Everyone can play a role in conservation, from protecting wildlife to contributing to real scientific research. Volunteering—and its powerful branch, citizen science—is making a real difference for the environment.

In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of these efforts across the UK. From bird counts and river monitoring to tree planting and habitat restoration, passionate people are tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and shaping environmental policy.

We also discuss how volunteering benefits individuals and communities—and share our own experiences with these initiatives.

By the end, you’ll probably guess that we’re big fans of volunteering!

We hope you enjoy the episode and would love to hear about your own experiences or projects you’re passionate about.

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:

The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust

Home - Earthwatch Europe

Take part in a project | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do

Join the Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain Tidy

Big Butterfly Count

From farm to forest: the volunteers planting 100,000 trees in Somerset | Trees and forests | The Guardian

Nature's Calendar - Woodland Trust

The Conservation Volunteers

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