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Send us a text In Your Nature returns with a thought-provoking new episode featuring Ricky in conversation with Pádraic Fogarty—ecologist, author, and one of Ireland’s most influential voices for nature. The discussion centres on Pádraic’s long-standing work advocating for more ambitious and meaningful conservation efforts across Ireland, from rewilding landscapes to reforming environmental policy. Together, they explore the state of Irish biodiversity, the systemic challenges facing conservation, and the urgent need to restore ecological integrity. Pádraic shares insights from his time with the Irish Wildlife Trust, his writing, and his vision for a future where nature is prioritised and protected. The episode offers a compelling look at how Ireland can move beyond token gestures and embrace real change for its wild places and species. The Gannet is the featured Bird of the Week—an iconic seabird known for its spectacular plunge-diving and striking appearance. Nesting in dramatic cliff colonies around Ireland’s coasts, the Gannet is a powerful symbol of our marine heritage and a reminder of the richness that lies just offshore. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In Your Nature returns with a captivating new episode recorded live from Global BirdFair 2025, where Niall Hatch is joined by two seasoned nature guides with deep ties to the Falkland Islands—Andy Pollard, a Falklands native and expert birder, and Martin Anstee, a conservationist and expedition leader with decades of experience in the region. Together, they explore the unique biodiversity of the Falklands and surrounding South Atlantic islands, from windswept tussac grasslands to rugged coastal cliffs teeming with life. The conversation dives into the islands’ remarkable endemic bird species, including the Cobb’s Wren and Falkland Steamer Duck, and expands to cover the broader ecological richness of the region—penguins, seals, and the delicate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Andy and Martin share stories from the field, insights into conservation challenges, and reflections on what makes the Falklands such a special place for wildlife and wildness. The Johnny Rook is the featured Bird of the Week—a bold and intelligent raptor also known as the Striated Caracara. Endemic to the Falklands, this curious bird is famed for its cheeky behavior and problem-solving prowess, often seen investigating backpacks or stealing unattended items. A true symbol of the islands’ wild spirit, the Johnny Rook is both a conservation icon and a favourite among visiting birders. A special thanks goes to Charlie Bingham and Oscar Henderson for the invitation to record at Global BirdFair 2025 and for facilitating us at the Whinchat Podcast Stage over the weekend. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In Your Nature returns with a fascinating new episode spotlighting the Ealing Beaver Project, a pioneering urban rewilding initiative bringing these charismatic ecosystem engineers back to West London after a 400-year absence. Niall is joined (recorded live from Global BirdFair 2025) by Dr Sean McCormack, founder of the project and a native of County Kildare. Together, they delve into the story behind the beavers’ return, from the inspiration and planning stages to the challenges of introducing them into a highly urbanised setting. They explore how these remarkable animals are helping to restore wetland habitats, boost biodiversity, and reconnect city dwellers with the wild. Dr McCormack shares insights into the community’s enthusiastic response, the ecological benefits already emerging, and his hopes for the project’s future. The Hobby is the featured Bird of the Week, a small and agile falcon known for its dazzling aerial hunting displays. Often seen swooping after dragonflies or darting after swifts in summer skies, this elusive bird is a thrilling symbol of wildness returning to landscapes where nature is given space to thrive. A special thanks goes to Charlie Bingham and Oscar Henderson for the invitation to record at Global BirdFair 2025 and for facilitating us at the Whinchat Podcast Stage over the weekend.  In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In Your Nature returns with a heartening new episode exploring the Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project, a community-driven initiative transforming churchyards into havens for wildlife and reflection.  Ricky is joined by Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council, to discuss the origins of the project, its progress to date, and the vital role of community involvement in its success. Together, they reflect on how with the bishops blessing, these sacred spaces are being reimagined as biodiversity hotspots, blending heritage with habitat. Later in the episode we meet Jennie Drysdale and Anne McLaughlan, two local champions of the project. On location in Doonbeg, they share their experiences of embracing the initiative, the positive changes already visible in their community, and their hopes for the future. Their story is a testament to the power of grassroots action and the beauty that emerges when people and nature reconnect. The Hedgehog is the featured species of the week, chosen by special request from Jennie. These charming nocturnal mammals are increasingly reliant on connected green spaces like churchyards for foraging and shelter. Their presence is a hopeful sign of a healthier, more hospitable landscape for all wildlife. