Western Australia by nature

The ‘save the bees’ movement has gained remarkable traction lately, encouraging people to think beyond the European honey bee. We talk with Dr Kit Prendergast about Australia’s 1700 species of native bees and how we can help expand bee-friendly gardens to include ground-nesting species.

Innovative scientists are recording sounds of Western Australia’s forests in the south-west to uncover clues about what types of species occur there and how the environment changes throughout the day. Guest host Alan Gill chats with scientist Lauren Hawkins about how her work is helping detect creatures that might otherwise hard to see.  

Dibblers are energetic bundles of grey fur that have been a favourite of Perth Zoo staff in the science team involved in breeding the small marsupials for release to the wild. The breed-for-release program has been such a success it has now closed. Harriet Mills from Perth Zoo talks about her beloved dibblers and other breed for release programs around Western Australia

Andrew Paul’s passionate and excitement to explore, share and protect the beauty of Western Australia with the Mount Lawley Senior High School’s Bush Rangers cadet unit has not waned in 25 years.  

Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara is gorgeous country, and quintessentially central Australian with its red dirt, hummock grasslands and array of desert animals. Our guest  is Simon Cherriman, famed ornithologist and regular visitor to Matuwa. He has been working with the Wiluna Martu Rangers and school for several years along with other scientists.

The Swan Canning Riverpark in the Perth region but the river is facing a variety of stressors from contaminants, including plastic pollution. We talk with Zoe Beeson and Peter Novak about single-plastics and what we can do to help. 

Western Australia's long-distance trails are beloved by locals and visitors. It takes an army of volunteers to maintain these tracks and we speak to two people from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation about just what it takes to coordinate all these volunteer efforts and keep our world-class trails in world-class shape. 

Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are among the world’s most endangered pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses) and the only pinniped endemic to Australia. Unfortunately research shows their numbers continue to decline. A collaboration between scientists, a cartoonist, a fashion designer and students has resulted in a creative conservation fundraising and awareness program that is having continued success and growth. 

Myth and literature are filled with associations between women, flowers and gardens but throughout history the study of botany and medicine was largely associated with men. today In this episode, we hear from a few modern women who work with plants and learn about the surprising role women played in the scientific endeavours in the plant world throughout history. 

In this episode we speak with Dr John Huisman whose contagious passion for seaweeds and marine botany mirrors that of one of history's most important phycologists William Henry Harvey. Dr Huisman shares his love for seaweeds and quite convincingly proves that seaweeds have a strong role to play in our future - both above and below the ocean. 

With Western Australian borders shut for some time to international and interstate travellers, the impact has been felt by the Aboriginal tourism sector. As locals enthusiastically ‘wander out yonder’, we are encouraged to see the State through the eyes of Traditional Owner and add a cultural experience to our intrastate itinerary. Hear from some incredible Aboriginal cultural tour operators.  

Interpretation in national parks is more than just signage, it helps us connect with the natural and cultural values. We speak with Lorna Charlton and Jacki Baxter about how interpretation helps us elevate our connection with nature.  

Hear from researcher Dr Chris Surman as he explores the wonders of the Houtman Abrolhos islands and the incredible seabirds that have brought him back to the islands every nesting season for 30 years. Chris's childhood friend and fellow bird lover, Anthony Desmond, collaborates with Chris and shares his experiences with the fascinating seabirds of the Houtman Abrolhos. 

Join marine rangers, scientists and snorkelers as we dive below the surface at Marmion Marine Park to explore the MAAC snorkel trail