Conservation and Science

Not long ago I posted a tweet: “Hunters are not good or bad, they just are. Therefore, they must be managed just like, and as a part of, the wildlife they hunt.” It was an attempt to condense my thoughts about our relationship with wildlife and nature. I purposefully used the word “our” because I believe that we are all hunters; it's just that this instinct is dormant in most of us.

The reactions ranged from incredulity to accusations of being anti-hunting. There was also a substantial portion of those who agreed with the sentiment. Most importantly though, the tweet sparked an interesting conversation and led to some interesting points being raised. Since I don’t think that Twitter (X) is a good platform for deeper conversations, I decided to respond to some of the comments in this podcast episode.

It is also a great opportunity to verbalise a substantial amount of thoughts about hunting and nature conservation that I’ve accumulated over the years of both hunting and making this podcast. If you want to respond to my remarks, the best way to do it is in the comments under the YouTube video (for those who are watching this on YouTube). If you’d prefer not to comment in public, you can reply to my newsletter to send an email straight to my inbox. And if you’re not subscribed to the newsletter yet, the link is below.

It is another in the series of solo episodes that I’m going to publish this year. In those I present the views that I have developed after many years of making this podcast which include not only conversations with experts but also attendance at conferences and reading countless books on these subjects. You can treat those as bonus episodes. The episodes where I interview scientists, conservationists and people with a love for nature and the outdoors are still coming on a fortnightly schedule.

If you’re interested in hearing more from me, have a suggestion for future episodes or want to leave feedback, please contact me through the contact form. If you’re an event organiser and would like me to speak at your event, go and check out the following link.

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Sika (cervus nippon) is a mid-sized deer that was introduced to Ireland in the 1860s to the Powerscourt Estate. Soon after that, it started spreading across Ireland. Today, the main concentrations of sika are in Kerry, Wicklow, Tyrone and Fermanagh. More recently, it has also been found in Waterford, Galway, Limerick, and Wexford. The National Biodiversity Data Centre in Ireland lists sika as an invasive species. Despite that, it’s afforded protection under the Wildlife Act. It is prized by hunters as a game species and a source of excellent quality venison on the one hand, and hated by foresters and environmentalists for the damage to forestry and biodiversity on the other.

Sika is present on the entire European continent and, although not as widespread as in Ireland, it is also causing similar problems. This is reflected in the recent move by the European Commission to launch consultations to put sika on the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) list across the Union. This poses the obvious question: what does it mean for the Irish population of sika if the EC makes such a decision? Will or should it be allowed continuous protection with open and closed hunting seasons? Or should it be reduced to the status of vermin and be eradicated across the country? 

To discuss the potential future of sika deer in Ireland and present a whole spectrum of views about this species, and invasive species more generally, I spoke with four expert guests presenting different views on the subject. By listening to this episode you will hear from Professor Jaimie T.A. Dick who specialises in Invasion Ecology, Eoghan Daltun an award-winning author who has spent last 15 years regenerating an Irish Atlantic rainforest, Damien Hannigan a Government Appointee to the Irish Deer Management Forum and Public Relations Officer at the Irish Deer Commission, and Professor of Wildlife Restoration Ecology, Adam T. Ford.

Sika Deer in Ireland: Invasive Status and Its Impact - A Three-Episode Exclusive

Access here: https://conservationlens.com/products/sika-deer-ias

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“Why Biodiversity Matters” is fundamentally a philosophy book. However, the author and our guest, Nigel Dudley, is not a philosopher but an accomplished conservation biologist who has accumulated an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience working on conservation projects across the world. He has worked as a consultant ecologist with international organisations like WWF International, IUCN and UNESCO. He is a co-founder of Equilibrium Research and Industry Fellow in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is the author and editor of numerous titles, including being a co-author of Leaving Space for Nature (Routledge, 2020), Arguments for Protected Areas (Routledge, 2010) and Authenticity in Nature (Routledge, 2011).

The book is an interesting and thoughtful discussion on the subject of “rights” applied to different entities. The author analyses the overlaps, synergies and also contradictions between concepts like ecosystem rights, biodiversity rights, animal rights and, last but not least, human rights. While reading the book I was impressed by the deep analysis which at the same time was presented in simple and easy to understand language. Everything is illustrated with stories and examples taken from the author's vast experience in places like Vietnam, Bhutan, Africa, Tanzania, the UK, and South America.

I found this book to be insightful, balanced and thought-provoking. Especially since it deals head-on with widely discussed hot-button topics like human-made ecosystems, invasive species, predator control, trophy hunting and the disproportionate attention given to charismatic megafauna at the expense of wildlife that is “more important” from the ecological point of view. Whoever tried their hand at discussing these topics at any length is well aware of how nuanced and difficult such discussions can be. So, more kudos to the author for concisely and competently dealing with them in his book.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the different concepts of rights as they relate to the environment as well as the wildlife and humans inhabiting it. As always, you can purchase the book using the link below and by doing so, you will support my work as I’ll get a small commission from each sale.

Get "Why Biodiversity Matters": https://amzn.to/4bF4MLW

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Join me for a conversation with Saoirse McHugh who is running as an independent candidate for the European Parliament to represent the Midlands-North-West constituency. During our discussion, we delve into a wide array of topics such as the connection between agriculture and environmentalism, sustainable land management practices and agricultural subsidies within the EU. We also talk about politics in general and why being politically active is important if you care about nature and the environment. Saoirse talks about her experiences in politics and her decision to re-enter the political arena. She speaks about the complexities of political landscapes and discusses the different motivations that drive individuals towards or away from politics.

Another big issue we dedicated a substantial portion of the podcast to is the EU’s Nature Restoration Law. It looked like it was approved by the majority of votes in the European Parliament, when unexpectedly the final vote that was meant to be a mere formality was postponed. So we talked about the current situation of this landmark law and whether there are still any hopes for it to pass. That led us to discuss changing political norms and the threats to democracy it brings. We finish by chatting about Saoirse’s hopes and plans for when she gets elected. 

Remember to confirm that you’ve registered to vote by the 22nd of May and go ahead and exercise your democratic powers on the 7th of June.

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The paper that we discuss in this episode describes how an invasive species of ants disrupts lion hunting behaviour. There are also acacia trees, elephants, zebras and buffalos involved in the whole chain of interactions between species. To talk about this incredibly interesting research I invited an Associate Professor, Adam Ford, Canada Research Chair in Wildlife Restoration Ecology at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, Canada who has a lab of graduate and undergraduate students who work on large mammal ecology. As for the paper that we will discuss today, it was led by Douglas N. Kamaru, a PhD student at the University of Wyoming, in the Goheen lab (Professor Jake Goheen). The other leads are Todd M. Palmer, University of Florida and Corinna Riginos, University of Wyoming. To see the full list of contributors (a total of 20 scientists) I refer you to the paper, which is linked below.

As always, you will get more links and articles to dive even deeper into topics we discuss on the podcast in my newsletter. So make sure you subscribe to not miss out on any nerdy, ecological goodness.

Further reading:

• Invasive ants leave lions scrambling for prey on the savannah in an ecological chain reaction | Popular Science
• Disruption of an ant-plant mutualism shapes interactions between lions and their primary prey | Science
• Tiny ant species disrupts lion's hunting behavior | ScienceDaily

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Finnish SOTKA is a large-scale habitat restoration project and a part of a larger Helmi Habitats Programme aimed at restoring Finland’s biodiversity. It is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment. SOTKA’s objective is large-scale habitat restoration through wetlands rehabilitation, restoration of mires and catchments, non-native (i.e. invasive) predator control and building a network of resting areas for waterfowl.

It is also a great example of cooperation between hunting and non-hunting organisations for the benefit of nature. This type of cooperation is something I’ve always been a strong advocate of. So it was my great pleasure to invite to the podcast: Veli-Matti Pekkarinen, the Waterfowl Habitat Specialist from the Finnish Hunters’ Association and Heikki Helle, the Wetland Specialist at BirdLife Finland.

Listen to our conversation to learn more about SOTKA and Helmi projects. We also discuss the details of cooperation and specific actions that are undertaken to meet project objectives. I also enquired about the social perception in Finland of actions like predator control. Overall it was interesting to compare mindsets and attitudes in Finland with those in Ireland or the UK. Also, big shoutouts to Padraig Breen from NARGC who was instrumental in making this podcast episode happen.

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Many people claim they are conservationists. But are they really? Inspired by your comments and some discussions that I had in the past, I decided to talk about this subject.

This episode was recorded outdoors, on the beautiful Irish coast of county Kerry. So, don’t be surprised to hear chough calling in the background or some occasional gusts of wind.

It is another in the series of solo episodes that I’m going to publish this year. In those I present the views that I have developed after many years of making this podcast which include not only conversations with experts but also attendance at conferences and reading countless books on these subjects. You can treat those as bonus episodes. The episodes where I interview scientists, conservationists and people with a love for nature and the outdoors are still coming on a fortnightly schedule.

If you’re interested in hearing more from me, have a suggestion for future episodes or want to leave feedback, please contact me through the contact form. If you’re an event organiser and would like me to speak at your event, go and check out the following link.

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I have been waiting for Tom Opre’s new film “The Last Keeper” since I learned in July 2022 that he and his team are working on it. Well, the wait was over for me at the beginning of February 2024, as I was the only person in Ireland to screen the film. The wait will soon be over for you as well since the film premieres in mid-April in Edinburgh. While you are still waiting, you can listen to my conversation with Tom about the film and wider aspects of Tom’s mission of talking about conservation and indigenous communities.

The Last Keeper is a documentary film that takes on the difficult subject of conflict surrounding land use in Scotland. It does a great job of presenting the views from all sides of the struggle. From estate owners, keepers and members of local communities to environmental NGOs, politicians and proponents of rewilding. On top of that, the conversations presented are not just dry statements of opinion. Tom is not shying away from asking difficult questions and pushing his interviewees outside their comfort zone. All that is complemented by brilliant cinematography showcasing stunning views of Scottish landscapes.

As this episode drops before the premiere of the film, we are careful to not spill the beans too much during our conversation. Instead, Tom gives you an insight into what drives him to do all his work and how it connects to the topic of his latest film. I fully expect a full range of opinions about the film and the views it presents. It will likely justify a follow-up episode with reactions to the film from those who are facing the issues presented or are just interested in them. For now, enjoy our conversation and don’t forget to subscribe to The Last Keeper newsletter to see the film’s trailer and stay updated about the film’s screening dates and the latest news about it.

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This episode is slightly different than usual when it comes to its subject. However, working with technology by day and creating digital content by night, I spend substantial time thinking about and grappling with this subject. So when I learned that a long-term supporter and a friend of the podcast, Emanuel Rose, wrote a book about it, I decided to have him on for a chat.

The subject in question is our unhealthy addiction to our phones (mostly) and other devices. Which in the not-so-long term results in a shortened attention span, inability to focus and all-around decrease in happiness and increase in anxiety. And that is not a good state of mind.

In his book, “The 7 Principles of the Magic Rock: How Solitude in Nature Anchors Your Mental Health” Emanuel Rose suggests that unplugging and spending more time in nature is a perfect antidote to the aforementioned predicaments. In his succinct book, the author provides plenty of practical advice. It is rounded out with plentiful references to articles and peer-reviewed papers.

Get "The 7 Principles of the Magic Rock": https://amzn.to/49ESu59

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It has been a considerable time since the last time we spoke about rewilding on the podcast. I feel that the discussion around the practice as well as understanding of the term has moved on in the last three to four years. So, I decided to get an update on the state of rewilding. To do so, I invited the Director of the Wildland Research Institute at the School of Geography, University of Leeds, Dr Steve Carver who is also a Professor of Rewilding and Wilderness Science. Nothing like getting an update about rewilding from the professor of rewilding!

I was curious whether the meaning and understanding of the term rewilding is any more clear than it used to be. We also revisited some of the classic discussion points around rewilding like: “You want to take us back in time” or “It’s an anti-rural movement” to see if the discourse has developed in any way. And if you’re expecting blindly pro-rewilding answers you might be in for a surprise!

Further reading:

• Guiding principles for rewilding

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Currently, a lot is going on in the European Union concerning regulations that can impact nature and nature restoration. To get a better understanding of the current state of nature in the European Union and the future of nature conservation and restoration I talk with Frank Vassen. Frank works in the Nature Unit in the General Directorate for the Environment at the European Commission. That might sound a little dry but worry not. The conversation was joyful and funny at times. Frank has a good sense of humour and deep understanding of nature conservation and you can see his passion for it.

After listening to this episode you will have a comprehensive view of the current state of affairs when it comes to nature conservation in the European context. I asked Frank to explain terms like Natura 2000, 30 by 30, OECMs, etc. These are the terms that we often hear but it’s not always clear what they are and what level of nature protection they offer. We also discuss the challenges faced by nature conservation and restoration initiatives and the possible solutions. We finish with the outlook for the future of nature conservation and restoration in the EU.

Last but not least, we discuss what citizens and voters in the European Union can do to help nature and nature conservation efforts. Spoiler alert: we’re not going to tell you who to vote for and it turns out there are more ways to get involved than only through casting votes. That is not to say, of course, that your democratic privileges (duties?) are not important.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.

Species reintroductions, often in the context of rewilding, is a topic that we frequently discuss on this podcast. It is also fiercely debated on social media. I have been asked more than once about my views and opinions on this topic. Do I support species reintroductions? Well, it depends. In this episode, I’m going to break down my take on species reintroductions, the good, the bad and the ugly - as the saying goes. 

It is another in the series of solo episodes that I’m going to publish this year. In those I present the views that I have developed after many years of making this podcast which include not only conversations with experts but also attendance at conferences and reading countless books on these subjects. You can treat those as bonus episodes. The episodes where I interview scientists, conservationists and people with a love for nature and the outdoors are still coming on a fortnightly schedule.

If you’re interested in hearing more from me, have a suggestion for future episodes or want to leave feedback, please contact me through the contact form. If you’re an event organiser and would like me to speak at your event, go and check out the following link.

