October 23, 2024 • 38 mins
This week's Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the pressing issues of rising wildlife crime and animal cruelty in the UK, highlighted by alarming incidents involving the shooting of protected species like otters. Host Nigel Palmer discusses a private member's bill introduced by Labour MP Ruth Jones aimed at banning the import and sale of fur products in the UK, showcasing growing public concern over the fur trade. The episode also explores the mysterious deaths of swans along a London canal, raising questions about potential poisoning or pollution. Additionally, listeners are invited to enjoy mindful moments in nature as the podcast celebrates the iconic British robin. The episode concludes with the first part of a series focusing on the magnificent oak tree, exploring its ecological significance and deep-rooted connections to British culture and history.
Autumn brings a special charm to the UK, and as the leaves begin to change, Nigel Palmer welcomes listeners to the Wildlife Matters podcast with a celebration of all things nature. In this edition, the spotlight shines on the iconic oak tree, a symbol of strength and longevity in British culture. The episode explores the deep-rooted relationship between oaks and the landscape, revealing how these magnificent trees have influenced folklore, architecture, and even local economies throughout history. Listeners are treated to insights into the oak's biological traits, its role as a habitat for diverse species, and the significance of its acorns, which support various wildlife. As the discussion unfolds, Nigel also addresses pressing wildlife concerns, including rising wildlife crime and the recent mystery surrounding the deaths of swans in London, emphasizing the need for collective action in protecting our natural heritage.
The heart of this episode lies in the exploration of the oak tree's ecological and cultural importance. Nigel delves into the many species that rely on oak trees for habitat, from insects to birds, and highlights how the tree's robust structure supports a thriving ecosystem. The conversation also touches on the oak's historical significance, such as its use in shipbuilding and its revered status in ancient cultures. As the podcast transitions to current events, listeners learn about Ruth Jones's bill aimed at banning fur imports in the UK and the alarming reports of youth engaging in wildlife cruelty. This blend of nature appreciation and urgent wildlife advocacy creates a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with anyone passionate about the environment.
Takeaways:
- The Wildlife Matters podcast explores the rising concerns of wildlife crime and animal cruelty in the UK, highlighting recent incidents that demand immediate action.
- A private member's bill presented by Labour MP Ruth Jones aims to ban the importation of animal fur products in the UK, a significant step toward animal welfare.
- The podcast discusses the alarming increase in reports of wildlife crime, including a disturbing case where youths shot at protected otters in Cumbria.
- Over 25 swans have died mysteriously along a London canal, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause, including potential poisoning or pollution.
- Listeners are informed about the majestic oak tree's importance both ecologically and culturally, emphasizing its role in British heritage and wildlife habitats.
- The episode features a mindful moment, focusing on the iconic British robin and its significance in local gardens and folklore.
Links referenced in this episode:
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:26):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
I'm your host, Nigel Palmer.
It's autumn here in the UK,which is undoubtedly one of my favourite
times of the year.
It's not that cold yet.
In fact, it's been up to 20.
Degrees here in the south of England.
During the last week or so,and yesterday I even found a confused
(00:50):
cowslip flowering away in alocal meadow.
We kick off series five forthe autumn and winter of 24 and 25
with a look at the best knowntree in the UK, the magnificent and
mighty oak.
As part of our series, theTrees of Great Britain, we will also
(01:12):
spend some time in nature withmindful moments with what must be
one of the most iconic gardenbirds in this country, and preview
what's in store for you inseries five of the Wildlife Matters
podcast.
But before all that, let'shead over.
To the news desk for the latest.
(01:33):
Update in this week's WildlifeMatters Nature.
News.
(01:56):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's IG Wildlife Matters and nature
news.
This week we'll investigateclaims that wildlife crime and animal
cruelty are rising in the UK.
We also look into themysterious deaths of swans and other
birds on a London canal.
But first, let's examine thebill from Labour MP Ruth Jones to
(02:18):
ban fur products from the UK,which is set to go before current
parliament.
Riv Jones is the MP forNewport west.
She presented a privatemember's bill to.
Parliament on Wednesday,October 16.
The bill calls for a ban onthe import of animal fur products
(02:38):
to the UK.
Misses Jones was one of 20mp's to have their name successfully
drawn in this year's privatemembers ballot.
