This episode looks in detail about the reintroduction of beavers into the UK. I visit a beaver enclosure, very close to me in Finchingfield in Essex, on the Spains Hall estate. I see first hand the amazing things that these ecological engineers can do for the wider landscape and biodiversity. I then report back from a webinar hosted by the Beaver Trust, and discuss some of the facts and complex issues surrounding beaver reintroduction. Whilst there are some potential problems, I am very much in favour of bringing these amazing creatures back to where they belong in the British countryside

This episode looks at how the winter affects our mental and physical health, and why its not such a surprise we can feel awful during the winter. It discusses some of the issues including viral infections, cold weather, immunity, and whether supplements are any help. It also looks at the natural world for inspiration, to find out how animals and plants cope with the winter, and ends with some ideas for us all to take inspiration from nature and stay healthier

Episode seven of Green Shoots sees me out and about in Dorset, on the amazing Isle of Purbeck, enjoying some amateur birdwatching. I visit some wonderful nature reserves including RSPB Arne, and Brownsea Island, in search of red squirrels, nightjars, birds of prey, all six of the UK' native reptiles, along with the elusive Dartford Warbler. You can hear how even an amateur can see and hear some amazing birds, and how sometimes the best place to see birds does not have to be in a special reserve

Episode 6 of Green Shoots is set at the Open Day at Noakes Grove nature reserve, part of the Walden Countryside group. It features an interview with Walden Countryside founder David Corke, sharing hos extensive knowledge of wildlife and ecology, and in particular how to engage young people. Andrew Urquhart describes how we prepared a home, known as a hibernaculum, for a population of common lizards relocated from a construction site. Hopefully you will enjoy the feeling of engaging with nature and maybe feel inspired to help others do so too

The second episode of Green Shoots, this show looks at the issue of water pollution in the UK and the state of our rivers and coastline. Based at the March for Clean Water, on London on 3rd November 2024, organised by River Action, there are contribution from speakers representing wildlife groups, nature friendly farming, fishing, and Youth 4 Nature UK. I discuss the complex issues and what potential solutions are possible, and in particular what we can do as individuals to help. The episode closes with an inspiring speech from Chris Packham

This show looks at the beauty of birdsong, with some great examples of songs of many of our common garden birds. The show looks at why and how birds make such wonderful sound, and what it tells us about their behaviour. Also I discuss what you can do to recognise bird song more easily, and to encourage birds into your garden

..This episode looks at the decline in numbers of insects across the globe, and why we should be worried about it. Drawing on the research and writing of entymologist Professor Dave Goulson, I discuss the reasons for the decline in insect numbers, why this is so dangerous for human survival, and what we can do about it

In this third episode, I discuss the importance of promoting healthy communities of microbes, within the human gut and in the soil. I discuss how western lifestyles contribute to a wide range of illnesses including allergy and autoimmune disease, and what you can do to improve your diet. I also talk about how to promote healthy soil in your garden to improve yields and promote nature

The first episode of the Green Shoots podcast, which will be discussing nature, wildlife, ecology, science, gardening, food production and much more. I will be offering a hopeful message about simple things we can all do to make a difference to our natural environment, by engaging with local projects. In this episode I talk more about this, and what we can do as individuals to change small things to make a big difference. Hope you enjoy - for feedback to [email protected]

A selection of recent Soul Blues releases from the Deep South and across the USA, featuring music from Wesley Pruit Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreux (pictured), Jade Macrae, Sugaray Rayford, Miss Lady Blues, Adam Schultz and many more.