Further reading:

• Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom
• Restoring the Wild: True Stories of Rewilding Britain’s Skies, Woods and Waterways
• Anthropogenic food subsidies hinder the ecological role of wolves: Insights for conservation of apex predators in human-modified landscapes - ScienceDirect
• Golden jackal expansion in northernmost Europe: records in Finland | Mammalian Biology

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On my podcast, we talk a lot about coexistence with large carnivores and the challenges it poses. Some of those challenges might seem insurmountable to some. To shed some light on overcoming these hurdles, I contacted Helen Arusoo, an Estonian nature journalist and the leader of the National Animal Working Group. In this conversation, we talk about how Estonia overcame these hurdles and created something that I would consider the gold standard of coexistence with large carnivores.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of our time was spent discussing wolves as they seem to be the most difficult carnivore species to coexist with, at least in the northern hemisphere. However, we did discuss other large carnivores like bears too. Our conversation focused mostly on social and cultural factors. We also touched on the European Commission's proposal to lower the protection status of wolves, something we’ve discussed extensively in one of the previous episodes.

It was a wonderful conversation and I enjoyed speaking with Helen. Her profound understanding of the challenges of coexistence is impressive. She presented a deeply thought-out perspective and I can only wish that more people who care about wolves could learn from her experience and the Estonian model of coexistence with large carnivores.

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When we talk about dogs and conservation, it is usually in the context of wildlife disturbances caused by pet dogs and their inconsiderate owners. However, a specially trained dog can be an invaluable asset in conservation projects that require searches or detection. The subjects can vary from searching and finding carcasses to detecting nests and chicks of birds nesting in burrows. That includes a dog indicating what species was found!

To explore the use of dogs in research and conservation projects I talk with Dr Caroline Finlay, the founder of Conservation Detection Dogs Northern Ireland. By listening to this episode, you will learn how it is possible to train a dog for this work. What a typical day of searching looks like. Are there any downsides to using dogs in sensitive habitats? And many more interesting facts.

You will also learn about some specific projects and common activities like searching for carcasses around wind turbines or research projects on Eurasian Curlew or Manx Shearwater. Finally, if you’re a researcher, you will learn when and how to engage with the CDDNI and see if they can be of help to your project.

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The new year has just started and I’m quick to treat you to yet another episode of the Conservation and Science podcast. Since it is this early in the year, it’s a good opportunity to give you an update about my plans for 2024 and what you can expect from the podcast. Listen to find out about changes to the episode release schedule, my writing and speaking efforts, and my future social media presence.

In the second part of this episode, I take a look back at the 2023 releases and share with you my reflections on them. It was an interesting exercise for me and by listening to it, you might find episodes you want to revisit or listen to for the first time if you missed them. And in case, you’ve joined us recently, it’s a useful review of the last year’s back catalogue.

Finally, I encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter. I will be putting more focus on it in the coming year, and the scope of its content will be expanding. My goal is to make it a primary method of communicating with you, my audience, and gradually move away from social media.

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A Flicker in the Water is a book about fishing I wish someone had written a long time ago. I gotta admit that due to its small size, I initially underestimated it. However, as I started reading it, I was immediately drawn to the series of fishing stories and captivated by original, real-life photos. In fact, reading this book was so pleasurable that I ended up reading it twice over, back to back. I’m not kidding you!

During my conversation with the author and expert angler, Bob Gonzalez, we delved into the specifics of fishing in tropical waters. For example, you will learn how to use a second rod to keep fighting a big fish when it’s about to spool you! This episode and book are a delight for all anglers. Especially,  since most of us are now in the depths of winter, so hearing fishing stories from the tropics will surely warm you up!

Get "A Flicker in the Water": https://amzn.to/3RNV0jm

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The story of Brant MacDuff, the author of the book under the title “The Shotgun Conservationist: Why Environmentalists Should Love Hunting” is in many ways similar to mine. We were both born and raised in the city without any contact or access to hunting. We overcame not insignificant obstacles to get into hunting later in life and both of us decided to share this experience with others who might want to do the same but don’t know where to start. Both Brant and I also understood how important but counterintuitive the connection between hunting and wildlife conservation is.

As you know, I’ve created a downloadable guide on how to get started with deer hunting in Ireland and the topic of the science of wildlife conservation is literally in the title of this podcast. Brant, achieved both of those goals in one go by writing his book. There are, of course, differences between us. For one, Brant lives in the USA where the connection between hunting and conservation is more direct than in Europe. He also started in his youth as an anti-hunter, something which I never was. Nevertheless, while reading Brant’s book and then chatting with him on this podcast, I undeniably felt that we have a lot in common.

The Shotgun Conservationist is one of those books that I would definitely recommend, not only to those who want to try hunting, but also to those who are open-minded enough to explore why so many counterintuitively repeat the mantra of “hunting is conservation”. Finally, despite the realities of hunting, conservation and the public perception of hunting being different in the US compared to Europe, it fascinates me how many of those themes are shared across the globe.

Enjoy our conversation and after you’ve listened to it, go ahead and buy the book using the provided link. This way you’ll not only treat yourself to a fun and thoughtful book, but you’ll also support my podcast as I will get a small commission from every sale. Of course, the price you pay won’t be affected.

The Shotgun Conservationist: Why Environmentalists Should Love Hunting

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Mentioned in this episode:

DOWNLOAD:

How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

The European Commission is deliberating on lowering the protection status of wolves in the EU. It seems like this decision has been taken after the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen’s pony was killed by wolves. Is this really the reason for what many have dubbed “a new European wolf hunt”? To unpack this issue I talked to environmentalists, farmers, top-tier scientists and last but not least, hunters.

Our guests are a wildlife biologist, Professor John Linnell, a goat breeder, Bruno Lecomte, a social scientist, ​​Professor Erica von Essen, an environmentalist, the Head of EU Policy at BirdLife International, Ariel Brunner and, last but not least, the Secretary General of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, Dr David Scallan. Special thanks to hunting journalist and blogger Denis Plat for his help in ensuring that opinions from rural France were voiced.

While making this episode I recorded many hours of material and understandably not all of it made it into the episode. If you would be interested in listening to the individual interviews with the guests in this podcast, please click here.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.

• European Predation Map
• The Commission's Invitation
• Attitudes towards returning wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany: Exposure, information sources and trust matter - ScienceDirect
• FACE | Changes to the protection status of wolves? European Commission launches new phase

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The impact of farming on nature is one of the most contested subjects. The negative impact on biodiversity and soil health is juxtaposed with food security and benefits to certain species of wildlife. But does it have to be one or the other? Join me for the conversation with Suzanna Crampton who is one of the most recognisable figures in Irish agriculture. She graduated from Sterling College in Vermont, where she studied agricultural and environmental sciences and learned about farming that works with nature, not against it.

I was delighted to accept Suzanna’s invitation to her farm to record this episode in person rather than online like most of the episodes. We started the day with a walk around the farm where she shared her encyclopedic knowledge of nature, explaining how the lifecycles of different species of plants and animals create complex natural processes. I also had the opportunity to meet the 'girls,' as Suzanna fondly refers to her famous flock of dark brown Zwartbles sheep.

It would likely take a substantial blog post to describe all the wonderful and interesting things that Suzanna showed me on her farm before we sat down in her office to record the podcast. It would take another blog post to talk about Suzanna’s many other talents, as she’s also an accomplished writer, photographer and woollen blanket designer, among other things. After listening to this episode I encourage you to visit the Zwartbles Ireland website where you can learn more about Suzanna’s farm and her work.

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This episode is a real treat for all those who are interested in bowhunting, bowhunting culture and the ethics of bowhunting compared to rifle hunting. Everything sprinkled with a healthy dose of hunting stories.

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It feels like I’m one of the only very few who talks about bowhunting with European listeners in mind. Indeed, I would like to see hunting with archery tackle being legalised and popularised on the old continent. In my view, the notions that it’s inhumane or somehow unethical are ill-advised and plain wrong. It is especially disturbing when such unwise opinions are expressed with confidence by hunters or veterinary practitioners who have no experience or previous exposure to bowhunting.

To talk about these matters I’m joined by expert bowhunter Jim Clark. In our conversation, Jim shares a wealth of knowledge about bowhunting as well as some of his personal stories. As always I didn’t shy away from asking him hard questions to tease out the potential downsides of using archery tackle over firearms.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and it only made me want to try my hand at bowhunting even more. I will keep talking about hunting with archery tackle to at least provoke a constructive discussion among European hunters and hunting organisations alike. If you would like to see bowhunting legalised, please leave a comment. What are your thoughts?

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

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Today, we continue the exploration of the public perception of hunting, the issue of social license to hunt and some current topics related to hunting. Certain issues such as the use of lead in hunting ammunition or the attempts to ban the import of certain animal parts, aka trophy import ban, often hit the headlines. And there is no better person to talk about it than Ben Cassidy who is the Executive Vice President for International Government and Public Affairs at Safari Club International.

This episode also serves as a great introduction to the SCI for those who might not be that familiar with this organisation. That could be particularly relevant to my European listeners who might have heard about SCI but don’t know much about the organisation and their work. One thing is for sure, whether it’s North America, Europe or anywhere else in the world, hunting is facing the same challenges and learning how hunters in different parts of the world are dealing with them is beneficial to all.

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

This episode will answer all your questions about polar bears — including those you didn’t know you had. Our guest is Professor Andrew Derocher from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta who specialises in ecology, conservation, and management of large Arctic mammals with a particular focus on polar bears. The subjects discussed include the limiting and regulating factors of polar bear populations, habitat use, predator-prey relationships, the effects of climate change as well as the accumulation of toxic chemicals in bears' bodies. We also explore the issue of polar bear hybridisation with brown bears and how this might impact their population. We ended our conversation with an attempt to predict the future of polar bears in the rapidly warming world.

You may also be interested in checking out my blog: “Are Polar Bears Going Extinct or Are Their Populations Doing Better Than Ever?”

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

In his book, “Wildlife in The Balance”, expert ecologist Simon Mustoe lays out the case for animals being the most important ingredient of the ecosystem. He outlines the critical importance of keeping the planet’s energy inputs and outputs in balance and the role animals play in ensuring this balance. This connection of ecology with physics is one of the most unique and forward-thinking aspects of this book. To extend this thought, the book contains one of the most comprehensive and compelling explanations of why the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are in fact one and the same — neither can be solved separately.

This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. Although I don’t agree with everything in the book, I can overlook my disagreements because of how brilliant some parts that I do agree with are. So I couldn’t wait to sit down with the author, expert ecologist, Simon Mustoe for a chat about his views and, of course, about the book.

Buy "Wildlife in the Balance" here.

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In our conversation with Peter Brewitt from the University of California, Santa Cruz (currently the University of Cumbria) we dive into the history of the species as we know it, and their current conservation status and distribution. We discuss the genetic diversity of canids on the American continent, and why attempts to recover red wolves might be an endeavour that goes against nature and as such could be pointless, as it would amount to working against the natural processes.

In the second half of the show, we switch gears and talk about Peter’s fascinating research into different storylines related to the red wolf species identity presented in online discussions. This is an especially interesting piece of research for conservation-minded folks who spend long hours discussing species’ conservation on social media. The paper that Peter co-authored is titled “Red Wolf Science and Identity Storylines in an Online Discursive Community” and you can request it from the author, here.

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

Some things are so tiny yet so central that they matter more than giant things elsewhere. This is a paraphrased message I got from Phil Sturgeon, an ex-techie and founder of Protect Earth charity, who dedicated his life to woodland creation and restoration. As it turns out, Phil is running a fundraiser to buy five acres of mature woodland in Crew's Hole, Bristol, for the long-term benefit of the community, wildlife and, of course, the climate. I have been following Phil’s work for some time now and he strikes me as a cool dude who does a lot of good work. So, without hesitation from either side, we decided to sit down and have a chat about the fundraiser and Phil’s work in a broader context.

While listening to our conversation, you will learn why Phil decided to start his charity, how he goes about identifying suitable sites for woodland creation, and what work he and his volunteers conduct while restoring or creating woodland. We also discuss common misconceptions about woodland creation or, as some call it, “planting trees”. There are a few things that can be done incorrectly, so it is interesting to hear what exactly those things are, as well as discuss what Phil and his crew do to avoid those mistakes. 

I’m sure, that in the end, you’ll be convinced of the value of his work and you’ll break out a few quid to save the Blackswarth Road Wood. To find out more about the fundraiser, click here.

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The sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) is the largest of the Hexanchiformes order of sharks, the most primitive living sharks, sometimes called “fossil sharks”. The sixgill, sometimes known as the blunt nose sixgill or cow shark, can grow to over 6 metres (20 feet) in length and weigh over a tonne. What’s interesting is that in Ireland one can catch one of these beasts with rod and line, most famously with the help of master skipper Luke Aston, who is not only a great friend of the podcast but was also our guest in episode 41.

There is very little known about these sharks and what they are doing in (relatively) shallow waters off the coast of Ireland. To explore this subject I was pleased to welcome back to the show Dr Patrick Collins, a marine biologist at Queen’s University Belfast, who was previously our guest in episode 81. During our conversation, we discussed our knowledge and understanding of these species of sharks.

In the second part of the show, we switched to Patrick’s main subject of research: the common skate complex. It was great to hear an update on the progress of research and conservation action since the last time we spoke in late 2020. You are going to hear about some of the findings for the first time here. Unfortunately, the news turns out not to be good.

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It was my great pleasure to once again welcome to my show Dr David Scallan, the Secretary General of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE). It has been over three years since the last time we spoke on the podcast. So I felt that it was high time to talk with David again as there is a lot going on for hunters and hunting organisations at the moment. 

We discuss a range of topics that are important to hunters: the inevitable ban on ammunition containing lead, the public perception of hunting in Europe, the need for change in hunting organisations and the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law. It was a great conversation and if you are a hunter or just interested in nature conservation you should definitely listen to this one.

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This episode is slightly different from the usual format. It is a solo episode, so no guest today. I decided to record it because of a few bothersome messages I have received recently regarding climate change. But don’t worry, I will not repeat all the same information you get bombarded with on social media. And I will not reference any research or peer-reviewed papers. Besides, we know that facts don’t change minds. Instead, I will give you my personal view on the issue of climate change. I thought that an episode like this wouldn’t be necessary, given that my listeners are people attuned to nature. But my recent interactions online and otherwise made me question that assumption. So there you have it. You really should listen to this one.

We’ll be back to the regular format in the next episode.