Private members bills givebackbench MP's such as misses Jones
the opportunity to bring forthdraft legislation for MP's to vote
on the issue surrounding theimport of animal fur is close to
(03:03):
Misses Jones Hart, as she wasthe Labour Party's shadow minister
for animal welfare before thissummer's general election, a role
in which.
She helped to scrutinise theConservatives record on the issue.
Ruth Jones Bill comes 21 yearsafter Tony Blair's Labour government
outlawed fur farming back in 2003.
(03:27):
Despite this, it is stilllegal to import and sell fur into
the United Kingdom.
Bruce Jones Bill proposes toextend existing bans on the trade
in fur from cats, dogs andseals to include animals such as
foxes, raccoon dogs, mink,chinchilla, coyotes and other animals
(03:50):
killed for fur fashion andprevent the important sale of all
animal fur.
Ruth Jones told wildlifematters that hundreds of my constituents
have contacted me withconcerns about Britain's part in
the cruel fur trade.
It's been more than 20 years since.
(04:11):
We banned fur farming in the UK.
But importing these productsfrom overseas remains illegal.
We can end this hypocrisy withthis bill I have presented to parliament
and I dedicate it to thepeople of Newport west and animal
campaigners across the countrywho believe in a kinder, safer and
(04:33):
fur free future for us all.
The Daily Mirror, which hasbeen running its fur free campaign
for many years now, hasdescribed the bill's introduction
as a huge win.
The Mirrors Furfree campaignhas attracted the support from various
celebrities, including DameJudi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir
(04:55):
Brian May and the broadcasterKirsty Gallagher.
The Fur Free Britain campaign,in partnership with the Humane Society
UK, has also gathered morethan 1.2 million petition signatures
to support its cause to date,if passed, this bill would ban the
importation of fur products toGreat Britain and the sale of fur
(05:19):
products in England.
Our second story this week isour look into the question that animal
cruelty appears to beincreasing in the UK.
This week, wildlife mattersreceived information on a reported
incident in Carlisle, wherethe youths were shooting at otters.
(05:40):
This incident is just one ofmany similar reports received recently,
which indicate a disturbingincrease in wildlife crime and animal
cruelty in the UK.
This is a matter of graveconcern and requires immediate attention
and action from us all.
(06:01):
This incident, which happenednear Sheep Mount.
In Cumbria, involved a mantrying to.
Stop the youths from shootingat otters with an air pistol.
This resulted in both the manand his dog being shot with an air
pistol in retaliation.
A spokesperson for the huntsaboteurs expressed their concern
(06:22):
over the deliberate targetingof otters, which are a protected
species with guns.
Lee Moon told wildlife Mattersthat shooting animals for fun is
cruel and totally unexpected.
The hunt sabs have urgedindividuals with.
Firsthand information aboutthe incident to report it to the
(06:43):
police.
This calls for collectiveaction to protect our wildlife and
prevent repeated incidents.
The RSPCA has recentlyreleased details of 896 incidents
reported to them between 2020and 2022.
Three that involved weapons.
(07:05):
It was crossbow attacksincreased with eleven incidents in
2023 compared to seven in theyear before.
Additionally, there was aslight increase in catapult for slingshot
incidents up to 28, and inCumbria, six incidents were reported
during this period.
(07:26):
Wildlife matters wants toemphasize that otters are protected
under the Wildlife andCountryside act of 1981 and the Conservation
of Habitat and SpeciesRegulations of 2017.
It is illegal to injure,capture, disturb.
(07:47):
Or to kill an otter intentionally.
But it's not only harmingotters that's illegal.
Damaging, destroying ordisrupting otters, their breeding
sites or shelters, even ifthey're not currently in use, is
also an illegal offence.
Wildlife groups are committedto prosecuting anyone caught harming
(08:10):
these and other protectedwildlife species.
And in our third story thisweek, we're looking into the mysterious
deaths of more than 25 swanswhich have been found dead on a canal
in London.
Swan support, a charitydedicated to swans and aquatic birds,
(08:31):
has informed wildlife mattersthat it received reports at the end
of September regarding severaldead birds found along the Grand
Union Canal at Bankside near Southall.
The charity has sincediscovered over 25 swans, 15 geese,
three ducks, two coots and amoorhen in the canal, which runs
(08:56):
through Uxbridge.
The mystery surrounding thedead birds has deepened as tests
on the first set of dead swansreturned negative for avian influenza,
which is also known as bird flu.
