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The Birdy Bug Pod

The Birdy Bug Pod

By: Matthew and Steve
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About this listen

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.

The Birdy Bug Pod 2022
Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Blue whales bouncing back
    Feb 13 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Positive Nature News from 2025
    Jan 15 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Release the beavers!
    Dec 12 2025

    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

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    1 hr and 2 mins
All stars
Most relevant
An obvious passion for the environment, fun facts and science, and a lovely relationship between the two.

Love it and learn stuff!

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