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Hunting is a frequent topic on my podcast. It lies in the epicentre of the unnecessary divide in wildlife conservation space. It evokes strong emotions and is often the source of fierce debate and conflict. So today I’m bringing you my conversation with a man who has been on both sides of that argument. Philippe Jaeger is a hunting journalist who in his youth was a member of a radical anti-hunting group. I met with Philippe during the International Journalism Symposium in Paris where we, together with journalists from all over the world, had an opportunity to discuss issues around hunting and the sustainable use of wildlife resources.

It was abundantly clear to me that Philippe has an interesting and complex take on hunting and its current status in wider society. It is not all rosy as you might expect. And so we dive into a discussion about the ethics of hunting, hunting photos on social media, trophy hunting, social licenses to hunt, the connection between hunting and conservation and many other hotly debated subjects. Of course, I didn’t miss the opportunity to ask Philippe how he got involved in the anti-hunting movement and what made him change his mind. This is an important episode no matter which side of the hunting debate you are on.

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One of the three pillars of my podcast is to preserve knowledge about how the natural environment was in the past and to record stories and experiences from many decades ago. One such story, that I have a feeling is slipping away, is the story of the Irish sturgeon. Or to be more precise the story of sturgeon in Irish waters, as it wasn’t a separate species but likely one of two recorded in the north-west European waters: the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) or the European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio).

My feeling that the story is not well known and is fading into history was only reinforced by the difficulty to find anyone to talk about it. Nevertheless, I persisted in my search, time after time encouraged by one of my regular listeners, you know who you are! Finally, during one of those scientific “fish” conferences I got in touch with a man who knows the man! Shoutout to Robert Rosell from Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Belfast. Without his help, this episode wouldn't happen.

Declan Quigley is an independent researcher and a man with a great passion for marine biology. He has written over 460 articles and papers that have been published in The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Marine Times, The Skipper and many others. In his home in Wicklow, he has an impressive-looking office filled with cabinets with research materials and samples. So it was my great pleasure and a unique opportunity to meet him there and sit down at his kitchen table and talk about the past, present and potential future of sturgeon in Irish waters.

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The topic of lethal predator control has proven to be highly contentious. On one end of the spectrum, there are people who are inherently opposed to killing animals no matter the circumstances. On the other end are people who are eager to get on with reducing numbers, too eager perhaps. However, there are many reasons and scenarios where it might be needed. Today we focus on predator control in relation to ground-nesting birds and their precarious conservation status. 

When dealing with a controversial subject like this it is important to be factual and follow the evidence. So I was delighted for the opportunity to talk about it with Barry McMahon, an Associate Professor of Wildlife Conservation & Zoonotic Epidemiology at the University College Dublin and Lecturer at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. At this point, I would like to thank Susan Doyle for putting me in touch with Barry after I had the pleasure to listen to her excellent presentation at the 8th Irish Ornithological Research Conference. There she discussed the need to revise approaches to the management of abundant generalist predators.

During our conversation, we not only talk about predator control but also about other human impacts on ground-nesting birds such as off-lead dogs or nest trampling by livestock. Of course, there are larger, systemic issues underneath and we didn’t shy away from discussing those as well.

Paper: European bird declines: Do we need to rethink approaches to the management of abundant generalist predators?

Title survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DL56R59

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There is a lot going on for Irish deer hunters at the moment. First, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a Public Consultation on the Management of Deer in Ireland. There are a lot of questions and worries about the potential outcomes of this consultation. The online survey published as a part of it only confirmed these concerns. There is a common perception that it was constructed to lead to a preconceived outcome rather than to solicit an honest view of the situation.

Second, the Department of Justice formed The Firearms Expert Committee to review the firearms licensing regulations. This is further raising concerns among hunters because the committee refuses to consult with the Firearms Users Representative Group and the report published by the committee indicates that it is venturing outside of the scope of its original remit. It is important to remember that Ireland already has one of the most restrictive firearm control laws in the world.

To discuss these pressing topics I invited Liam Nolan, the Course Director of the Deer Alliance HCAP. Liam has been involved in deer hunting and more generally, game shooting in Ireland for the past 45 years. He is one of the most prominent figures in the Irish deer hunting space. He is also a practising Barrister, all of which makes him expertly positioned to discuss issues on the border between law and hunting.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to find more information and useful links about the topics discussed in each episode of the podcast.

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Those of you who follow me on social media already know that last week I gave a presentation about the use of podcasting for communicating complex and nuanced ideas to non-experts. The presentation was part of the 7th International Journalism Symposium on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources. The symposium was moderated by a well-known environmental dialogue broker, Rob Yorke. 

Having Rob right then and there I couldn’t miss the opportunity to sit down with him for a quick podcast about communication in the environmental space. It was one of those crazy episodes recorded in a hotel lobby with crowds of people walking by and the sun shining right into the camera lens. Those of you who know Rob and his work can probably guess that it would be difficult to summarise in just a few sentences what we were talking about. So, you need to push that play button and listen to our conversation.

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The woodcock is one of the most interesting birds. It is a wader that adapted to the woodland habitat. It has a range of unique characteristics like 360-degree vision, a flexible bill and white tail feathers that reflect up to 30% more light than the feathers of any other bird. It is also a valued game bird, meaning it is a sought-after quarry for bird hunters. So much so that an entire breed of gun dogs, cocker spaniels, was created for hunting woodcock. Their name ‘cocker’ is thought to have come from the bird’s name.

To talk about this fascinating bird I could invite only one person. Our guest today is none other than James O’Neill who some people refer to as Mr Woodcock. James is a PhD student at University College Cork who focuses his research on this species of woodland bird. James not only rings these birds but also conducts surveys and examines all kinds of parameters of woodcock biology and ecology.

As you would expect, one hour is not nearly enough to cover all aspects of James’ research and to even scratch the surface of his deep knowledge of this species. So we agreed that we’ll get together again soon to record part two of our conversation. Subscribe to my newsletter to not miss it. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to NARGC who was a driving force and huge supporter of this project. Once again a hunting organisation is playing a key role in research and conservation.

Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted: tickets here

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Once again we are coming back to the subject of getting the young generation educated about nature and involved in experiences they might otherwise miss. It’s a theme that has been discussed on my podcast several times. It also comes back time and time again during my conversations about the state of nature and outdoor pursuits. Young people are just not getting outside that much anymore. There is a multitude of reasons for this. Today we touch on almost all of them.

Our guest today is Emanuel Rose, a passionate outdoorsman, experienced fly angler, and accomplished hunter. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Emanuel is also a talented author who has written a series of children's books. Originally intended for his grandchildren, these books have since become widely popular among children and institutions alike. Join me for my conversation with Emanuel, where we delve into his experiences and insights on hunting, fishing, and the beauty of nature. We also talk about his mission to educate and inspire the next generation about the importance of the natural world.

A Children's Book About Nature Wenaha Henry-Seeds to a Tree

Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted: tickets here

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

With declining wildlife populations, expanding urbanisation and dwindling social acceptance of hunting I often question whether this activity has a future. Add to the list the ageing population of hunters and the minimal recruitment of new hunters from young generations and the picture doesn’t look pretty. So is hunting fading into the history books together with the abundance of wild game and fish?

To discuss this topic I sat down with Richard Prideaux, a wilderness skills and survival instructor, writer, photographer and host of the Modern Outdoor Survival podcast. I heard Richard talking indirectly about hunting and its future and I thought he had an interesting perspective on it. Of course, I have my own views on this subject and so I was eager for this conversation.

And so we discussed various environmental and socio-economic issues that are impacting hunting and its perception among wider society. I must admit that some of Richard’s views were not what I thought they would be. So that made for an interesting conversation. I am sure that regardless of whether you’re for or against hunting, you will find this discussion valuable.

Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted: tickets here

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Today we discuss a wide range of important farming-related topics like getting rid of nitrogen inputs, multispecies pasture, soil health, organic farming and how to convert a conventional farm to a low input operation. James describes his journey to regenerative farming and how it helped both biodiversity and his pocket. Of course, we don’t shy away from important subjects like the perception of farming by the wider public.

It was a massive pleasure to spend time at the Coolydoody Farm and to hang out with James. At the end of the day, we swapped our logo hats and book recommendations. Of course, just like every farmer, James couldn’t let me go empty-handed so I left his farm not only with the recorded material for this podcast but also with a pack of organic pork sausages from outdoor-raised pigs.

Newsletter subscribers can enjoy additional material related to subjects we discuss on these podcasts. Subscribe to my newsletter now!

Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted: tickets here

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We often ask the question of whether farming and rewilding can coexist. Today we are going a step further and asking if farming and rewilding can support each other. To answer this question I talk with Miriam Kate McDonald, an ecologist and farmer, who recently published her book titled “Emergent: Rewilding Nature, Regenerating Food and Healing the World by Restoring the Connection Between People and the Wild”.

In the course of our conversation, we talk about Miriam’s internal struggle between viewing the landscape as a farmer and as an ecologist. She was initially torn between the two perspectives but ultimately came to illuminating conclusions, which we discuss in detail. Other topics we touch on are soil health, regenerative farming, agroforestry and more.

As always you can purchase Miriam’s book using the provided links. This is also a great way to support my work as I get a small commission from every purchase.

Buy Emergent by Miriam Kate McDonald: https://amzn.to/3I4u2xJ

Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted: tickets here

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The subject of the humane treatment of animals is not an easy one. As hunters, anglers, conservationists, farmers and pet owners we like to think that we instinctively know which interactions with animals are humane and okay, and which are not. And when someone questions our actions or intentions we often tend to get irritated and defensive. The epithets like “bunny hugger” or “animal rights brigade” get thrown.

The subject, however, is neither simple nor intuitive if you examine it more closely. In his book “Treated Like Animals - Improving The Lives of The Creatures We Own, Eat and Use”, Alick Simmons, a veterinarian and naturalist, employs his lifetime experience in public service to get us deep into ethical and practical aspects of animal exploitation.

If you enjoy this conversation and are interested in animal welfare you should definitely buy Alick’s book using the link provided below. That way you also support my podcast as I get a small commission from each purchase.

Buy Treated Like Animals by Alick Simmons: https://amzn.to/3Dufjuh

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Join me for the conversation with Dr William Roche, a senior research officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland, about angler-driven fish tagging programmes. We put a particular focus on the Tuna CHART programme but we also talk about the Marine Sportfish Tagging Programme which is aimed at elasmobranch species of fish like sharks, skates and rays. And as you might expect I did not forget to enquire, albeit briefly, about the bass tagging program too.

During our chat, we discuss the conservation status of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, the fishing gear required to catch one of these iconic fish and we talk you through the typical tuna fishing day. We also talk about the importance of recreational anglers taking part in citizen science initiatives, and we discuss comparing anglers’ data about catches with commercial fishing data. Finally, we encourage all anglers to take part in the IMREC Project and to record their catches, and indeed blanks, in the IMREC app. The app provides anglers with a personal angling diary while anonymised data is collected to help make better management decisions to sustain the sport of angling.

Feature story: The Demise and Recovery of The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

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Listen to my conversation with John Aitchison from the Coastal Communities Network Scotland to learn about the devastating effects of salmon farming on the marine environment and coastal communities. Toxic waste, pesticides, diseases and parasites are just the tip of the iceberg.

I knew that salmon farming was bad but I didn’t realise quite how bad it really is. Salmon aquaculture creates massive ecological and welfare issues for the fish. Both farmed fish as well as wild fish populations are negatively affected by open-net aquaculture. And that is even before I mention the impacts the industry has on coastal communities. The massive amounts of toxic waste, misuse of pesticides, diseases and spread of parasites that negatively affect wild salmon are just the tip of the iceberg.

To better understand the issues examined in this episode, I talk with John Aitchison. John is an acclaimed wildlife filmmaker but he is also an environmental activist at the Coastal Communities Network Scotland NGO. During our conversation, we take a closer look at the Scottish salmon farming industry. However, the issues we discuss apply equally to Ireland, Norway or anywhere salmon aquaculture is present.

I am pretty sure that after listening to this episode you won’t buy farmed salmon again, which you shouldn’t, or you will at least take a pause and consider your choices.

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This is the final show of the year 2022. So, instead of examining another complex subject from the realm of conservation or ecology, I decided to record a solo episode and summarise what this year has been like for the podcast. I will also reveal some of the changes that are coming to the show.

I look forward to bringing you more wildlife, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewilding and ecology content in the coming year. All the very best and a happy 2023!

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Marine acoustic ecology is a discipline that is important for our understanding of marine ecosystems. To learn more about it, tune in to my conversation with Denise Risch from the COMPASS project, and discover the acoustic behaviour of marine mammals.

There is an entire world hidden under the surface of the ocean and, as the common saying goes, we know more about space than we do about the deep ocean. We are even less aware that there is a rich and diverse underwater landscape of sounds. With modern technology and data analysis methods we can now record those sounds and use them to learn about the creatures living in the ocean.

To introduce this topic, in this episode I am joined by Dr Denise Risch, who specialises in marine acoustic ecology with a focus on the acoustic behaviour of marine mammals. After a general discussion about marine soundscapes and ecology, we dive deeper (pun intended) into the Marine Mammals work package in the COMPASS project. Denise and her colleagues develop and implement a passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) program for marine mammals, cetaceans and pinnipeds, for a cross-border network of Marine Protected Areas.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Denise-Risch

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What are the differences between salmon and sea trout? What are their migration patterns when they get to the ocean? Find out what scientists from the Compass Project have learned about these fascinating fish from my conversation with Dr Richard Kennedy.

Salmonids are fascinating fish and that’s not only because of their life history strategy. They also have huge importance for the health of ecosystems. And, albeit to their detriment, they are also important for the economy. Of course, I cannot omit the fact that they are prized by anglers as sport fish. Even though we already had a general discussion about salmon in episode 63 and a talk with men facing the dangers of fighting with salmon poachers in episode 51, today we offer a different perspective with more of a focus on sea trout.

This is another episode dedicated to research conducted during the COMPASS project and as the title suggests we focus on salmonid studies. Our guest today is Dr Richard Kennedy who is a Senior Science Officer at AFBI (Agri Food and Bioscience Institute). During our conversation, we talk about the differences between salmon and sea trout, and their conservation status as well as dedicate a significant chunk of our discussion to the aims and achievements of the COMPASS project study.