Swan support is not ruling outpoisoning or pollution, and along
with the community.
(09:16):
Group, Friends of the GrandUnion Canal is calling for an investment
investigation, which Defra hasnow confirmed they have launched.
A friend of Grand Union Canalspokesperson told us, our members
first reported dead swans onthe 24 September after heavy rain.
Since then, we have had manymore reports.
(09:38):
In fact, almost daily, Swansupport has been collecting the bodies
which we thank them for, butthis is very upsetting for their
volunteers and ours and ourlocal community, Swan support told
us, whilst we are willing torecover the bodies from the water,
(09:58):
we cannot cover the disposalcosts and it is not our responsibility
to do so.
Also, we do not know what weare dealing with.
It's an illness of some kindwhich is clearly spreading.
We can't be sure if bird fluis the cause or if it's a toxin in
the water and thereforeprecautions need to be taken to protect
(10:21):
those at swans already in ourcare and those we rescue outside
of this area.
A spokesperson for the Canaland River Trust said, we are concerned
by the reports of dead swansin west London.
Defra is the authorityresponsible for investigating potential
outbreaks of bird flu.
(10:42):
We do support their work byreporting dead birds to them and
following their directions on removal.
They also advise the publicnot to touch or pick up dead or visibly
sick birds, but to call theDefra helpline and that number is
03459 double three, doublefive, double seven.
(11:07):
That is zero three four fivenine three three five five seven.
A Defra animal and Planthealth agency spokesperson told wildlife
matters, we are aware ofseveral wild bird deaths in the Uxbridge
area in west London and areinvestigating these deaths as part
(11:27):
of our wild bird surveillanceprogram, wildlife matters will continue
to follow this and otherwildlife crime stories and report
on any new.
Issues we know of.
Please help support ourinvestigative journalism to stamp
out wildlife cruelty andcrime, and follow nature and wildlife
(11:48):
politicism in parliament bysupporting this podcast via our website,
ways to help page.
And that has been this week'swildlife Matters Nature news.
Now let's take a few momentsto immerse ourselves in nature in
this week's wildlife mattersmindful moments.
(12:28):
Today on wildlife matters andmindful moments, we'll be listening
to a small bird.
You may see in your garden local.
Park or woodlands here in theUK, both the male and female birds
hold.
Territories as a pair in the summer.
And as individuals in thewinter and they will fiercely defend
(12:50):
their territories, oftensinging loudly from prominent perches.
Unlike other birds, thesesmall birds sing.
All year round except for ashort period during midsummer whilst
they are in.
Moult and they are among the first.
To join the dawn chorus everymorning and are often the last to
(13:13):
stop singing every evening.
These birds are bold aroundpeople and.
May even approach you if youremain quiet.
Quiet enough?
Can you guess which bird we'retalking about?
Well, if not, let's take a few.
Moments to relax and enjoytheir beautiful.
Song in this week's wildlifematters mindful moments.
(13:47):
It so I'm sure most of you.
(15:10):
Would have guessed by now.
It's a delicate butdistinctive song with warbling notes,
whistles and clear pauses.
The song is soft and mournful in.
Autumn and winter, becomingclearer and more powerful in spring
and summer.
You may have heard thedistinctive tick.
(15:30):
Sound which is often repeatedduring their.
Calls throughout the year.
The population of these birdsin the UK has increased by 45% since
the 1970s and is continuing torise each year.
The biggest threat they faceis a prolonged severe winter.
(15:53):
During cold nights, they canlose up.
To 10% of their body weight just.
To keep warm and that can be.
Faithful if they cannotreplenish that fat reserves with
food.
Providing food during coldweather can help them and other garden
birds who will.
Appreciate any scraps or fatballs and.
(16:14):
Other food that you can putout for them.
If you haven't guessed yet, weare talking about the robin which
became the iconic bird ofChristmas during the victorian.
Era when postman werenicknamed robins due to their red
waistcoats.
Robins began to appear onChristmas cards to represent the
(16:37):
postman who delivered themfrom one icon of british wildlife
to another.
This week's a wildlife mattersmain feature is the first part of
our series on the trees ofGreat Britain, where we begin with
arguably our most iconic tree,the magnificent and mighty english
(17:02):
hoax.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's wildlife.
Matters, a main feature, andtoday we're.
Looking at the most populartree for most people in the whole
(17:25):
country, the mighty oak.
The ancient oak forests ofEngland hold a special place in our
hearts.
