This week's Wildlife Matters podcast examines one of the most iconic woodland bird species in Britain: the stunning woodpecker.

Host Nigel Palmer joined Chris Packham and over 150 organisations in London last Sunday for the Clean Water March, which was organised by River Action.

Wildlife Matters spoke to leading celebrity activists, including Chris Packham, Feargal Sharkey, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Olympic Rower Imogen Grant, before speaking to Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage and Charles Watson, founder of River Action, who organised the event.

The heart of this episode is the iconic woodland bird species - the Woodpeckers. We discuss the ecology and traits of the three native species and the now-migrant - European Wryneck

We also take a science-based look at how woodpeckers can hammer wood without damaging their brains and bodies.

In this week's Mindful Moments, we celebrate one of the key weather elements of the British Isles: the wind.

Takeaways:

• The Wildlife Matters podcast explores the rising concerns of wildlife crime and animal cruelty in the UK, highlighting recent incidents that demand immediate action.
• A Clean Water march in London, organised by River Action and supported by Chris Packham, amongst others, took place on 3rd November 2024.
• Nature News reveals another foxhunter was found guilty, and the Devon vet was struck off for Cattle Bovine TB test errors.
• Mindful Moments celebrates one of the ket weather elements in the UK - The wind.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.wildlifematters.org

Takeaways:

• The Clean Water March in London saw 15,000 campaigners demanding immediate government action against water pollution.
• Woodpeckers in the UK include three native species, each with unique traits and habitats.
• The lesser spotted woodpecker's population has declined by 73% since the turn of the century, raising conservation concerns.
• A Devon vet was struck off for dishonestly certifying cattle tests, jeopardizing public health and trust in veterinary practices.
• Nature broadcaster Chris Packham emphasized the urgency for action to protect Britain's rivers and lakes from pollution.
• The podcast featured a mindful moment focusing on the sounds of the wind in nature, reflecting on its beauty.