And if after listening to this episode you still want a deeper dive you can check the scientific papers on Richard’s Research Gate profile.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard-Kennedy-7

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In this episode, our guest is Ariel Brunner, Head of EU Policy at the environmental NGO BirdLife International. During our conversation, we hit on three areas that are most interesting from the perspective of nature restoration: farming, hunting and the marine.

Successful nature restoration, species conservation and even access to hunting grounds depends on land management policies. They are the foundation of everything we do in nature and to nature. Unfortunately, this means politics. No matter how much time conservationists spend in the field, planting trees, rewetting bogs or rewiggling rivers and streams, without solid backing from policymakers the effects of these efforts will not be long-lasting. 

In this episode, our guest is Ariel Brunner, Head of EU Policy at the environmental NGO BirdLife International, who walks the corridors in Brussels lobbying for nature restoration and biodiversity. During our conversation, we hit on three areas that are most interesting from the perspective of conservation and stopping biodiversity loss: farming, hunting and the marine.

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Let's talk about bison in the UK, shall we? In this episode, I chat with Paul Whitfield, the Director General of Wildwood Trust, about the Wilder Blean project. We discuss the aims, the criticism, the current status and the future of the project.

The Wilder Bleen project is a cooperation between Wildwood Trust and Kent Wildlife Trust. It received an immense amount of coverage in the press worldwide, not only in nature magazines like National Geographic and Mongabay but also in the mainstream media. The goal of the project is to promote natural habitat recovery by restoring the natural processes that sustain it. The crown jewel of the project is the introduction of European bison in the UK in place of the now-extinct steppe bison. Enter the controversy!

Along with a very positive reception, the project also received a fair amount of criticism. Most of it hinged around the fact that the European bison was never native to the British Isles. Also, out of necessity, the animals are in a 200-hectare enclosure. This was not overlooked by the critics who called it a zoo and a vanity project. 

What you think about such an initiative is often determined by the opinion of people who you hang out with and from whom you first heard about it. So my first impressions were not too positive. However, it’s important to read, listen and hear from people directly involved and develop our own opinions. And that’s exactly what I did. The more I learned the more I saw the project in a positive light.

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Oceans have a profound impact on weather patterns and the planetary climate. Therefore it is essential to understand the processes that drive the ocean climate and the behaviour patterns of ocean creatures. To discuss these topics our guest today is Dr Adam Mellor who is the Principal Scientific Officer at Agri Food and Bioscience Institute and the Science Lead on the COMPASS project.

This is also the first of a series of episodes where I talk with scientists from COMPASS. It is a cross-border project that aims to integrate the longest continuously maintained oceanographic monitoring stations in Europe. They are fitted with equipment including oceanographic sensors, acoustic recorders and fish tracking technology.

In the course of our conversation, we discuss extreme ocean climate events like ocean heatwaves, technical details of running oceanic buoys, ocean plankton and some details about project COMPASS itself.

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Welcome to the final CANN project episode. Today I’m going to talk with Roisin Grimes, a Peatlands Senior Technical Officer at Ulster Wildlife and Paul Sherlock, a Conservation Officer with the CANN project. As you might infer from the title we discuss restoration and conservation work on upland blanket bogs by the CANN project.

As usual, we start with an introductory discussion about upland blanket bogs, explaining what they are and what differentiates them from other types of bogs. Then we discuss in more detail the work they’re doing and the importance of engagement with stakeholders. We also talk about the species of wildlife inhabiting blanket bogs as well as the new and innovative technologies used in the CANN project. For me, the highlight was our discussion about the use of the autonomous robo-cutter, instead of burning, to control vegetation.

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This is the third episode in our series dedicated to the CANN project. Our guests are Professor Frances Lucy who is Head of Department of Environmental Science and a long-term researcher at the Atlantic Technological University in Sligo and Dr Joerg Arnscheidt from the School of Geography & Environmental Sciences at Ulster University.

During our conversation, we talk about the importance of biodiversity and ecology of the freshwater sites that are part of the CANN project. They include Lough Arrow in Counties Sligo and Roscommon in the Republic of Ireland and Magheraveely–Kilroosky Lake Cluster, a group of seven freshwater lakes and one wetland area in Counties Fermanagh and Monaghan, straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Enjoy our conversation and don’t forget to tune in to the next and final episode dedicated to the CANN project in which we talk about blanked bogs.

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Today we talk all things lowland raised bog! Our guest is Simon Gray, Senior Technical Officer at Ulster Wildlife, who works on the CANN project. Simon is also a regular listener of the podcast so it was my pleasure to welcome him to the other side of the production set.

At the beginning of the show, we discuss the differences between various types of bogs and how they are formed. Then we move on to bog ecology and explain why they are so important for the environment. We discuss present threats to bogs and what can be done, and indeed what is being done, to preserve and protect them for the future.

During our conversation we talk about many related issues such as predator control, trampling of ground-nesting bird’s nests by livestock, rewetting of bogs and the impacts of invasive rhododendron. You will also learn how not to drown a massive digger in a bog. It was a hugely educational and fun conversation.

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It is my pleasure to present another series of podcasts discussing yet another cross-border environmental project. In this series, we’re going to talk with scientists and leaders from the CANN project. CANN stands for Collaborative Action for the Natura Network. It is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). CANN aims to produce 27 Conservation Action Plans (CAPs) for a range of sites across the Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. These plans will help meet key EU biodiversity targets and ensure the future of these internationally important habitats. Also, a direct conservation action will be carried out on 3,650 hectares of SACs.

In this episode, Abby McSherry, the Communications and Outreach Officer for CANN, introduces the project. We discuss how CANN is working with stakeholders, landowners, farmers and local communities to bring about positive environmental change, to raise awareness of the value of these habitats and species, and the importance of protecting them. We also talk about how Conservation Action Plans will be used in strategic planning to ensure that SACs sites are guided towards favourable conservation status after the CANN project is finished.

Check out our conversation and make sure you subscribe to the podcast to not miss the upcoming episodes where we’ll discuss work on specific habitats in greater detail.

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Anyone who has any level of interest in wildlife is aware of the massive biodiversity crisis we are facing right now. Sometimes it is called a sixth mass extinction. Its symptoms can be seen not only in world-famous ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef or the Amazon rainforest but also in our woods and gardens. As sad as it sounds, we should not only help protect species in decline but also enjoy them while they are still around. And with how things are at the moment it’s anything but certain that they’ll survive to be enjoyed by future generations. 

Patrick Galbraith in his latest book In Search of One Last Song documents his quest to experience the rare and disappearing birds of Britain. Because, as he said, if he waited for a few more years, he might not have a chance to see them or hear their song. On his journey, he visited people who work to protect them. The record of his conversations reveals a cultural divide between rural and urban, and between old and new, ways of life and the impact it has on ecosystems. As a result, along with the ecological picture, the book paints a diverse and complex cultural landscape.

As usual, during our conversation, I asked some questions about the process of writing the book. We also talked about people and events that didn’t make it into the pages. It is really well-written and, at times, beautifully poetic. After listening to our discussion, go ahead and buy the book using the provided links below. That way you will get a great book while supporting my podcast.

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This week, Ian Carter, naturalist, ornithologist and author, is back on the show with his new book titled Rhythms of Nature. (Previously, Ian was our guest on episode 105.) I really enjoyed his last book so I was eagerly awaiting his next publication. Rhythms of Nature delivers a great, engaging read and, like Ian’s previous book, provides food for thought. As usual, you can expect a review on this blog in the coming weeks. For now though, I invite you to listen to my conversation with Ian.

The book discusses a wide range of topics related to the natural world and our relationship to it. Which, as you know, aligns almost perfectly with my show’s tagline. There are too many interesting subjects in the book to discuss in one episode. Although the book is not dedicated to hot-button topics, I decided to pick a few of the most interesting and currently debated. Namely, land access and the conflict surrounding field sports in the UK

Rhythms of Nature is dedicated to the author’s observations and experiences in nature and is a very pleasant read. Even if you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or naturalist I am sure you will learn something new.

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This is the second episode dedicated to the Seabird Monitoring work package at the MarPAMM Interreg project. It also concludes a six-part series in which we delved into the project’s work packages. Our guests are Katherine Booth Jones, Daniel Johnston, Jacob Davies and Kendrew Colhoun who you might remember from episode 125.

Continuing the topic from our previous episode, today we’ll talk more about the research conducted as a part of the Seabird Monitoring work package. Listen and learn many fascinating facts about seabirds and their biology. Unlike in previous episodes which focused on methods, today my guests also share some of the preliminary results of their research. Over an hour of delicious seabird nerdiness! It is always a pleasure to talk and listen to scientists who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the subject of their research. Enjoy!

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In this episode, our guest is Mark Weston, the author of “The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa's Greatest Lake”. It is always fun talking with authors and exploring details of events described in their books that didn’t make the cut to the final version. And so, I had the pleasure to talk with Mark about his stay on Ukerewe, the biggest island on Lake Victoria. The lake that is shared between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In the first part of the podcast, we discuss general living conditions and the socio-economic situation on the island. About 20 minutes into our conversation we switch gears and delve into the lake’s ecological issues.

It is a fascinating and deeply worrying story of the ebbs and flows of the local community's fortunes connected to the lake's ecological situation. During our conversation, we discuss issues such as overfishing, the introduction of non-native species, illegal fishing methods, ecological changes in the lake and how the poverty of the local community accelerates environmental degradation. And even though the events described in the book are unfolding in equatorial Africa, a careful reader will quickly identify striking parallels with the situation in other parts of the world. Including our own.

I’m sure you will enjoy our conversation and I would encourage you to buy the book using the link below.

The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa's Greatest Lake

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This is the first of two episodes dedicated to the Seabird Monitoring work package at the MarPAMM Interreg project. Today we talk about seabird surveys on remote Scottish locations. Our guests are Stuart Bearhop, Professor of Animal Ecology at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology & Conservation and Dr Kendrew Colhoun who is responsible for managing BirdWatch Ireland's work package for MarPAMM.

Regular listeners know, from previous episodes, that researchers at MarPAMM often use innovative techniques and cutting-edge technologies in their research. The work package we talk about today is an example of this. We discuss the old and new ways of surveying seabirds and the pros and cons of each. We talk about the main threats to seabirds and the impact of climate change on their habitat. My guests’ descriptions of the isolated and rugged location where their research took place give our conversation a taste of a great outdoor adventure.

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Those of you who either read the excellent book “Cries of the Savanna” by Sue Tidwell or listened to the podcast episode with her are familiar with Lilian Mremi, a Game Scout and Tanzanian Wildlife Ranger. Shortly after the episode was published many of you expressed great interest in hearing directly from Lilian. I thought it would be an excellent idea and so today I am pleased to publish my conversation with her.

During our conversation, we touched on all the usual topics such as human-wildlife conflict, national parks, game reserves, poaching, and law and regulations as they pertain to hunting. Of course, I did not forget to ask Lilian about her views on the deteriorating public opinion of hunting and on the attempts in the USA, UK and EU to pass legislation banning imports of hunting trophies. Finally, we discussed the differences between hunting tourism and non-extractive tourism. And her answers might not be exactly what some of you would expect.

Of course, we have discussed these topics many times on my podcast. But in this episode, we have an opportunity to hear directly from a local Tanzanian ranger who lives and breathes these issues every day.

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A Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation is one of the most potent tools for protecting a wide range of marine habitats. A layman interested in marine conservation might think that an MPA would be completely excluded from any activities, either commercial or recreational. The reality is much more complex and, depending on what any given MPA is set to protect, a variety of activities can take place inside its boundaries. That’s why developing MPA management plans based on scientific evidence, as well as feedback from local communities, is critically important.

To discuss this important part of the MarPAMM project our guests today are Amie Williams, Project Officer at Argyll MPA Planning & Data at Scottish Natural Heritage, Dr David Stevenson, MPA Management Policy Officer for Northern Ireland and PJ Maguire, MPA Management Policy Officer for Ireland.

If you’re interested in this topic I would encourage you to check out other episodes of my podcast where we discuss various work packages of the MarPAMM project which is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme.

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Once again I had the pleasure to talk with Nathan Edmondson, co-founder and President of Eco Defense Group, an organization that supports frontline wildlife rangers who face danger from direct conflict with poachers. In the episode, we get an update from Nathan about the latest situation in Africa and the state of affairs in wildlife conservation and poaching prevention.

Eco Defense Group doesn’t engage poachers directly but rather acts as a support, training and consultancy organization for anti-poaching operations. Its focus is on developing solutions to the problems identified while working in close cooperation with local communities.

For funding and logistical help they rely on the support of their partners as well as donations. It is important to note that, unlike some environmental organizations, Eco Defense Group, to use Nathan’s words, “is fundraising for solutions, not for problems”.

If you’re interested in the ongoing battle against poachers and wildlife traffickers I’m sure you will enjoy our conversation. And if you want to donate to the cause you can do it by clicking here.

Eco Defense Group on Instagram

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

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In this episode, once again, we’re going to take on the subject of hunting in Africa. Our guest is Sue Tidwell, the author of a wonderful book titled “Cries of the Savanna” that I reviewed in last week’s blog post. And since I really liked the book I was itching for the opportunity to talk with Sue.

We chat about a number of things. Why Sue decided to write and publish her first book. (Yes, as impressive as it is, it was Sue’s first publication even though she had always been, in her own words, a hobby writer.) We also discuss how she researched and marketed the book. Something that, as you can imagine, was a completely new experience for a hobby writer.

However, the bulk of our conversation focuses on stories from the book and the experience of a remote encampment deep in the Tanzanian bush. Sue shares how these events changed her perception of many important issues such as poaching and land management.

Do yourself a favour and buy “Cries of the Savanna” using the link below. And remember, buying books (or any other items) through the links provided here is the best way to support my work on Tommy’s Outdoors podcast.

Buy Sue's Book: https://tommysoutdoors.com/books/#savanna

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Once again I have the pleasure to host scientists from the MarPAMM project. This time we discuss the Seabed Habitat Mapping and Modelling work package. Our guests are Dr Alex Callaway from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (who was our guest on episode 104), Dr Chris McGonigle from the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Professor Andy Wheeler, Chair of Geology, from the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at University College Cork and Ger Summers also from the from University College Cork who is a PhD researcher in the MarPAMM project.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of seabed mapping with a particular focus on so-called “species of interest”. We explore novel technologies and techniques that are being applied, such as autonomous underwater robots used for gathering data and the artificial intelligence models used for analysing it. We finish with my guests expressing their general views about the future of the oceans and our planet.