It is often said that Englandwas built on oak, and it's true that
the oak tree has played asignificant role in the nation's
development.
For centuries, our ancestorscarried acorns for good luck and
(17:50):
to ward off illness, and manyancient civilizations, including
the Greeks, Romans, Celts anddruids, believed that the oak tree
was magical.
And speaking of magic, theChristmas yule log initially was
an oak log decorated withmistletoe and holly, and it's a testament
(18:13):
to the tree's importance to humans.
Today, the oak tree'simpressive legacy can be seen in
prestigious oak wood buildingsand beautiful ancient oak furniture.
The reverse of the one poundcoin features an oak tree, and the
National Trust's emblem is asprig of oak leaves and acorns, and
(18:37):
the royal oak is one of themost popular names for pubs in the
whole of the UK.
The english oak tree, calledpendunculate oak, or quercus in Latin,
belongs to the beech family.
It is considered the king ofthe forest due to the impressive
height, age and strength ortraits that have contributed to it
(19:02):
being our national tree.
Oak trees have been around formuch longer than humans, dating back
about 300,000 years ago duringthe interglacial period.
Despite the shrinking woodlandareas, the english oak tree continues
to thrive and it is anintegral part of our natural heritage.
(19:27):
Oak trees are common in themidlands and throughout the south
and east of England.
Their broad, rounded crownsand grey fissured bark make them
easily recognizable.
These trees have been afavorite among children for generations,
with their branches oftengrowing low on the trunks they make,
(19:47):
which makes them perfect for climbing.
The British Isles have twonative oak species, quercus robur,
known as the common orpendunculate oak, and quercus petraea,
or the sessile oak.
Sessile oak is older and growsnaturally in upland areas, while
(20:10):
quercus roba, or penduncularoak, prefers the lower region.
To differentiate betweensessile and penduncular oak, you
need to look at their acorns.
Acorns from penduncular oakare borne on stalks, while those
from sessile oak are not.
Additionally, if you examinethe dead leaves on the tree during
(20:34):
winter, you'll notice that theleaf stalks are very short on a penduncular
oak oak tree buds resemblesmall nuts, arranged spirally on
the outer twigs and clusteredat the twig tips.
Oak leaves begin to emergebetween mid April and mid May.
They are quite distinctive,with three to six unequal thumb shaped
(20:57):
lobes on either side of theleaf, giving them that wavy edged
look.
Often, tiny discs made byinsects called galls appear on the
underside of the leaves, butthey do not seriously affect the
tree and the leaves fall offin October and November.
The leaves of the penduncularoak usually appear a few weeks earlier
(21:20):
than those of the sessile oak,and the difference in their leaves
are one of the.
Two ways to identify whichspecies of.
Oak the tree is sessile.
Oak leaves have a longer stalkand lack the ear lobes of the penduncular
toque at the bottom to theleaf next to the stalk.
Oaks grown on open land tendto spread out, while those surrounded
(21:44):
by other trees in a woodlandsetting tend to grow taller and stay
slim.
Oak trees have deep roots andcan withstand drought, and that may
be how oak will survive thecurrent climate change issues that
impact the UK and everycountry worldwide.
(22:04):
Oak trees prefer moist,mineral rich soil with a ph of 4.9
to 5.4.
Oak trees can tolerate waterlogging for long periods, and this
includes salt water.
Finding an oak tree that'sover 300 years old can be challenging,
since oaks were typicallypollarded in the past to provide
(22:27):
firewood and timber for new buildings.
The Newlands oak was thelargest english oak tree ever recorded.
When it fell, its trunkmeasured a staggering 45ft in circumference.
Today, the oldest oak tree inBritain stands in Sherwood Forest,
(22:50):
with a circumference of 33ftand weighing over 23 tons.
It is estimated to be around800 to 1000 years old.
Oakwood is solid and durable.
It's perfect for buildingframes, furniture, wine and spirit
(23:11):
barrels, and, of course, formaking charcoal.
You can still find oakfurniture that was made in the 14th
century for.
Sale, but it is as expensiveas it is beautiful.
Oak trees produce male flowersas slender, pale green catkins, while
(23:31):
female flowers are on spiked stalks.
This unique characteristic ofoak trees is a fascinating aspect
of their reproductive cycle.
During the summer, greenacorns develop and sit in a small
cup.