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In Your Nature returns with a luminous new episode exploring the theme of Dark Skies, featuring a guest interview with Kerem Asfuroglu of Dark Source (lighting design consultancy) and Dark Skies Ireland. As artificial light increasingly disrupts ecosystems and obscures our view of the stars, this episode sheds light on the growing movement to preserve natural darkness for the benefit of wildlife, human health, and cultural heritage. Kerem shares his unique perspective as a lighting designer and advocate for sustainable lighting practices, discussing how thoughtful design can reduce light pollution without compromising safety or functionality. The conversation highlights how excessive artificial light affects nocturnal species, including birds and insects, and explores the broader ecological consequences of a sky that never truly gets dark. Ricky, Niall and Kerem also delve into the emotional and philosophical dimensions of darkness—how reconnecting with the night sky can foster a deeper sense of place, wonder, and environmental stewardship. The episode emphasises the importance of community engagement, policy change, and interdisciplinary collaboration in protecting Ireland’s remaining dark sky areas. The Robin is Bird of the Week, a familiar and beloved garden resident. Robins can be disproportionately impacted by light pollution due to their year-round territoriality, sometimes causing them to sing all night and throughout the year.  In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council. More Info  Dark Skies Ireland - Environmentally Friendly Lighting Guide  BirdWatch Ireland - Robin  For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In our last episode of 2024, In Your Nature welcomes a well-known nature celebrity for a very lively chat. Niall and Ricky speak to Éanna Ní Lamhna about biodiversity and her long track record of writing, broadcasting and advocating about and for Ireland’s flora and fauna.  Éanna gives her characteristic, energetic and unfiltered opinion on nature broadcasting, biodiversity loss in Ireland, together with her hopes and dreams for Irish biodiversity in the future. Éanna really get's into it and eventually leaves Ricky afraid to ask any further questions 😅. Bird of the Week is the Great Northern Diver (Common Loon) as nominated by Éanna, a streamlined seabird evolved for life at sea. Éanna’s new book “The Great Irish Biodiversity Book” takes us on a trip through Irish wildlife habitats – from bogs to beaches and woodland to grassland. Discover how habitats work and which creatures and plants to look out for in each one, from the very rare to the most common, all brought to life with amazing illustrations by Barry Falls.  For more info and to purchase the book click here. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text The eagerly awaited, Farming For Nature (FFN) Handbook has just been published, Ricky and Niall take the opportunity to discuss how important farms and farmers are for nature in Ireland, given the dominance of agriculture lands across the Irish landscape.  Ricky speaks Dr Emma Hart on behalf of FFN and co-authors, Bridgit Barry and Brendan Dunford about the book, its content and objectives.  The Farming For Nature Handbook (purchase here) was inspired by the regular requests received by Farming For Nature, from people wanting to learn how best to manage their land, big or small, in a way that enhances habitats, increases wildlife, harnesses natural processes, protects profits, and safeguards our natural environment and rural communities for future generations. The handbook features the stories, experience and learnings of almost 50 farmers.  Emma is a conservation ecologist and writer. She is the founder of habitats.ie, a consultancy service in biodiversity conservation, science communication, and research and of Oysterhaven Biodiversity Reserve, a farm, research site, and nature restoration project in the south of Ireland. Emma has a PhD in conservation ecology and extensive international experience of managing science-based conservation initiatives. She serves on several inter(national) professional committees including for the IUCN and Farming for Nature and publishes regularly in the scientific and popular press. Bird of the Week is the Common Snipe as nominated by Emma, a handsome and quirky wee species common on our bogs and other wetland habitats.  