To learn more about the MarPAMM project visit their website or follow their Twitter feed.

MarPAMM is an INTERREG VA funded project.

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For many of you, Megan Rowland needs no introduction. She is a Deer Management Officer for NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency. Before that, she worked as a surveyor for RSPB Scotland where she surveyed the entire suite of Highland bird species. She has also been a volunteer for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, a local Raptor Study Group, the Scottish Mink Initiative, and the British Red Cross. Megan is a founding member of the Scottish Crofting Federations’ Young Crofters. Moreover, she’s The Youth Ambassador for the Highland branch of the British Deer Society and a Lantra Scotland Game & Wildlife Industry Champion.

That is a really impressive resume and I am excited to bring you my conversation with Megan. We started our chat with a general discussion about the red deer situation in Scotland and related land use and land management issues. From there I asked a few questions related to deer stalking in the Highlands. So, those of you who dream about a Highland stag might pick up some useful tips. Finally, we ended up talking about rewilding since no podcast about land management in Scotland would be complete without this topic.

You can find more from Megan by visiting her website Wayfaring and Wandering or by following her on one of the social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Tick bite season is about to start both in Europe and in the US. Since we haven’t spoken about this important subject for quite a while (we discussed ticks and Lyme disease back in 2019 in episode 55), I thought it was high time to talk about ticks and tick bite prevention once again.

Our guest, Brian Anderson, is a Lyme disease prevention specialist, top speaker and educator who is known as "The Tick Terminator". We had a fun and educational conversation about ticks, tick bite prevention, and Lyme disease. And yes, it turns out you can have a fun conversation about those subjects! During our chat, we share our first-hand experiences with ticks and proven methods to protect yourself from tick bites. I also ask Brian all the important “what-ifs” and “how-tos” that any outdoor worker or enthusiast, or hunter and camper wants answered.

After listening to this episode you should check Brian’s website where you can find a huge library of articles, videos, tick prevention guides, product recommendations and more.

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This week we continue with our Alaskan theme by taking a closer look at commercial fishing practices, fisheries management and the life of fishermen in Alaska. So, today I talk with Sena and Rich Wheeler, a third-generation fishing family. Sena and Rich run a family business, Sena Sea, whose goal is to consistently deliver premium quality seafood. They also operate a fisherman-owned custom processing facility to ensure that they have complete control of the entire process, from the sea to the client’s doors. The Wheelers see fishermen as custodians of the pristine waters of Alaska and they make sure that their seafood is produced in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.

In the first part of this podcast, we discussed in detail fisheries management practices in Alaska. We also delved into the subject of human-wildlife conflict, a very interesting segment, not only because of the differences but also because of the similarities to the situation in our neck of the woods. In the second part, we discussed fish handling techniques and how to ensure that the fish you catch (I’m looking at you recreational anglers) is of the best quality and taste possible. It’s a fascinating episode that will give you a look at how some familiar issues are dealt with in another part of the world.

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Alaska is considered by many to be the last frontier. One of the few remaining places where true pristine wilderness still exists. Without a doubt, this largest state in the United States is a fantastic place for outdoorsmen or anyone who wants to live close to nature and away from the crowds. This is because, although Alaska is huge, it has a tiny population located in just a few urban areas.

As you can imagine, hunting and fishing are in the blood of most Alaskans and ready access to the abundant and well managed natural resources makes it a perfect place for subsistence living. I’m using this term as defined in Alaska state law as the non-commercial, customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife.

To discuss this topic I’m joined today by Zephyr Sincerny who is an outdoor guide, instructor and educator with long years of experience gained while working for Outward Bound USA and NatureBridge. He spends a lot of time growing food in his garden as well as hunting and fishing.

During our conversation, we discussed how Zephyr provides food for his family, year-round without the aid of a grocery store! We also got into discussing the effects of climate change, techniques of food preparation and the ethical and spiritual aspects of bowhunting. This is one special episode and I’m sure you’ll love every minute of it!

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

Large terrestrial carnivores, like wolves, bears and lynx, are the poster children for conservation and rewilding efforts. Also, they are usually right in the epicentre of the human-wildlife conflict which always sparks emotions. That makes it easy to use them to politicize conservation.

In many previous podcasts, our discussions about rewilding inevitably led us to talk about the issues surrounding large carnivores. But this episode is solely dedicated to our coexistence with these predators. And that’s because today’s guest is Dr John Linnell, who conducts interdisciplinary research on the interactions between humans and wildlife to mitigate conflict.

John works as a senior scientist at the Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and as a professor at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management at the Inland Norway University of Applied Science.

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It’s no exaggeration to say that this was the most anticipated book of the year for me. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since, as regular listeners know, I’m keenly interested in rewilding and the conflict surrounding it. Therefore, it was my pleasure to chat with the author, Steve Cracknell, about the book, how it came to be and some particular situations portrayed in it.

In his book “The Implausible Rewilding of the Pyrenees” Steve takes the reader into the middle of the conflict surrounding the reintroduction of bears in the French Pyrenees. He travels across the Ariège in southwestern France and beyond to interview people on both sides of the conflict. The shepherds, who are suffering livestock losses, argue that bears are a threat to their way of life. The environmentalists point to the need to protect the environment.

That immensely interesting and complex story is painted against the backdrop of the beautiful mountain landscapes and culture-rich scenery of rural France. It turned out to be not only the most anticipated book but also the best I’ve read on the subject. And I haven’t even mentioned how beautiful it is, with stunning photos and high-quality paper.

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If you are a sea angler or just like to walk your dog on the beach, you might have noticed how the coastline changes from year to year. Some of us who have frequented the same spots for years might even have noticed changes that have occurred over a greater time span. Sometimes up to decades.

Whether it is a channel in the sand that deepens each year after the winter storms or a soft sandy beach that becomes increasingly stony, these changes are driven by coastal processes. Understanding these might be important for angling and recreation. But it’s even more important for understanding the economic impact on, or even the very survival of, coastal communities.

To discuss this interesting and important topic I have welcomed two scientists from project MarPAMM which we introduced in episode 104. We had a fun and thought-provoking conversation from which you will learn about their work and the importance of coastal processes.

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This episode is like a Christmas Special. Not only because of the publication date but also because we talk about a subject I have wanted to discuss for a long time. Bowhunting. And, it is always a great pleasure to talk with a fellow hunter and, in this case, also a fellow podcaster.

Our guest, Paul Rhoades, is the founder of Sizzlin Arrow Outdoors, a community website that is the gateway to eating clean, organic food. Their primary focus is on helping individuals gather and prepare their own meat, vegetables, and other natural food. Paul is also a passionate bowhunter, so I took the opportunity to ask him about all things bowhunting.

During our chat, we not only discuss in great detail bowhunting equipment and techniques but we also deal with a fiercely debated question, “Is bowhunting less or more humane than hunting with a rifle?”

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

Recently I’ve noticed, and sometimes participated, in discussions about the fact that wildlife conservation can never be successful if the needs of local, indigenous peoples are not taken care of first. It becomes especially apparent when Western environmental NGOs move into Africa with poorly designed conservation programs. On my podcast we’ve also pointed out that hunting can provide an excellent alternative conservation approach that equally benefits both locals and wildlife.

Today, I am absolutely delighted to bring you my conversation with Tom (TA) Opre, a film director, cinematographer, television producer, conservationist and the founder of “Shepherds of Wildlife Society.” We discuss his latest critically acclaimed (20 major film festival awards) feature film “Killing the Shepherd.” In it, Tom presents the incredible story of the Soli people living in Shikabeta in Zambia. The film paints a breathtaking and deeply moving story of the fight against poverty and how rebuilding the wildlife population plays a key role.

In our conversation, you will not only hear some backstories about the film but also how making it triggered a chain of positive events that further supports the cause. I highly recommend listening to this podcast. And of course go buy a ticket and watch the film!

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In this episode, once again, we’re going to talk about environmental education. Our guest is Mark Boyden, one of the founders of the Coomhola Salmon Trust. Mark was involved in producing native salmon stocking projects for rivers in the Irish South-West and in the efforts to reintroduce salmon to the great River Rhine. He also participated in successful captive freshwater pearl mussel breeding research. Out of these programs, a biodiversity community engagement project called StreamScapes was born.

My conversation with Mark made me rethink some of my opinions on community engagement and the patterns of communication so often seen among environmentalists. Mark presented a really fresh approach and if you are in any way interested in conservation you should definitely listen to our conversation. I appreciate that you might not agree with everything we say but it is important to recognize that we need a variety of approaches to reach our goal of educating people about the importance of the natural environment and the need to protect it.

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More than three years ago, I wrote a blog about safety in the outdoors. It is a very important topic for us outdoors people and I feel like I haven’t talked about it nearly often enough. Therefore I welcomed the opportunity to talk with Moose Mutlow who is a senior trainer for Yosemite Search and Rescue. As it happens, Moose just published his new book “When Accidents Happen: Managing Crisis Communication as a Family Liaison Officer.”

Moose has an impressive resume of outdoor experiences and has been involved in traditional and alternative education for over 30 years. He was born and grew up in England, started teaching outdoor education in the Lake District and the South of France and spent time in the Arctic, Australia, Africa and the USA guiding and working for Outward Bound. Among other things, he has been a fishery officer, bar manager, social worker, principal at an elite sporting academy and a teacher in the Kalahari.

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Communication is by far the most important, yet most difficult, factor in any undertaking. Whether managing a business project with many stakeholders or leading a team to accomplish a goal, excellent communication is the key to success. It is no different in the world of conservation and nature-related endeavours. Anyone who has tried to communicate the benefits of hunting for conservation to uninformed people, with a distaste for killing animals, knows what I’m talking about! The complex and highly emotional world of social media doesn’t make communication any easier. But one thing is certain, if we want to find solutions to the problems faced by the natural world we need to communicate with each other to understand our visions, needs and concerns.

It is therefore my pleasure to bring you my conversation with a communications professional and wildlife storyteller Lucy McRobert. Lucy has worked on many campaigns for various environmental organizations and has a deep understanding of issues we might come across while discussing wildlife projects or the natural environment. Along with those topics, in our chat, she also shares with us some secrets of how social media works, including how to use it most effectively for communication while maintaining our own mental health and not playing into the hands of Internet trolls. You will also learn that you might be rejected for a job you wanted because of who followed you on social media! Yes, I know, it’s crazy!

I am sure that you will learn a lot from this episode and that you will improve the quality of your communication as well as gain new social media skills.

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In many conversations on my podcast, we have observed that long-term success in nature conservation will be impossible without engaging and educating future generations.

Today kids, like their parents, are more and more disconnected from the natural world. Even the children’s dictionary has replaced words about nature with newer words. And so acorn has been replaced with analogue, buttercup with broadband, clover with chatroom, and so on.

That’s why, if you are a conservation-minded parent who cares about the future of the natural environment and preserving it for your children, you need to take their education about the natural world into your own hands. As you should with any other topic.

To help you with this, I would like to wholeheartedly recommend a wonderful book for children, ages 10 to 15, titled “Remarkable Creatures: A Guide to Some of Ireland’s Disappearing Animals” written by Aga Grandowicz. Aga is a wildlife artist, illustrator, graphic designer and author.

On this podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Aga about her book, her motivation to write it and her life close to nature. After listening to the podcast, visit Aga’s online store and buy the book. You might also be tempted to buy some of her artwork!

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Regular listeners have already heard that this episode was coming. And we’ve been planning it for a long time. Conflicting schedules, travel plans and life, in general, were always getting in the way. But boy, was it worth waiting for! 

And so, we sat down for a chat with Dr Ruth Carden, a zoologist, who specialises in the zooarchaeological analysis of faunal assemblages. To the casual reader, Ruth is probably best known for her groundbreaking discovery of butchering marks on a reindeer bone found in the Castlepook Cave in north Cork. This discovery dramatically changed our understanding of Irish human history, pushing back the earliest signs of human activity by 20,000 years. 

We discussed this discovery as well as other topics related to Ruth’s research, including Irish glacial fauna with a particular focus on the Giant Irish Deer which is sometimes, incorrectly, called Irish elk. I wouldn’t be myself if I hadn’t asked Ruth about wild boar in Ireland. Were they native to Ireland at one point in time? You need to listen to this episode to find out.

And here is the craziest thing. All that research work is self-funded by Ruth and done largely in her spare time. Please, keep an eye on Tommy’s Outdoors website as we will shortly let you know how you can financially support Ruth’s efforts. For now, I want to give a massive shout out to the car company that co-sponsored one of those projects: K&N Motors, Dublin 22. A big round of applause for these folks, please!

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Keeping a diary can be a useful thing. Especially if the diarist focuses on events and experiences pertaining to their area of expertise. Ian Carter, naturalist, ornithologist and author, has kept his wildlife diary for over three decades. Ian worked for Natural England, a governmental advisory body, for twenty-five years. He has written articles for respected wildlife magazines and has co-authored papers in scientific journals. Ian was also involved with the Red Kite reintroduction programme and other bird reintroductions and wildlife management programs.

It was therefore my pleasure to chat with Ian on my podcast about his latest book titled “Human, Nature - A Naturalist’s Thoughts on Wildlife and Wild Places” published by Pelagic Publishing. The book is an elaboration on Ian’s diary. It discusses his observations and extends them to wider philosophical questions related to our interactions with wildlife. Many of those questions and observations are quite similar to the ones I myself have accumulated over time. So I really enjoyed the opportunity to discuss them with Ian.

I would definitely recommend Ian’s book to all wildlife enthusiasts. It comprehensively discusses most, if not all, topics related to nature conservation and our relationship with wildlife. A special shoutout to Pelagic Publishing, an independent academic publisher of books on wildlife, science and conservation. The Book: pelagicpublishing.com/products/human-nature

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Conservation of the marine environment is prominently featured in many episodes of my podcast. Regular listeners have heard on many occasions the opinion that marine protected areas, or MPAs for short, is where it’s at. But as always in these cases, if you start digging and asking questions everything is more difficult than it looks at first glance.