Oaks do not produce acornsevery year, but when they do, they
(23:52):
fall, usually leaving the cupbehind and turning brown as they
lie on the ground.
An oak tree typically startsproducing acorns between 25 and 40
years old and makes the mostduring its middle age, which is between
80 and 120 years.
As the oak tree ages, acorn production.
(24:13):
And overall growth slow downand the tree will start to lose branches
as it ages.
During early spring, an oaktree grows a primary shoot that leads
to the formation of twoopposite leaves.
Oak trees can grow to have amassive spread, which adds to their
grandeur.
The outer branches may die andfall, leaving behind decaying stumps.
(24:39):
Over time, oaks undergo anatural process called crown death,
where the highest branches dieback first.
As the tree ages, theheartwood of the main trunk also
dies and rots, but the treecan remain in good health.
This gives the ancient oaksthe distinct appearance of being
(25:01):
three quarters dead.
Once fallen, an acorns firsttask is to send out a red shoot that
roots in the ground andbecomes a central taproot.
This descends deeply in searchof water.
When it comes to acorns, thestalk lengths are reversed.
The pendunculate oak treebears acorns on long stalks or pedunces,
(25:27):
hence the name, while thesessile oak has clusters of acorns
on short stalks attacheddirectly to the outer twigs.
The pendunculate oak is moretolerant of extremes of climate.
It grows in valleys nearrivers and on dampen, moist land
that is not too acidic.
(25:48):
Its ability to root intoheavier soils is ecologically valuable
for its structure, improving,and drainage effects.
Its ability to root intoheavier soils is ecologically valuable
for its soil structure,improving and drainage effects.
The sessile oak grows in moreacidic, poorer soil conditions and
(26:11):
even sandy soils, but is muchless tolerant of flooding than the
pendunculot oak oak, however,it does thrive at higher altitudes.
Oaks are some of the mostimportant trees in the british countryside.
They provide a home to diversespecies crucial to the ecosystem.
Did you know that as many as284 species of insects can call a
(26:37):
single oak tree home?
We now know that oaks areessential for the survival of certain
butterfly species, such as thepurple hair streak and the purple
emperor acorn.
Eating animals like jays andsquirrels also play a vital role
in the spread of oaks whenthey bury the acorns in the ground,
(27:00):
allowing the trees topropagate and grow.
Oaks also serve as a habitatfor many british bat species, which
roost in their hollows duringthe day.
Some birds, such as thegreater spotted woodpeckers, spotted
flycatchers, and nuthatches,find food and shelter in oak trees,
(27:23):
making them an essential partof the ecosystem.
Wild primroses, bluebells,ransoms, or wild garlic and violets,
thrive in the rich soil foundbeneath oak trees.
Combining the trees deep rootsand the nutrients they extract from
the soil creates an idealenvironment for these delicate plants
(27:47):
to grow and flourish.
I've heard some ecologists saythat individual oaks should be designated
as nature reserves to continueproviding homes for all those species.
And overall, the oak tree'simportance in our ecosystems cannot
be overstated.
(28:08):
They are a vital part of ournatural heritage, supporting diverse
species that rely on them forfood, for shelter and indeed, for
life.
The oak tree has been anessential part of human history and
culture for centuries.
Druids used to worship in oakgroves and couples would get married
(28:30):
under the spreading branchesof an oak tree.
And today the oak is the mostcommon british native tree found
in woods and hedgerows.
No other tree has played suchan important role or been valued
by humans, even as an objectof worship and adjuration.
Traditionally cut from oak,the yule log was decorated with holly
(28:53):
and mistletoe for Christmas.
Acorns were carried as charmsto bring good luck and good health.
Oaks were pollarded forvarious reasons, mainly to encourage
the growth of large branchesat the crown, which could be used
for building timbers.
Oakwood is so durable androbust that it is prized for roof
(29:16):
timbers in great medievalgrain barns, churches and cathedrals
such as the one at Lincoln.
Green oak, or unseasoned oak,was invaluable for shipbuilding.
Great warships, such as HenryVIII's Mary Rose and the grace to
do were built almost entirelyout of Oakland.
(29:38):
And in 1812, over 2000, matureoak trees were used to make just
one ship, called the Great Britain.
Whole.
Forests of pollarded oak werereserved for naval shipyards, and
some, like my local ancientwoodland at Ebono in West Sussex,
(29:59):
still survive from ancient tomedieval times.