In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text Step into Nature, is a new book written and illustrated by naturalist Rachel McKenna, chronicles a year of her observations of everything from plants to birds, insects and fungi. It is journey through her year, describing her finds and allowing readers to pick up the book and share in her curiosity and learn from her finds. Ricky speaks to Rachel from Killaun Bog near Birr Co. Offaly, one of the sites Rachel frequents. She outlines how her curiosity was triggered, where she has found the experience and support needed in helping to identify species and grow her knowledge in a few short years. Rachel talks about the wonder of nature, the importance of networks, the value of citizen science and health rivalry between biodiversity recorders. Niall and Ricky are full of praise for Rachel, her new book and the efforts of citizen scientists who volunteer their time and observations to furthering biodiversity monitoring and conservation in Ireland and internationally.  Bird of the Week is the Common Buzzard as nominated by Rachel, a species which gets a unanimous thumbs up from the lads. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text We all need a holiday from time to time but there's no doubt that travelling comes with a cost, and we're not just talking about to your bank balance! Travelling comes with an environmental impact but "eco-tourism" or "sustainable tourism" offers an opportunity to lower that impact significantly. However, with these terms becoming buzzwords in recent years, it is important to avoid accepting them at face value. So, how can you distinguish a true eco-tourism option from greenwashing? In this episode, Niall and Ricky hope to clarify this often confusing matter so that you can confidently make more eco-conscious travel choices going forward. There's no denying that any form of travel will have an impact on the environment but that is not to say we can't all make more positive and responsible choices. As Niall and Ricky describe, eco-tourism should benefit the communities, habitats and species of an area more than it takes away from it. At the 2024 Global Bird Fair in Rutland, United Kingdom, Niall spoke to some people involved in true eco-tourism to illustrate how that works in practice. They include Sandra Morocho from the Quijos Valley in Ecuador, the place that holds the world record for the number of bird species within 24-kilometres in 24-hours - a staggering 493! He also speaks to Chandika Jayaratne of Jetwing Eco Holidays in Sri Lanka, an initiative aimed at providing an enjoyable tourist experience while in turn, giving back to local initiatives. Of course, you don't have to travel abroad to enjoy an eco-tourism experience! Niall and Ricky explore some examples of nature-focused trips worth considering in Ireland including BirdWatch Ireland's Cape Clear Bird Observatory in Co. Cork and the Wild Mind Festival in Fenit Co. Kerry. In keeping with tradition, Niall and Ricky choose a Bird of the Week and this time, the White-tailed Eagle seemed particularly fitting. Formerly lost from Ireland and Scotland, the spectacular raptor now attracts tourists to places like Killarney and the Isle of Mull owing to a successful reintroduction initiative. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text This episode of In Your Nature comes from across the pond as Niall records from the 2024 Global Bird Fair in Rutland, United Kingdom. Known to many as "Glastonbury for birders", the Global Bird Fair sees conservation organisations, photographers, authors, artists ecotourism companies and many more join together to celebrate their shared love of birds. Over a July weekend, attendees are treated to a jam-packed schedule of talks, workshops, film screenings and other events, all themed around birds and wildlife conservation. This year, Niall took the opportunity to interview some of the interesting birders that he met at the event. This includes Chief Executive of BirdLife International, Martin Harper, who spoke about the impact that the Global Bird Fair has made on conservation projects worldwide owing to the fundraising element of the event. He also caught up with Head of Communications and Awareness at the Hellenic Ornithological Society/ BirdLife Greece, Roula Trigou. She likens the Global Bird Fair to an annual family gathering, where people who are fighting for the same cause join together. For her, the event perfectly illustrates how birds connect our world. Laura Kammermeier from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology also took some time to speak with Niall about Cornell's many inspiring and educational initiatives including the highly popular Merlin Bird ID app, as well as Birds of the World – a subscription-based online resource and the world’s largest, most comprehensive, scholarly resource for birds. Meanwhile, Rachel Bigsby is looking at birds from a different perspective, quite literally. The wildlife photographer spoke with Niall about how events like the Global Bird Fair can help new photographers get to grips with techniques and ethics, while she also reveals the Northern Fulmar as the seabird that kickstarted her passion for photography. No matter where you travel to, you're almost guaranteed to bump into someone else from Ireland and the Global Bird Fair is no exception! Niall caught up with ornithologist Seán Ronayne of Irish Wildlife Sounds to talk about his early days of sound recording, a hobby that has since led to his highly-regarded documentary, Birdsong, album Wild Silence and a soon-to-be-released book, Nature Boy. In keeping with tradition, Niall and Ricky choose a Bird of the Week and of course, they couldn't do an episode on the Global Bird Fair without mentioning the event's emblem, the Osprey. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text Bats can sometimes get a bad rap but in this episode of the In Your Nature podcast, we hope to dispel some myths and shine a light on these truly remarkable creatures. For this conversation, we are joined by Bat Ecologist and Senior Projects Manager with Bat Conservation Ireland, Niamh Roche, who gives us an insight into the lives of Ireland's nine species of bat. On listening to this episode, you'll quickly that bats are not to be feared, but to be supported and admired. When allowed to thrive, bats provide a number of ecosystem services, including insect control and pollination, which benefit humans and the wider environment. As is a tradition on the In Your Nature, we asked our guest to choose their Bird of the Week and Niamh didn't need to be asked twice, choosing the master of woodland camouflage - the Treecreeper. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text This episode of In Your Nature is another collaboration with Collie Ennis of The Critter Shed and this week, we're talking all about the Grey Heron! Although amphibian expert Collie has an understandably complex relationship with the Heron, this episode has given him a newfound respect for the species! While they're known as skilled fishers, did you know that Herons have adapted to consume a wide range of prey including small mammals, insects and reptiles? Or that they have small combs on the underside of each foot to help them to keep their feathers in tip-top condition? Learn about this and more by tuning in. An episode of In Your Nature wouldn't be complete without the Bird of the Week slot, and this time, we feature another wetland wonder - the Coot! In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text We know you'll be itching to listen to this episode, which is a collaboration with Collie Ennis of The Critter Shed. This week, we're talking all about, you guessed it, critters, though not the cute and cuddly kind. Ticks, fleas and flat flies are the focus of this conversation and while the thought of that might make your skin crawl, we encourage you to listen on! Ticks, mites and flat flies may not appeal to most, but these fascinating creatures play a vital role in the shaping of our ecosystems. What's more, these highly-adapted species hold incredible abilities that would be the envy of most superheroes, such as impressive agility and unparalleled resilience. On listening to this episode, you might just look at these parasites in a new light! In the spirit of this week's episode of In Your Nature, we put a spin on the usual  Bird of the Week slot, asking Niall instead to nominate a Critter of the Week. This week's winner is the May Bug, also known by the slightly unfortunate name, the Common Cockchafer! In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In an In Your Nature first, this episode was recorded live with an audience from Wild Mind Festival in Fenit, County Kerry earlier this spring. Wild Mind is a festival that celebrates our natural environment, making it the perfect fit for a visit from In Your Nature. Picture this, Niall and Ricky sitting on hay bales on stage in a artificial barn/shed structure waxing lyrical about spring and what it means for our fathered friends. The lads discuss the complex sequence of events that is the annual breeding cycle and what triggers it in early spring. We hear about avian turf-wars, male grooming, birdy romance and female expectations of their chosen mates! An episode of In Your Nature wouldn't be complete without the Bird of the Week slot, with Blackbird being nominated by an audience member, which Ricky and Niall happily picked up and ran with. Additionally, there were lots of interesting questions from the floor all expertly answered or dodged by the hosts. For more information on Wild Mind Festival check out their website here. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a text In our end of year Christmas Special, Niall and Ricky consider what birds Santa might be enjoying at his bird table in an exploration of some of the hardiest species that call Finnish Lapland home. There is something in Santa’s bag for everyone in this episode, from fit finches to tough t**s and canny corvids!  We hope you enjoy it, thanks for listening and happy Christmas!  In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.