To start the discussion about MPAs, today I bring you an introduction to an environmental project called MarPAMM. Our guests are Dr Naomi Wilson from Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Dr Anuschka Miller from the Scottish Association of Marine Science, and Dr Alex Callaway from Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.  The goal of MarPAMM is to develop tools for monitoring and managing a number of protected coastal marine environments in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland.

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The term hunter-gatherers is often understood as a description of primitive people who live in an idyllic state of harmony with nature. In reality however, the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers is way more complex than most of us think.

To shed some light on this fascinating subject and to clarify some misconceptions I bring you my conversation with prof. Graeme Warren of the University College Dublin, School of Archaeology. Graeme is a specialist in the Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers, the leader of the UCD Hunter-Gatherer Research Group and a Vice-President of the International Society for Hunter-Gatherer Research.

During our conversation, we touched on many interesting topics. The impact of hunter-gatherers on their environment, modern-day hunter-gatherers, political implications of archaeology and many more. We also touched on the often discussed topic of wild boar in Ireland. Finally, if you want to delve deeper into the topic of hunter-gatherers, you should check the website for the upcoming Conference on Hunting and Gathering Societies (CHAGS13) by going to www.ucd.ie/chags13

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You often hear hunters and anglers boasting about humane animal treatment. Whether it is a “quick humane kill” in the case of hunters or “fish welfare” in the case of anglers practising catch and release, this subject is mentioned a lot. Also, environmentalists frequently bring up humane treatment and animal welfare in their conversations. But what does it actually mean to do something in a humane way?

In this episode, we try to shed some light on these issues with my guest Alick Simmons, a veterinarian, naturalist and photographer. Alick is the chair for The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare - The International Animal Welfare Science Society and also, the chair for The Humane Slaughter Association. I don’t know about you but, to me, that sounds like pretty good credentials for today’s topic!

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Last month, I wrote a review of an excellent book titled “Beak, Tooth and Claw: Living with Predators in Britain” by Mary Colwell. At the end of that blog, I said that I would really love to have an opportunity to talk with Mary on my podcast. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait too long! After a brief exchange of messages, Mary and I agreed to get together and record an episode.

Mary Colwell is an environmentalist, campaigner, freelance producer and author. She is also well known for her work protecting an endangered wader, the Eurasian Curlew.

During the podcast, we talked about her motivations for writing the book and its reception. We also discussed how Mary approached the research required to write her book, along with various facets of living with predators and the complexity of issues this creates. From there we went on to the ever-interesting subjects of conservation and rewilding.

Obviously, this podcast wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the curlew, our largest wader. Mary explains why the curlew population is declining so rapidly, what is being done to stop this trend, and what can you do to help out!

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There are no two ways about it. It’s a milestone episode. Episode 100. To mark the occasion we get together with environmentalist, hunter and axe thrower, Ashley Glover to discuss some of the most interesting subjects from the past three years. And while the title says “Deer, Sheep and Fires,” in reality it should have said, “Deer, Sheep, Boar, Wolves, Mink, Trout, Seals, Woodland, Rhododendron and Fires.” You get the picture!

In our conversation, you will be able to identify episodes from Tommy’s Outdoors back catalogue that you might want to listen to. For your convenience, I have compiled below a full list of episodes discussed in our conversation. It is by no means a list of “best” episodes but just a list of those we mentioned. 

Episode 20: Irish Wildlife Trust with Pádraic Fogarty

Episode 29: Forestry and Native Woodlands with Ciaran Nugent

Episode 51: Fighting Illegal Salmon Netting with Bertie Brosnan

Episode 54: The National Biodiversity Data Centre with Dave Wall

Episode 61: African Swine Fever Awareness and Prevention with Shane McAuliffe

Episode 68: Rewilding, Wolves and Biodiversity with Pádraic Fogarty

Episode 71: The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation with David Scallan

Episode 72: Seal Rescue Ireland with Mel Robinson

Episode 73: Quantitative Ecology with Kilian Murphy

Episode 77: Sweden is Hunting with Andreas Michalik

Episode 78: Human-Seal Conflict with Liam Flannery and Dan Brosnan

Episode 81: Skates and Marine Rewilding with Patrick Collins

Episode 88: Rewilding Scotland with Peter Cairns

Episode 89: Camera Trapping and Large Mammal Monitoring with Adam Francis Smith

Episode 92: Upland Ecology with Cathy Mayne

Episode 95: Białowieża Forest with Marta Klimkiewicz

Episode 97: Human-Wildlife Conflict with Amy Dickman

You will also receive hints of possible future episodes! I don’t usually give that information away, but hey! There is only one episode 100 for every podcast!

Finally, I would like to say a big “thank you!” to all my guests from previous episodes, for donating their time and sharing their views, experiences and knowledge. It is greatly appreciated. I would also like to give a very special thanks to all of you, my listeners! Thank you for your messages, your feedback and your support. You make this podcast worth doing.

Onwards and upwards! To episode 200 and beyond!

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

Bertie Brosnan is known to regular listeners from episode 51. It was an immensely interesting conversation about the fight against salmon poaching in the rivers of the Irish South-West. In this episode, Bertie is back to talk about his other passions: hunting and dog training. During our conversation, Bertie gives a fascinating account of how things were in the Irish countryside many decades ago. I just love to record episodes like this because first-hand stories and experiences from bygone times create a historical record. While listening to Bertie, I couldn’t resist the thought that we should talk more to our elderly folks, while they are still around. They not only remember the old times but their knowledge can give us an insight into how we can avoid repeating past mistakes. I look forward to other projects with Bertie that are on the horizon. His knowledge and wisdom are definitely worth listening to and preserving for future generations.

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Wildlife trafficking and poaching are huge problems for the conservation of the world’s most endangered species. They also present significant social and economic challenges. On one hand, big green organizations like WWF are criticised for “militarization of conservation” in their attempt to counteract the increasingly sophisticated and militarized wildlife trafficking cartels. On the other hand, members of local communities often find themselves caught in a conflict between those groups. That in turn leads to injustice and human rights abuse. In this episode, we start a conversation on this difficult topic. Our guest is Nathan Edmondson, co-founder and President of Eco Defense Group. They primarily work with local African communities to empower and provide necessary training, consultation and equipment to the frontline rangers who face danger and direct conflict. The Eco Defense Group’s background is in military special ops and, given the nature of their work, a lot of what they do has to remain secret. Wildlife trafficking is an incredibly complex and difficult topic and I hope to bring you more episodes about it. If you have any comments, as always, I encourage you to put them down below.

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Dr Amy Dickman needs no introduction. She is well known and hugely respected in both academic and conservation communities. She’s a conservation biologist and works on resolving human-wildlife conflict on human-dominated landscapes. Amy is a Kaplan Senior Research Fellow in Wild Cat Conservation under Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. She is also the founder of The Ruaha Carnivore Project where she works closely with local communities to mitigate the conflict. During our chat, we explore the difficult topic of human-wildlife conflict and some of the related ethical and scientific issues. As it turns out, not everything is clear-cut and some questions are difficult to answer. If you are interested in wildlife conservation you will find this fast-paced episode fascinating. And as a result, you might find yourself questioning your own opinions. https://www.ruahacarnivoreproject.com/

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My podcast listeners have heard, more than once, that there was a time when I was absolutely crazy about shark fishing. Among the many species of sharks present in my local waters, blue sharks (prionace glauca) have a special place in the hearts of sea anglers. These sharks are still relatively abundant and provide an opportunity to get a taste of true Big Game fishing without having to go on an expensive fishing holiday. We already touched briefly on shark fishing during podcast number 41 with my friend, and a man with whom I did most of my shark fishing, Luke Aston. Today, however, we’re going all-in on blue shark fishing. Our guest is Dr Simon Thomas who is not only an expert angler but also works tirelessly on analysing scientific data related to blue sharks. If you’re interested in marine biology or sharks or you’re just an angler who wants to learn more about shark-catching techniques, you will find this episode mighty interesting. No doubt!

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Białowieża Forest is well known among environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts around Europe and the world. It is the largest remaining part of the primaeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. This region, spanning Poland and Belarus, steaming with biodiversity, is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

But the situation on the ground is rather worrying with continued logging and complex land management issues. To explain the current state of affairs and what can be done to further protect this living gem of natural history, I talk with Marta Klimkiewicz from the environmental charity ClientEarth.

During our conversation, we often go on tangents to discuss other wildlife management issues in Poland like the human-wolf conflict and how to transition local economies to more sustainable practices. https://www.clientearth.org/

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Hunting in Africa is on the bucket list of many hunters. But for many that dream might seem very distant. Almost impossible. But as you will see in this conversation with Steve Scott, a veteran hunter, TV host, and producer of television hunting shows, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Problems caused by the pandemic and related travel restrictions made the prices of hunts in Africa hit rock bottom. This combined with the progressive rollout of vaccines means that now might be the best time to fulfil your dream and book your bucket list hunt in Africa.

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The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

The Amazon rainforest is the largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest in the world. It represents over half of the remaining rainforests. It is home to countless species of insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Not to mention the fish. Unfortunately, as we all can read and hear in the news, it is subject to unrelenting exploitation and destruction. I decided that my podcast would never be complete without talking about the Amazon. So, it was my great pleasure to sit down with Dr Alex Lees who is a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alex spent a long time in the Amazon while working on various scientific projects. He has a deep understanding of the Amazon ecology as well as the land use issues which underlie the progressive destruction of this unique ecological system.

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In recent episodes, I have presented a whole host of views and opinions regarding rewilding, land management, and the need to change the way we coexist with nature. In this episode, we continue on that path, but with a guest, Dr Cathy Mayne, who has a particularly interesting perspective. That perspective might not be entirely aligned with the usual rewilding approach, but it is very well thought out, balanced and realistic. Cathy is an ecologist with vast experience in environmental management. She has a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in land management. She also has a strong background in deer management and is a hunter herself. Currently, she is the Principal Ecologist at the Mountain Environment Services consultancy. This episode is an absolute must for anyone interested in nature conservation, rewilding, and sustainable living. Cathy, without a doubt, is one of a kind and I am sure that our conversation will be as fascinating and informative for you as it was for me. https://mountainenvironmentservices.com/

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In this episode, once again, we are going to talk about ecological restoration and bringing back species that were extirpated from their native range. Our guest is Chris Jones who is the Restoration Director at Beaver Trust. During our conversation, we discuss the history of Beaver Trust, how it was found and why. Then we discuss beaver ecology and the role of beavers in the ecosystem. Chris gives us some real-life examples of benefits that beavers bring, not only to the environment but also to humans. We finish our conversation by discussing the future of beaver reintroductions and broader, the future of ecological restoration. This episode is a must-listen if you are interested in ecology and habitat restoration.

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This time our guest is a wildlife biologist from across the pond. Matt Gould works for the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University. Matt is also an avid hunter. This combination makes him a perfect guest for my podcast. Matt has done a lot of research and has written several papers on American black bears and that was the topic I was most interested in. However, we started our conversation by discussing birds of prey, their conservation status, and the impact the wind farm industry has on their mortality. We had a great conversation, and by listening to it, you can learn a lot. Not only about black bears and eagles, but also about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Enjoy!

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In this instalment of the podcast, our guest is a young scientist, Adam Francis Smith, who lives in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Adam specializes in large terrestrial mammal monitoring and predator-prey interactions. He also works for the Frankfurt Zoological Society where he focuses on specific project areas in Ukraine and Belarus and where, with a team of ecologists, he tries to protect large wilderness areas. During our conversation, Adam took us on a fascinating journey to, among other places, the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve where he and his team set camera traps to monitor predator and prey species. Of course, there was no way to avoid mentioning rewilding, a topic that is prominently featured in recent podcasts.

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Peter Cairns is an executive director of an environmental charity Scotland: The Big Picture, the first organisation in Scotland wholly dedicated to championing rewilding. We started our conversation by discussing the controversy surrounding the term rewilding. Since rewilding (for want of a better, less controversial, term) is of great interest to me, the discussion started to flow from there. After that, we discussed a wide range of related socio-economic and environmental issues. Finally, we ended up examining individual species that had been extirpated. Some of them, like beavers, have since been reintroduced. Others, like lynx, could be reintroduced in the future. And wolves... yes we talked about wolves too. But don’t worry, this conversation wasn’t about some fantasies. I feel like we had a very reasonable and balanced discussion. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. https://www.scotlandbigpicture.com/

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I have wanted to record an episode about the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and their work for quite a while now. Their excellent website, with a database where you can report sightings and strandings, was even mentioned in one of my vlogs. So today, it is my pleasure to bring you my conversation with IWDG’s Sightings Officer Pádraig Whooley. We started with discussing at length IWDG origins and their current work. After that, we dug deep into a whole host of interesting topics related to cetaceans, starting with a discussion about cetacean species that can be observed and encountered in our local waters. That conversation included some interesting facts about how to behave in the presence of a whale and about the rules and regulations around it. We discussed whale-watching techniques and the required equipment. We also talked about the unpleasant issue of whale strandings. And of course, I did not forget to discuss cetacean evolution, a personal favourite of mine. This is an amazing episode and if you have any level of interest in whales or dolphins you will, without a doubt, find it deeply interesting. https://iwdg.ie/

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I don’t think that anyone who has at least dipped his toes in hunting needs to be convinced of how important it is to be in good physical shape to fully enjoy the experience. Strength and endurance come in handy not only when it comes to walking long miles in search of an animal with a lot of gear on your back but also during the extraction of the carcass. A critical component of keeping yourself fit and strong is correct nutrition. Luckily, a successful hunt itself helps you source healthy, clean, and nutrient-dense food. And so to explore the topic of hunting and nutrition, our guest today is Alan Kenny who, having spent years hunting in the Canadian wilderness, knows a thing or two about the demands of hunting. And Alan is also a performance nutritionist who heads the science & education area for Optimum Nutrition where he works with athletes. During our chat, we discuss various aspects of hunting in Canada before switching to the subject of nutrition. Full disclaimer: Optimum Nutrition is not sponsoring this episode, although they should feel completely free to send me a big drum of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Powder.

