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/

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

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