Pigs were moved into pasturewoodland to feed on acorns in the
autumn.
The right to graze pigs, knownas pannage, was often keenly disputed
and jealously guarded.
It meant that extensive oakforests were maintained because of
(30:20):
the acorn crop.
This function was valuable forthe woodland and brought significant
value to local communities.
Oaks had sacred significancein many cultures, like the holy oak
of Ireland at Dumanigo, thekings of Tara in Ireland met under
the oak trees.
(30:41):
The presence of holy oakgroves, where celtic people worshipped,
was well known in classicaltimes and commented on by writers
such as Strabo and Pliny.
The earliest christian synodin England met at St Augustine's
Oak in Herefordshire.
(31:01):
People believe that fairiesinhabit oak trees.
And that if you see a hole.
In the trunk, it was said to.
Be a fairy door, which could have.
Been caused by fallen branchesand you should rub your hands on
the hole if you want to callon the fairies.
But a word of caution thisshould only be done to pay your respects
(31:24):
or to ask for their help.
Many local superstitions areassociated with oak trees.
For example, fairies werebelieved to dance around the herns
oak in Windsor Great park.
Foresters and woodmen'sfamilies used to announce the deaths
to the nearest oak tree, whichwas said to strengthen the surviving
(31:47):
family.
Planting an acorn during adark moon phase was believed to bring
wealth and prosperity, andhanging an acorn around a child's
neck was considered to protectthem from harm.
Changes in the colour of oakleaves were said to be a sign of
(32:08):
impending disaster.
If you had to cut down an oaktree, it was recommended to do so
during the waning moon phaseand only when the wind comes from.
The North British Isles arehome to thousands of place names
associated with oak trees,another testament to the close relationship
(32:29):
between oak trees and people.
Many farms, fields and villagenames have a heritage that reflects
this association.
If you look at an ordnancesurvey map, you can find ancient
oak trees grown in places suchas broad oak or great oak farm, or
(32:49):
on the lanes that lead tothose farms.
If a place name starts withthe letters ac, it is likely to be
linked to oak trees.
For instance, Acton Bridge inCheshire means settlement by a bridge
where the oaks grow.
Acle in Norfolk means oak wood.
(33:10):
Acrees in kent means oak copse.
Accrington in Lancashire meanssettlement where acorns are found.
Aquilat mere in Staffordshiremeans oak glade mere.
The place names in Irelandalso reflect this association, as
Derry indicates an oak wood,whilst kildare means church of the
(33:34):
oak.
Derwent, as in Derwent andDerwent water in Cumbria comes from
an old celtic word, derva,which means river or lake by which
oaks grow.
And finally, coptoc in suffolkmeans coppiced oak or oak rising
to a summit.
(33:58):
Oaks were also said to beindicators of weather patterns.
Gods associated with oak treesare also associated with storms,
especially thunder.
Due to its height and its lowresistance to electricity, oak trees
are far more likely to bestruck by lightning than any other
(34:18):
tree.
According to folklore,lightning is significant because
people think God struck thetree to leave mistletoe behind.
The old irish rhyme called the oak.
And the ash is said to predict.
The weather based on whichtrees leaves appear first.
If the oak is before the ash,then we'll only have a splash.
(34:42):
If the ash is before the oak.
Then we'll surely have a soak.
Throughout many generations,the people of the United Kingdom
and Ireland have developed aprofound connection with oak trees.
Oak trees have played asignificant role in folklore, mythology
(35:03):
and practical applicationssuch as shipbuilding, house building
and furniture making.
I do hope you've enjoyedlearning about.
The rich history and ecologyof oak trees and the close relationship
with generations of people whohave lived beside them for so long
here in the UK.
(35:24):
And that has been this week'swildlife matters main feature.
Well, I hope you enjoyed ourtribute to the magnificent oak tree
(35:44):
and learned something newabout these majestic standing icons
of the british landscape.
In series five of the wildlifeMatters podcast, we will feature
interviews with somefascinating people who are passionate
about wildlife.
And nature in Britain.
From birds to badgers, frombig cats to raptors, from wildlife
(36:08):
crime to wildlife rescues.
We have some fantasticinterviews for you.
We look forward to sharingsome of our own work too, with episodes
on woodpeckers and beautifulbadgers and fabulous boxes.
And then join me for an epictwo part adventure as we will explore.
