Why are people so opposed to the term "rewilding" when it can inspire action for nature restoration? How can we communicate conservation issues without alienating the very people we need to reach? And what happens when a creative professional decides to transform four fields in Wicklow into a biodiversity haven while documenting every step for others to follow?
In this outdoor episode, we sit down with Jack Morley in his rewilding project in Wicklow to explore these questions and more. Jack brings a fresh perspective to nature communication, drawing on his background in advertising and film to reach audiences beyond the usual conservation choir. He's passionate about positive messaging, believing that doom and gloom narratives only preach to the converted whilst switching off those who could become tomorrow's nature champions. His approach focuses on inspiration rather than education, using enthusiasm and accessible language to engage people who might not even realise they care about Irish wildlife.
Jack's land showcases remarkable habitat diversity across just five acres - from native woodland plantations using both traditional and Miyawaki methods, to wildflower meadows that proved more challenging than expected. He's creating wetlands, managing microhabitats with log piles and standing deadwood, and dealing with the realities of river water quality changes. The conversation reveals the practical challenges of habitat creation, from Yorkshire fog domination in meadows to the ongoing debate about active management versus natural regeneration. Jack's documentation of "Ireland's Nature Heroes" on social media highlights the groundswell of conservation work happening across the country, work that often goes unnoticed but deserves celebration.
Further reading:
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.