we explore the alarming 2024 cull figures released by the Badger Trust and Wild Justice, which reveal a tragic loss of 10,769 badgers due to mismanagement by Natural England and DEFRA. This disconcerting development highlights the urgent need for accountability and the protection of our wildlife. In a contrasting yet equally captivating segment, we recount a mesmerising encounter with wild beavers in the West Country. This experience evoked both awe and wonder as we observed these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, we delve into the successful petition to end the confinement of caged animals in the UK, alongside the upcoming Churches Count on Nature initiative, which encourages community involvement in citizen science. Join us as we explore these pressing topics and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that surrounds us.

Hello and welcome to this week’s Wildlife Matters Podcast

Here we are at the end of May, with summer fast approaching. After many weeks of warm sunshine in the UK, there has been a brief respite for most wildlife and plants, with some rain in most areas.

This is vital, as many species, such as badgers with cubs, have struggled to dig into the sun-baked soil to find earthworms, and birds with youngsters in the nest have struggled to find insects and caterpillars, which have been emerging in much lower numbers this year.

This week’s Wildlife Matters main feature is an incredible night we spent with wild beavers in the West Country.

It was the first time I had seen a wild beaver in its natural habitat, and I was frozen to the spot as the Beaver went about its business of an early evening swim. This is a captivating story which we are sure you won’t want to miss.

And we will spend precious time in tune with nature in this week’s Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments.

But before that, in this week’s Wildlife Matters Nature News, we are talking about the badger culls as Badger Trust and Wild Justice release the 2024 cull figures in the first of a series of exposés of the failings of Natural England and DEFRA.

We hear about a successful petition to end caged animals in the UK and the return of the Church graveyard Citizen Science week, Churches Count on Nature, and that is coming up next on this week’s Wildlife Matters Nature news.

Takeaways:

• The recent rainfall across the UK has provided crucial relief to wildlife and plants, particularly benefiting species such as badgers and birds.
• In the Wildlife Matters main feature, we recount a mesmerising encounter

The Wildlife Matters Podcast tackles the urgent challenge of climate change and its detrimental effects on wildlife conservation, especially in light of the unprecedented warm spring of 2025, now recorded as one of the hottest in UK history. In the opening segment, we draw attention to the significant consequences of rising temperatures on local ecosystems, stressing the critical need to maintain water sources and shaded habitats for wildlife during these scorching months. This discussion highlights the fragile balance between appreciating nature and the essential responsibility to create and protect environments that support diverse species.

Moreover, the episode dedicates substantial time to examining the serious legislative threats posed by the government's new planning and infrastructure bill, which jeopardises existing protections for wildlife. This compelling narrative emphasises the necessity for active participation in conservation efforts, urging listeners to reach out to their local representatives and advocate for robust environmental protections that defend vulnerable species and their habitats.

Key Takeaways:

- The spring of 2025 in the UK is characterised by record-high temperatures that threaten wildlife.

- Providing water sources and shade is crucial to support wildlife during extreme heat.

- The proposed planning bill could significantly undermine protections for various wildlife species in the UK.

- Common frogs, once thriving, now face grave risks due to habitat loss and disease.

- Conservation initiatives for endangered species like the pine marten and barn owl are essential.

- Listeners are encouraged to engage with their MPs to demand wildlife protection in the face of development pressures.The Wildlife Matters Podcast tackles the urgent challenge of climate change and its detrimental effects on wildlife conservation, especially in light of the unprecedented warm spring of 2025, now recorded as one of the hottest in UK history. In the opening segment, the hosts draw attention to the significant consequences of rising temperatures on local ecosystems, stressing the critical need to maintain water sources and shaded habitats for wildlife during these scorching months. This discussion highlights the fragile balance between appreciating nature and the essential responsibility to create and protect environments that support diverse species.

Welcome to Series Six of the Wildlife Matters podcast!

In this new series, we have many new adventures. Please like and subscribe to join us on an exciting journey as we explore the wonders of nature through nature-based storytelling infused with our firsthand experience and expertise in wildlife and the environment.

Later in series six, prepare to immerse yourself in this thrilling new series as we spend an unforgettable night with wild beavers in the West Country and witness the return of the majestic golden eagles in Southwest Scotland.

The excitement is palpable, and we are eager to share these remarkable adventures with you!

This series promises a rich exploration of nature, from the fabulous common frog to the fascinating dolphins and porpoises that live off the British coastline. We'll also dive into the alarming consequences of Avian Influenza and its devastating impact on our wild seabirds and migratory bird species. We will also explore how it has jumped species to infect seals and their pups.

We are excited to start a new feature based on urban wild spaces.

We begin in the capital, so get ready to experience Wild London. Join us as we spend a night in a cemetery that is an oasis for wildlife, explore an ancient woodland, and learn about some of its best-known wild species deep in South London.

We celebrate the summer solstice with an adventure walk to Glastonbury Tor and celebrate the milestone of the first 50 episodes of the Wildlife Matters podcast.

We'll conclude Series Six with a story around the campfire for the autumn equinox when the nights begin to lengthen and darkness envelops us.

But before that, stay with us as we kick off this series with an enchanting springtime fungi forage. Together, we will search for delectable wild mushrooms you can find now in nature.

Our spring fungi forage will begin later in this podcast.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we embark on new adventures in wildlife exploration and showcase our journey through nature's wonders.
• The podcast explores the alarming impacts of avian influenza on seabirds and other wildlife species.
• Listeners can anticipate a captivating feature series focused on urban wildlife spaces to experience nature in London.
• Our discussions delve into the importance of choosing native plants to support local ecosystems and wildlife in British gardens.
• The episode highlights the fascinating diversity of shark species in UK waters, enhancing our understanding of marine life.
• We conclude our series with a poignant narrative around the autumn equinox, celebrating the cyclical nature of wildlife and seasons.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• World Animal Protection
• TV Sid
• Netflix
• Latvian Fund for Nature

Links referenced in this episode:

• wildlife-matters.org
• latvian-fund-for-nature.com
• world-animal-protection.org
• tv-sid.dk
• coquette-island.co.uk