How are the UK's animals really doing? In this episode, we dive into the IUCN Red List—the world’s most comprehensive assessment of species at risk of extinction—to uncover which of our birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, and more are struggling.

Some of the findings won't come as a surprise, but others might shock you, as a few of our most familiar and commonly seen birds are in fact on the Red list.

Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode takes a step back to reveal the bigger picture of wildlife decline in the UK. But it’s not all bad news! We also highlight conservation success stories, celebrating species that are making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts.

Join us as we uncover the challenges, surprises, and inspiring efforts to turn the tide for the UK’s wildlife.

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links:

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Peoples Trust for Endangered Species

UK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The Guardian

Vendace and powan | NatureScot

Endangered UK crayfish released into the wild at secret river site in Hampshire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

The State Of Britain's Moths | Butterfly Conservation

Amid the constant stream of negative headlines, we’re keeping our annual tradition alive and spending an episode reflecting on the positive environmental strides made in 2024!

From newly established marine protected areas to passionate local communities defending nature, this episode is packed with inspiring stories. We've got dam removals, flying scientists teaching birds how to migrate, species reintroductions, and much more.

As we move into a new year, join us for this uplifting look back at the brilliant work being done worldwide to protect and restore our nature. We love recording these episodes as they are a reminder that dedicated people everywhere are working tirelessly to make a real difference for the environment, wildlife, and people — and that is worth celebrating.

What was your favourite positive nature story of 2024? Get in touch, we would love to know 👇

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest | AP News

Scientists taught this once-extinct bird how to migrate by guiding them across Europe | Euronews

Herd of 170 bison could help store CO2 equivalent of 43,000 cars, researchers say | Rewilding | The Guardian

As Zambia schools take on climate change, one teen is spreading the word in sign language | The Independent

How a tribe brought back its sacred California condors - BBC Future

Japan develops plastic that disappears within hours in the sea and boosts soil health - Times of India

Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 - BBC News

Wild tiger population increases in Thailand

Passionate young conservationist, dedicated reptile surveyor and winner of the BBC Springwatch Under 18s Wildlife Hero Award 2024, Reuben Martin joins us on The Birdy Bug Pod.

Grab a coffee and tune in for a fantastic chat with Reuben as we learn all about his conservation work, his love for our native reptiles, the experience of appearing on BBC Springwatch and what it was like getting recognised in public for the first time.

This episode is packed with reptile facts, inspiring projects, and some brilliant stories from Reuben's surveys. In true Birdy Bug Pod style, we wrap up with some heart warming conservation stories, shining a light on the incredible efforts being made to protect and restore our wildlife.

We were thrilled to have Reuben as a guest. Seeing someone so young and passionate making a real difference for nature is truly inspiring.

Make sure you check out Reuben's YouTube channel: Reuben’s Reptiles - YouTube

And don't forget to follow him over on Instagram: @reubens_reptiles

A huge thank you to Reuben and his Dad for travelling down to record with us!

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

Timestamps

00:00:00 Meet Reuben Martin

00:06:42 Reuben's wildlife heroes

00:08:40 All about our reptiles

00:15:25 Reuben's conservation work

00:24:51 Winning Springwatch's Wildlife Hero award

00:32:16 Future career & Reuben's YouTube channel

00:38:29 Positive conservation news

00:53:59 What's next & wrap up

Links:

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Garden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Home | Steyning Downland Scheme

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/help-your-heaths/heathlands-reunited/