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For our first episode of 2026, we head out to Crowle Moor to catch up with the Fens East Peat Partnership (FEPP) team to discuss their work, including increasing water retention on various sites and monitoring land changes in response to restoration, particularly through aerial surveys. Drones on nature reserves can be quite a controversial topic and in this episode we unpick the benefits of using them for conservation, what impact they can have on wildlife and why we ask the general public not to use them on our reserves.

In our last episode of 2025, Melvyn speaks to Paul Learoyd, Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, about some of the highlights for the Trust over the past year. We also hear from Professor Libby John, Chair of the Trust, who discusses the exciting potential of Hawthorpe, a large area of grassland that Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is raising funds to acquire. Find out more about the appeal at: lincstrust.org.uk/hawthorpe-appeal.

In this latest episode of the Wilder Lincolnshire Podcast, we head out to Willow Tree Fen as dusk approaches to witness one of the county’s most spectacular wildlife events — the winter roost. Join us on the viewing area with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Deputy Head of Nature Reserves, Sarah Craythorne, as we explore how this remarkable reserve has transformed from arable farmland into a thriving wetland haven. We delve into the story of Willow Tree Fen’s rebirth, the arrival of cranes after more than 400 years, and the unique decision to limit access so wildlife can flourish undisturbed. We learn how water management shapes the reserve, how cattle play a role in habitat care, and why Willow Tree Fen has become nationally significant for wintering wildfowl, waders and raptors. Later, we’re joined by Josh, a former trainee and now volunteer, who shares his experiences monitoring harriers and cranes, helping visitors identify birds in flight, and watching record-breaking roosts unfold — including more than 40 cranes bugling as they come in to roost.

In this episode Melvyn Prior visits Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve in the far south of Lincolnshire with special guest Ajay Tegala — conservationist, environmentalist, broadcaster, and author. Ajay returns to the place where his life long passion for nature began. From volunteering as a teenager and braving icy winters by the River Welland, to studying countryside management and becoming a leading voice for conservation, Ajay reflects on how this reserve shaped his journey. Together, Melvyn and Ajay explore the reserve, discuss habitat restoration, butterflies, and the importance of volunteering, and share hope for the next generation of young naturalists. 🦋 Recorded on location at Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve, near Market Deeping. Hear more from Ajay at: ajaytegala.co.uk

The first of our 'Hidden gems' series, showcasing beautiful nature reserves across the county that you may not even know exist! Recorded at Legbourne Wood, one of the largest ancient woods in eastern Lincolnshire, warden Matt Blissett explains what management is needed for these woodlands. You can also hear from Residential Volunteers, Dan and Jess, who are now half way through their placement with the Trust and gearing up for seal season ahead.

Whisby Nature Park is a beautiful landscape near Lincoln, full of wildlife, walks and trails. Once barren and lifeless, this amazing place now abounds with wildlife. The park was created by quarrying for sand and gravel, but nature has reclaimed the pits and bare sand, creating habitats for many species. In this episode, find out more about the team behind the nature reserve. From education officers to volunteers and wardens, everyone plays a crucial role in making Whisby Nature Park a place for people and nature.

This month, Melvyn Prior received an update from the warden of Far Ings on another year of successful breeding by our resident bitterns, before heading over to Crowle Moor to learn all about our carbon capturing peatlands in north-west Lincolnshire. Crowle Moor is one of Lincolnshire's last remaining lowland peatlands - a wild and wonderful landscape that's home to rare plants, insects and birds. In this episode, we explore why peatlands are so important for wildlife, how they store carbon, and the work being done to protect this precious habitat.

Our shorebird sanctuary at Gibraltar Point is in operation between the 1st of April and the 1st September each year, and is home to the only nesting site for little terns in the whole of Lincolnshire. Melvyn caught up with Gibraltar Point Warden, Richard Doan, and Assistant Warden, Beth McGuire, to discuss managing the sanctuary, the ever-changing landscape at the reserve and how volunteers help to protect the vulnerable species of shorebird on our coast.

In this episode we speak to bird expert, Steve Lovell, who discusses the fastest creature on the planet, the peregrine falcon. Find out all about the pair nesting on Lincoln cathedral and what a peregrine likes to eat. We also caught up with warden for Whisby Nature Park, Grahame Hopwood, who spoke about birds of prey more generally across Lincolnshire.

Wilder Humber is a five-year programme to restore marine habitats and species throughout the Humber estuary delivered through a pioneering conservation partnership between Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and international green energy leader Ørsted. Learn more about the project live from the Sea View seagrass nursery launch as Melvyn speaks to Samir Whitaker from Ørsted, Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, and representatives from both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

In this episode we hear from the families who joined us on our guided hedgehog walk around Snipe Dales where we walked 3km - the same distance a hedgehog can cover in a night - all whilst fundraising for wildlife. We also chat to the Public Engagement and Communications team who talk on the importance of getting people out and about in nature to learn and develop that passion for it.

In this episode, we went to the University of Lincoln to speak to Chair of the Trust Prof. Libby John and a selection of students who are aspiring for a career in conservation. We also speak with Ed Kirby, a new Conservation Officer for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust who found his role after completing a 6 month marine internship post university.

Woodhall Spa Airfield is a nature reserve where wildlife and wartime history quietly exist together. The site was formerly the home of four brave RAF squadrons in the second world war, including 617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron, but more recently was used as a sand and gravel quarry. As a nature reserve it is a haven for wildlife as well as a place where visitors can share in the unique and peaceful atmosphere of this former airfield. Find out all about the reserve in this latest episode of the 'Wilder Lincolnshire' podcast.

For our first Wilder Lincolnshire podcast episode of 2025, Melvyn visits the incredibly popular Donna Nook National Nature Reserve to learn about the grey seal colony that comes to the Donna Nook coastline to give birth to their pups each year. This wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from all across the UK and reserve warden for the site, Matt Blissett, discusses managing such a big operation and all you need to know about grey seals!

In our latest Wilder Lincolnshire podcast episode, Melvyn and Matthew look back at the work of the Trust over the past year and discuss their highlights from the previous episodes of the podcast. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has listened to our podcast this past year, and we promise there are plenty more topics to cover in 2025. Have a great Christmas and New Year and we will see you again in January.