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

Climate change, in one way or another, is mentioned in almost every episode of my podcast. But with the exception of episode 38, which was a recorded public talk, I have never dedicated a whole episode to this important issue. But today we’re going to jump right into this subject with Ben Harkin who wrote a book about climate change in the Irish context. Ben is a young man who decided to put to good use the extra time he had available during the lockdown and wrote a book about climate change! Not only that, he also self-published it to avoid any delays with getting his message out. Talk about a good use of time! I read the book and must say that I’m blown away by it. It is well written and covers a wide spectrum of climate change issues. Ben put a lot of effort into research for the book and all key information and statements are backed up with ample references to scientific papers, press releases, governmental documents and other books. In the book, Ben makes many refreshing observations that I have not heard before. What are they? You need to buy the book and read it for yourself! One thing for sure you won’t regret your purchase. And with the Christmas season around the corner, you just might have an excellent gift idea! Given all of the above, I was really pleased to be able to sit down with Ben and talk about his book. In this episode, we not only discuss some of the issues he mentions but also his motives and the process of writing the book. I am very happy with this episode and Ben is a great man. Go, listen, and then buy the book!

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In this episode, I had the pleasure to talk once again with scientists from SeaMonitor project. This time our guests were Dr Natasha Phillips and Dr Amy Garbett. Our conversation was focused on Basking Sharks but while at it we discussed a whole range of other subjects as well, like genetic connectivity, biotelemetry and bioinformatics. There is nothing like a conversation with scientists who are genuinely passionate about their work. If you are interested in marine biology, sharks and science you can’t afford to miss this episode!

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This is yet another episode of the podcast where we talk about seals. This time I hit you with a healthy dose of unbiased, evidence-based knowledge. Actually, that’s not me doing the hitting but our guest Dr Sam L Cox who is a quantitative ecologist and researcher for the SeaMonitor project. In our conversation, we discuss the behaviour and spatial ecology of harbour seals which are tracked using GPS tags glued to their head. But that’s not all, Sam has done a lot of research studying other, more exotic, species of seals, like elephant seals. So, we discuss that too! We also touch on the anthropogenic impact on seals and mobile marine predators in general. This is one interesting episode. Enjoy!

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The benefits of being outdoors for our mental health and wellbeing have been discussed on the podcast a few times already. But this is a subject that is always worth revisiting. Especially when my guest’s impressive resume guarantees a fresh and well-developed approach. And so in this episode, our guest is Dr Ruth Allen, an outdoor and online counselling therapist, professional development coach, and experienced consultant, trainer and facilitator. During the podcast, we discuss the importance of connecting with nature, being comfortable with one’s own company and thoughts, dealing with negativity, the destructive effects of social media and the need to disconnect in today’s always-online world. http://whitepeakwellbeing.com/about

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Not that long ago I wrote a blog post about angling for endangered fish species, including the common skate, which is highly sought after as a trophy catch. These elusive fish, however, are classified as critically endangered and unfortunately, we don’t have much information about their life history. So I welcomed the opportunity to talk with Dr Patrick Collins who is a marine biologist at Queen’s University Belfast where he works on large scale marine rewilding. Currently, he is focusing on translocation of the locally extirpated flapper skate. Patrick is also an angler. A perfect combination! So whether you are interested in marine biology, rewilding, or you’re an angler who wants to learn more about skates, this episode is for you! This episode was possible thanks to SeaMonitor marine research project.

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Byron Pace needs no introduction to most of you. He is a man of many talents: a filmmaker, photographer, writer and the host of the excellent Into The Wilderness and Into The Anthropocene podcasts. Given that we share many topics, and even guests, on our podcasts I was delighted to talk with Byron. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of hunters and anglers for wildlife conservation and education about the natural world. We also delved into the subject of rewilding. Obviously, I didn’t forget to ask Byron about his road to becoming such a prominent outdoors content creator. For me, this truly is a milestone episode. Please enjoy Tommy’s Outdoors number 80. https://www.byronpace.co.uk/

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On Tommy’s Outdoors, we spend a lot of time talking about fish tagging programs and various types of research supported by them. But our guests today are taking this concept to an entirely new level. They are Ross McGill, the Principal Project Officer for SeaMonitor at Loughs Agency and Dr Fred Whoriskey, the Executive Director at Ocean Tracking Network. If research and monitoring of marine wildlife and the environment is your cup of tea you will be delighted to hear from these two gentlemen. During the podcast, we talk about the SeaMonitor project itself as well as the technology used in the research, from Bluetooth enabled GPS tags all the way to autonomous submarines and seagoing drones. https://www.loughs-agency.org/managing-our-loughs/funded-programmes/current-programmes/sea-monitor/ https://oceantrackingnetwork.org/

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In episode 72 we started a discussion about seals in Ireland. As you might remember, at the time, I said that we wouldn’t get into the subject of human-seal conflict in that episode, as this is a complex subject that requires its own discussion. Since then, I’ve wanted to cover it from all angles but it has been difficult to find people willing to talk about it on record. Clearly there are a lot of emotions surrounding this issue. Then, one day, I received a call from Dan Brosnan, who is a friend of the podcast and was our guest on one of the previous episodes. Dan got in touch with a young fisherman, Liam Flannery, who is trying his hardest to raise awareness about the problems that seals are causing for local fishermen. Before long we got all mic’d up and recorded this episode. Obviously, we didn’t cover everything on this topic. So, if you have an opinion that you would like to share, please leave a comment. Better still, contact me directly and we’ll keep this discussion going.

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This is a really delicious episode for all hunters who want to learn about hunting in Sweden. Our guest, Andreas Michalik, is a Swedish hunter and fellow blogger at https://swedenishunting.com/ During the podcast we dig deep into what hunting is like in Sweden. We discuss regulations, the public perception of hunting and Andreas’ personal journey to becoming a hunter. We also talk in detail about hunting moose, bears, wolves, seals and many other species. After you are done listening to this episode, don’t forget to follow Andreas on his excellent Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/swedenishunting/

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Ron Thomson should be well known to anyone interested in wildlife management on the African continent. He started his career as a game ranger in 1959. Throughout his career, he has worked in Africa's biggest and most prestigious game reserves. He has published fourteen books and we can safely say that he is one of the most experienced African big game hunters alive today. Ron is also the CEO of the True Green Alliance whose vision is to create a global society that is properly informed about the principles and practices of wildlife management. During our conversation, we discuss the realities of wildlife management focusing particularly on elephant population management and current problems with it. These problems include overpopulation in some areas and a negative impact on the habitat and on other species of wildlife. We also talk about what an elephant cull operation looks like and finish with a few words about eating elephant meat. https://www.mahohboh.org/

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This is yet another episode where my guest and I take on the subject of rewilding. This time our guest is the host of the discussion platform called Rewilding Ireland. During the podcast, we talk in length about various aspects of rewilding but we also talk about the future of the Rewilding Ireland platform. And towards the end of the podcast, we spend some time discussing whether or not megafauna should be a part of our rewilding efforts.

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A few weeks ago Inland Fisheries Ireland distributed an online survey through social media, looking to gather information from all Irish sea anglers. The survey was part of a new programme called the Irish Marine Recreational Sea Angling Survey or IMREC for short. IMREC’s aim is to show how fishing activities relate to stock levels. The collected data can improve the management of fish stocks and hopefully preserve them for future generations. Since this is an area of great interest not only to me but also to all sea anglers, I contacted Diarmuid Ryan, the program manager for IMREC, and invited him to the podcast. Diarmuid kindly accepted the invitation and today I am bringing you our conversation. Out of all the topics we discussed, we probably spent a disproportionate amount of time talking about bass angling with lures. But I’m not going to apologize for that! Even if you’re not into lure bass fishing, in this episode you will find plenty of interesting and important information.

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Is it possible to use artificial intelligence to tell us how rewilding will look in any area where it is implemented? Is it possible to create a computer model that would tell us how the species eradicated from the landscape hundreds of years ago would behave when reintroduced? Listen to my conversation with Kilian Murphy where we talk about such models. During the podcast, we discuss the possibility of reintroducing wolves and wild boars to Ireland, and the difference in perception of rewilding between city-dwellers and farmers. We also touch on the role hunters have to play in rewilding projects and discuss the dynamics and density of the deer population in Ireland.

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In this episode, I talk with Mel Robinson who is the Director Of Animal Care for Seal Rescue Ireland. While listening to this episode you can learn what Seal Rescue Ireland is, how and why they are helping seals, as well as a few rather interesting facts about seals.In the podcast, we purposely did not delve into the issue of human-seal conflict. To me, it is a complex and interesting problem and I feel like it deserves to be discussed separately.

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The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, or FACE for short, is an international organization that represents the interests of European hunters. It serves as a bridge between the institutions of the European Union and hunters.In episode 59 I talked with Dan Curley, the chairman of NARGC, the Irish member organization of FACE. Today, however, we’re going to talk about hunting from the European perspective, with our guest, FACE Secretary General, Dr. David Scallan.During our conversation, we discuss the biodiversity manifesto, rewilding projects, hunting’s PR, as well as the ongoing process aimed at restricting the use of lead in field sports.

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As regular listeners to the podcast might remember, in episode 47 we hosted Matt Cross, a field sports journalist, writer and blogger. At that time, we talked about yet another unlawful killing of a hen harrier. That episode was specifically focused on the issue of raptor persecution and we didn’t have a chance to tap into Matt's vast knowledge about field sports.Today we’re going to fix that as we discuss a number of topics including grouse moors management, rewilding, the ethics of field sports, the difference between the terms “shooting” and “hunting” in the UK context, and the move away from using lead in shooting. I’m sure you will enjoy our conversation.

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Professor Adam Hart was our guest on the podcast not long ago, in episode 66. However, given the unusual situation we are going through globally, we decided to get together again just a few weeks later. The reason is to discuss the devastating effect the COVID-19 pandemic is having on wildlife conservation. Major sources of funding for conservation, like tourism and hunting, have dried-up overnight. And with the general turmoil and uncertainty, conservation enforcement has been weakened and poaching is on the rise. We also explore the idea of a connection between the coronavirus and biodiversity loss.If you care about wildlife and conservation you should definitely listen to this episode, learn about the situation and see if, and how, you can help.

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Pádraic is well known to my podcast listeners. He was our guest in episodes 20 and 35. And in episode 62 I talked with Patrick Cross about his work inspired by Pádraic’s book. There have been many things I have wanted to talk with Pádraic about since our last podcast, which was a year and a half ago. So today I am pleased to bring you another conversation with Pádraic. We talk about rewilding, reintroduction of wolves and lynx and, last but not least, if there is a connection between the coronavirus and biodiversity loss.

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I had the pleasure to fish with Richard a number of years ago on the waters of Bjagos Islands archipelago in Guinea Bissau. That is without a doubt one of the highlights of my angling career. Richard runs World Sport Fishing, a fishing and shooting holiday outfit. So if you are after a bucket list angling experience, definitely check out their website or simply give them a call!I probably waited way too long to invite Richard to the podcast. But today, we finally sat down and had a chat about fulfilling your sport-fishing dreams. http://www.worldsportfishing.com/

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The issue of African wildlife conservation is very complex and difficult. There are many factors that have to be considered, some of them are literally a matter of life and death. All that immersed in a highly emotional atmosphere. This subject is infinitely interesting to me. So, today I am delighted to bring you my conversation with biologist, broadcaster, academic and author, Professor Adam Hart. During the podcast, we discuss the elephant situation in Botswana, the role of rural communities in wildlife management and the highly emotional subject of trophy hunting.

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Victoria Livschitz is a very successful, serial tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley whose hectic life was profoundly changed by multi-day backpacking. That activity made her both physically and mentally healthier and better able to deal with stress at work and at home. On the podcast, we talk about her path from busy, stressed, out-of-shape newbie to conqueror of major trails. Victoria also co-founded Right On Trek a website providing logistics support for hikers, to expose more people to her favourite activity. https://rightontrek.com/

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Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Their message is all about helping outdoor enthusiasts to minimise their impact on the environment. Today our guest is Maura Kiely who is the CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland. During the podcast, we discuss the structure of Leave No Trace, the story of Leave No Trace Ireland and the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.

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In this episode, our guest is one of the leading salmon scientists in the world, Professor Thomas Cross. During our immensely interesting conversation, we discussed subjects like salmonids biology, salmon stocks in the wild, salmon fishing and salmon farming. And if you are interested in the subject of salmon fishing, revisit episode 51 where we discussed the issue of illegal salmon netting on Irish rivers.

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We have talked about the book “Whittled Away - Ireland’s Vanishing Nature” twice already. In episode 20 our guest was the author, Pádraic Fogarty, who was also featured in episode 35 where I brought you the recording of his talk under the same title as the book. Today I talk with Patrick Cross about his photographic project based on that book. We also talk about photography (the outdoor flavour), human impact on the environment and natural history.

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The issue of African Swine Fever, ASF for short, is important for hunters and other outdoors people who might get to travel to countries with wild boar populations. In fact, all tourists travelling to and from countries where ASF is present should be aware of the basic facts and take the necessary precautions. To raise awareness of this serious disease, I sat down with Shane McAuliffe, who is the director and secretary of the Irish Pig Health Society, to talk about ASF, what it is and what you should and shouldn’t do if you are coming back home from one of the countries where ASF is present.

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A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all listeners to Tommy’s Outdoors podcast and viewers of Tommy’s Outdoors YouTube channel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for joining me this year on Tommy’s Outdoors platform: the website, the podcast, and all the social media networks. Thank you for all the comments, likes, shares and other engagements, including those less than positive. It’s all good in the end and it encourages me to put out even more outdoors-related content. All the best and may you spend many unforgettable hours in the outdoors in the coming year.

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A few weeks ago I published a series of videos on YouTube regarding the proposed EU ban on all lead in shooting and fishing. At that time, Dan Curley, the chairman of NARGC, helped a lot by providing me with the information and documentation regarding this issue. In this episode, I met with Dan in person to discuss what has happened since. And a lot has happened. In fact, you should check Dan’s appeal under the link below regarding the action you ought to take if the issue of lead use in shooting and fishing is something you care about. But the ban on lead is far from the only thing we discussed in this podcast. We discussed the work and role of NARGC, the scientific projects NARGC is involved in, the state of the countryside, woodcock population research and predator control issues.

https://nargc.ie/

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James is a fellow blogger and vlogger on Irish Angling Adventures. We had the pleasure to host him on episode 42. The second part of that podcast was dedicated to his trip to the Norwegian island of Vega. We finished that podcast with James’s plans to come back to this excellent fishing spot. Not long ago he and his fishing buddies came back from their second trip to Vega Island. That right there should tell you exactly what this episode is about.

