The Birdy Bug Pod

Matthew and Steve

0.0 (0)
Nature
Updated Bimonthly

Just a father and son who are passionate about wildlife, photography and the environment. Grab a coffee and join us as we chat about threatened species and habitats, interesting news stories and the incredible work being done around the world that gives us hope. Oh, and we'll probably have a good natter about our photographic escapades from time to time too.

Sep 15

Butterflies & Moths

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
Jun 26

Trichomonosis: How you can help our garden birds

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
Apr 25

Ivy: Problem Plant or Wildlife Haven?

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/
Feb 27

The UK's littlest owl

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
Feb 13

Blue whales bouncing back

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
Jan 15

Positive Nature News from 2025

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
12/12/2025

Release the beavers!

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
11/20/2025

Much (more) ado about Curlews

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

Just a father and son who are passionate about wildlife, photography and the environment. Grab a coffee and join us as we chat about threatened species and habitats, interesting news stories and the incredible work being done around the world that gives us hope. Oh, and we'll probably have a good natter about our photographic escapades from time to time too.

Creator

Matthew and Steve
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

63
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© The Birdy Bug Pod 2022
Show Website

The Birdy Bug Pod

Home & Garden

Home & Garden

Updated Weekly