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The Wild Deer Association of Ireland was on my radar for a long time for all the obvious reasons. I have even had one of their long-time members, Paul Dowling, on the podcast. But we ended up talking about deer hunting in general, rather than about the Wild Deer Association of Ireland.So, more than one year later, I am pleased to host on the podcast David Dunne, who is a seasoned deerstalker and the event organizer for the Wild Deer Association of Ireland. During our session, we talked about the association and its goals and campaigns. We also discussed many more general subjects related to wild deer, hunting, and the environment. http://wdai.ie/

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The benefits of being outdoors for mental health and well-being have been discussed on this podcast many times. Each time you, my listeners, have expressed a great interest in this subject. So, today, we are back at it with Philip Stallard, who is a Director and Adventure Therapist at New Wave Adventure Therapy which offers outdoors-based therapeutic intervention grounded in the disciplines of psychotherapy, counselling and social work. https://newwaveadventure.ie/

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Listeners to this podcast, outdoors people, are a high-risk group when it comes to Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection that gets passed to humans through tick bites. Spending long hours in the wild, often off the beaten track, exposes us to insect bites more than regular folks. But Lyme disease is not only a threat to bushwhacking deerstalkers. Even children on the playground are at risk. The consequences of untreated Lyme disease can be devastating and nothing short of life-changing. To make things worse, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is very difficult, knowledge about it among medical personnel is weak and treatment is prolonged and complicated. As always, prevention is a much better option. Listen to this episode where I talk with Mary Ferry Smyth of Tick Talk Ireland about everything you need to know about Lyme disease, ticks and how to decrease the risk of contracting this nasty condition.

http://www.ticktalkireland.org/

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Many of us outdoors people like to keep records of the animal and fish species we have encountered, caught or seen during our time in the outdoors. To keep those records we use spreadsheets, databases, dedicated apps and, perhaps, a pen and paper if you’re a little old-timey chap. As it turns out, there is a website that can not only help you record and explore your sightings but also include your data in the national dataset that is used by scientists. This website is operated by The National Biodiversity Data Centre and, in this episode of the podcast, our guest is their Citizen Science Officer, Dave Wall.

https://biodiversityireland.ie/

https://exploreyourshore.ie/

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We had such a great time recording this episode of the podcast! I wish all the recording sessions were as relaxed, open and enjoyable as this one. I sat down with Eleanor Turner, who was our guest on episode 17, in the Sea Synergy Marine Awareness Centre in Waterville. We talked about an event called Iveragh Learning Landscapes. This fantastic outdoor experience, taking place annually in the most South-Western tip of Ireland, focuses on outdoor education and connection with nature. Listen up as we discuss the origins of the event, the schedule, what to expect during the panels and workshops, and where to get tickets. Iveragh Learning Landscapes 201911th - 14th October 2019Check out the schedule and get the tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/iveragh-learning-landscapes-2019-tickets-51248972055

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We have spoken many times about the need for advocacy for hunters and anglers, strong organizations that would represent sportsmen’s interests. Angling Trust is one such organization. Its aim is to represent anglers from England and Wales. Our guest is Dave Mitchell who is Angling Trust’s Head of Marine. He is also a board member of the European Anglers Alliance. In the podcast, I talk with Dave about angling advocacy, the state of the marine environment and the challenges faced by the angling community. If you are an angler, this one is worth listening to, even if you don’t live in England or Wales.

https://www.anglingtrust.net

https://www.eaa-europe.org

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In this episode, you will hear a fascinating account about one man who has spent most of his life fighting illegal salmon netting in the rivers and estuaries of the Irish South West. His name is Bertie Brosnan and he has joined me with his son Dan to tell his fascinating story. But be warned, it is not for the fainthearted. You will hear about personal sacrifice, threats, damaged property, court sentences and shots fired. There is a lot more than we could possibly fit into roughly an hour-long podcast and we only scratched the surface. That’s why we might get back to this tale in the future. Please leave your comments if you would like us to dig deeper.

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This is the second part of last week’s podcast where we talked with Tomás Mac an t-Saoir about his solo and unsupported cycle down the length of Africa. If you missed the first part, go and listen to it now. Otherwise, let’s jump right in!

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You may remember Tomás from one of the previous episodes of the podcast. Back then, he was a few months away from his planned, solo and unsupported, cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in aid of the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation. A year later I got to talk with Tomás again. He is back from his cycle, in one piece, healthy and happy. In this incredible episode, Tomás gives a vivid description of his trip and his adventures along the way. African people, African wildlife, pain, sorrow, exhilaration, unreal landscapes, ethnic conflict and friendship. This is another big-adventure episode and I feel really fortunate to call this young, but highly experienced, adventurer, a friend.

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This is another episode of the podcast where I talk with the representative of a political party. The goal is, as always, to dig a little deeper into some of the issues affecting the outdoor lifestyle. This time our guest is Pippa Hackett who is a Green Party Councillor and a spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Heritage & Animal Welfare. Once again I want to include the disclaimer that it is not my intention to promote any political party. Instead, I want outdoors enthusiasts to be aware of how their support for a particular option might impact the activities they love.

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Hen harriers are ground-nesting birds of prey whose UK population is in critical condition. Unfortunately, time after time we hear that a hen harrier has been killed illegally on grouse moors, a heavily managed grouse habitat used for driven grouse shooting. In this episode, I discuss this hot issue with a field sports journalist Matt Cross.

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You have probably heard a dozen times that I am a semi-retired, obsessive, shark angler. So, ever since I started the podcast I wanted, one day, to have an episode with someone from the Shark Trust. Well, that day is today. Our guest is Ali Hood the Director of Conservation at Shark Trust and we spent over an hour talking sharks! It was especially important for me to talk with Ali about the role of anglers in shark conservation. We also discussed three species of sharks that I am particularly interested in from an angling perspective: porbeagle shark, sixgill shark and mako shark. But we discussed much more than that and all of it very interesting. So if you want to learn about sharks and shark conservation, crack open a can of your favourite beverage, sit back and listen up.

https://www.sharktrust.org

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Stand-up paddle boarding, also known as SUP, is gaining popularity in Ireland and around the world. Sure, there are many who laugh and take shots at it. But that’s normal when the new kid on the block appears. But SUP is here to stay and, in this episode of the podcast, I talk with Oona Tibbetts who is one of the founders of Wild SUP Tours, an adventure company which organizes paddle-boarding tours and retreats in the most breathtaking places in County Kerry. But there is more! Recently, Oona set out to stand-up-paddle-board the coastline along The Wild Atlantic Way which is the longest defined coastal driving route in the world. The goal of this endeavour is to raise awareness about ocean pollution and climate change. You can track Oona’s progress by following the hashtag #oonagoeswild on social media. In the podcast, we discuss this fantastic challenge along with more general issues related to stand-up paddle boarding. https://www.wildsuptours.com/oonagoeswild

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It has become quite common these days to hear about the negative impact of tourism on popular tourist destinations and local communities. Tourists are usually welcome as they contribute to local economies. Unfortunately, big crowds flowing every year through otherwise small and quiet regions can cause significant inconveniences. The infrastructure, like roads and sewers, is often not designed for such big crowds. Also, the environment like beaches, mountain trails and footpaths can be totally destroyed by a large number of tourists. Not to mention the litter. There are many places all over the world which are struggling with this problem, but today our focus is on the famous Ring of Kerry route located on the Iveragh peninsula in south-western Ireland. In the episode, I talk with a man who is proposing a bold solution to this problem. A futuristic eMonorail, an electric coach, powered by solar energy, travelling on a single rail, designed to eliminate tourist coaches and cars from the narrow rural roads of the area. This could revolutionize tourism and provide a whole new way of experiencing the Ring of Kerry. Is such a bold and futuristic project possible? My guest, Kevin C. Murphy is convinced that the answer is, yes. But it’s not only wishful thinking. Kevin has put a lot of thought into the technical and economic aspects of this project. So, listen up and you just might get excited about the prospect.

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You probably look at the title of this podcast and wonder what is going on. So I feel like a little disclaimer is in order. It is far from my intention to be canvassing for one political party or another. Instead, I want outdoors enthusiasts to be aware of how their support for various political options might impact the activities they love. I hope this will be the first of many podcasts in which I get to talk with representatives of different political parties and ask questions about issues that are of vital interest to outdoorsmen and women. In this episode we talk about the protection of the natural environment, tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, greenways and cycling infrastructure, farming, land access, overfishing, the role of NGOs and much more. Finally, if you or someone you know is a member of a political party who would be happy to sit down with me for an hour and talk, please do not hesitate to contact me through one of the many channels available. I would love to continue the series and inform fellow outdoors-people about the views of different political parties and their representatives towards the issues important to us.

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This is another episode of the podcast dedicated to sea angling. Our guest is James Raymond, the man behind the website Irish Angling Adventures. I had a great time talking with James about all things sea angling. As a seasoned angler myself, I could quickly tell that James is a hardcore sea angler like many of my friends. Yes, he is one of those folks who spend silly amounts of time on the shore chasing fish with a rod and line. And at Tommy’s Outdoors, we love them for that! During our conversation, we discuss the secrecy of fishing marks, angling etiquette, overfishing, sea angling safety, and many other angling-related issues. James also shares with us stories from his fishing trip to the Norwegian island of Vega. It is a great episode for hardcore anglers by hardcore anglers. And once you are done listening to the podcast, don’t forget to check out the Instagram page @irish_angling_adventures where you can find many inspiring angling photos. https://irishanglingadventures.com

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This episode of the podcast is especially close to my heart as our guest is my friend and seasoned charter skipper, Luke Aston. I have spent many hours at sea on a purpose-built, first-class sea angling boat, Clare Dragoon, skippered by Luke and operated by Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre. If that sparks your interest then, just after listening to the podcast, you should visit the Fish and Stay website, where you can book not only a sea fishing trip with Luke but also a whole holiday package that includes meals and accommodation. One thing is for sure when it comes to sea angling, it doesn’t get any better than this.

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This episode of the podcast is going to take you back in time to the Pleistocene epoch of the Quaternary period, an epoch often referred to as the Ice Age. Our guest is Richard Doran Sherlock who has a particular interest in Quaternary science and megafaunal collapse. Over the years Richard has worked in many capacities including research for rewilding projects and not-for-profit groups. Since I also have a keen interest in natural history I was really glad when Richard accepted my invitation to the podcast. So, it is my pleasure to present to you an episode where we talk about Pleistocene megafauna and have a healthy discussion about what might have caused its extinction. We also touch briefly on rewilding, a topic to which we may devote an episode of its own.

https://mactireblog.wordpress.com

Cover photo by Ciaran McNamee

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In this episode, once again, we return to the subject of cycling. Our guest, Fiola Foley, has a great deal of experience when it comes to all aspects of cycling and the outdoors. In her outstanding career, Fiola has been a pro athlete, worked as a race organizer and spent time working for BMC Switzerland, a world-leading performance cycling brand. Currently, she is the Communications and PR manager for Komoot, an outdoor app. During the podcast, we talk about bicycle manufacturing and what happens to the bicycle at the end of its life. We discuss land access issues and the availability of mountain bike trails in Ireland. We talk about racing up and down Ireland’s highest mountain peak, Carrauntoohil. We also mention the importance of Recreation Officers in county councils. (Listen to episode 22 where I talk to Brian Fennell, one of the few Recreation Officers in Ireland.) Obviously, we also discuss Komoot and how it can help us experience the outdoors.

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In recent weeks the news and media have been filled with reports about protesters demanding action on climate change. So, in the interest of covering important and current events related to the outdoors, once again, I am bringing you a recording of a talk. This time the speaker is the campaigning journalist and climate change activist John Gibbons. You can find out more about John and his work by visiting his blog https://thinkorswim.ie. The talk was recorded during the March Green Drinks event hosted by The Dublin Branch of The Irish Wildlife Trust.

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It all started on Twitter. Shaun contacted me and casually suggested that I record an episode of the podcast from South Africa. We exchanged a few messages and Shaun sent me a few photos. It quickly became obvious that he could talk for hours about riding a mountain bike in the stunning landscapes of South African game reserves. In the episode, Shaun describes not only the South African mountain biking scene but we also talk about encounters with African wildlife. Yes, it’s pretty scary at times! This episode undoubtedly can give you an idea for a bucket list mountain biking trip.

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I was introduced to Paul Carroll by one of our mutual friends. He couldn’t speak highly enough about Paul’s initiative called Rebike. So, I sat down with Paul in his Greenway Café in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and talked about Rebike Ireland. In a nutshell, Paul collects broken and unused bicycles that otherwise would end up in a landfill. He then repairs them and donates them to schools, charity organizations or individuals in need. In the podcast, we talk about rebike beginnings, how a simple bicycle can change a person’s life, as well as the environmental and social impacts of Paul’s work. All that with the Waterford Greenway (covered in episode 10) in the background.

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Today we’ve got something a little bit different. Instead of a guest, I have brought you a recording of a live talk by Pádraic Fogarty from Irish Wildlife Trust titled: Whittled Away, Ireland's Vanishing Nature. Pádraic is also the author of the book with the same title and I had the pleasure to chat with him last year on episode 20 of the podcast.Last Wednesday, Pádraic was invited to give the talk to the Kildare branch of BirdWatch Ireland and I thought it was a pity that they weren’t planning to stream or even record it. So I contacted organisers Brendan Murphy and Tom McCormack from BirdWatch Ireland and, with their permission recorded it. So, here you have it. Irish Wildlife Trust, Campaign Officer, Pádraic Fogarty and his talk for the Kildare branch of BirdWatch Ireland: “Whittled Away, Ireland’s Vanishing Nature”.Oh, and don’t forget to buy the book!

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Some of you might remember Kuba from episode 12 of the podcast where we talked about his hand-made fishing lures. We ended that episode teasing about Kuba’s planned to cycle through the Sahara desert to reach his bucket list fishing destination. Well, Kuba is back and in this episode, we talk about that cycling and fishing adventure. It is really great to hear his stories from exotic countries. The cycle was also a fundraiser for aware.ie, a voluntary organization which aims to assist people whose lives are affected by depression. Please go and donate without hesitation!

https://www.piratelures.com

https://www.aware.ie

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