(36:31):
One of southern Britain'soldest and wildest nature reserves.
We will also bring you somefun storytelling for Christmas and
look forward to the lightreturning at the end of the series
as we celebrate the spring equinox.
Before we go, a reminder thatyou can now find the Wildlife Matters
(36:51):
podcast.
On YouTube and the we will be.
Launching videos of our walks,talks and adventures to the Wildlife
Matters YouTube channel in thenear future.
So please hop on over toYouTube and subscribe so you don't
miss a single video or podcast.
And of course, the wildlifematters podcast can be found on Apple,
(37:14):
Spotify and all good podcast platforms.
Or you can listen to us us.
Via our substack and Patreonpages or directly from our website,
which is www.wildlifematters.org.
that's www.
Dot wildlife hyphenmatters.org.
(37:38):
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(37:59):
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that'sinfo@wildlifematters.org and wildlife
(38:19):
matters will return.
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Keep safe wild ones.
I've been your host, NigelPalmer and this is wildlife matters
signing off.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
I'm your host, Nigel Palmer.
It's autumn here in the UK,which is undoubtedly one of my favourite
times of the year.
It's not that cold yet.
In fact, it's been up to 20.
Degrees here in the south of England.
During the last week or so,and yesterday I even found a confused
(00:50):
cowslip flowering away in alocal meadow.
We kick off series five forthe autumn and winter of 24 and 25
with a look at the best knowntree in the UK, the magnificent and
mighty oak.
As part of our series, theTrees of Great Britain, we will also
(01:12):
spend some time in nature withmindful moments with what must be
one of the most iconic gardenbirds in this country, and preview
what's in store for you inseries five of the Wildlife Matters
podcast.
But before all that, let'shead over.
To the news desk for the latest.
(01:33):
Update in this week's WildlifeMatters Nature.
News.
(01:56):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's IG Wildlife Matters and nature
news.
This week we'll investigateclaims that wildlife crime and animal
cruelty are rising in the UK.
We also look into themysterious deaths of swans and other
birds on a London canal.
But first, let's examine thebill from Labour MP Ruth Jones to
(02:18):
ban fur products from the UK,which is set to go before current
parliament.
Riv Jones is the MP forNewport west.
She presented a privatemember's bill to.
Parliament on Wednesday,October 16.
The bill calls for a ban onthe import of animal fur products
(02:38):
to the UK.
Misses Jones was one of 20mp's to have their name successfully
drawn in this year's privatemembers ballot.
Private members bills givebackbench MP's such as misses Jones
the opportunity to bring forthdraft legislation for MP's to vote
on the issue surrounding theimport of animal fur is close to
(03:03):
Misses Jones Hart, as she wasthe Labour Party's shadow minister
for animal welfare before thissummer's general election, a role
in which.
She helped to scrutinise theConservatives record on the issue.
Ruth Jones Bill comes 21 yearsafter Tony Blair's Labour government
outlawed fur farming back in 2003.
(03:27):
Despite this, it is stilllegal to import and sell fur into
the United Kingdom.
Bruce Jones Bill proposes toextend existing bans on the trade
in fur from cats, dogs andseals to include animals such as
foxes, raccoon dogs, mink,chinchilla, coyotes and other animals
(03:50):
killed for fur fashion andprevent the important sale of all
animal fur.
Ruth Jones told wildlifematters that hundreds of my constituents
have contacted me withconcerns about Britain's part in
the cruel fur trade.
It's been more than 20 years since.
(04:11):
We banned fur farming in the UK.
But importing these productsfrom overseas remains illegal.
We can end this hypocrisy withthis bill I have presented to parliament
and I dedicate it to thepeople of Newport west and animal
campaigners across the countrywho believe in a kinder, safer and
(04:33):
fur free future for us all.
The Daily Mirror, which hasbeen running its fur free campaign
for many years now, hasdescribed the bill's introduction
as a huge win.
The Mirrors Furfree campaignhas attracted the support from various
celebrities, including DameJudi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir
(04:55):
Brian May and the broadcasterKirsty Gallagher.
The Fur Free Britain campaign,in partnership with the Humane Society
UK, has also gathered morethan 1.2 million petition signatures
to support its cause to date,if passed, this bill would ban the
importation of fur products toGreat Britain and the sale of fur
(05:19):
products in England.
Our second story this week isour look into the question that animal
cruelty appears to beincreasing in the UK.
This week, wildlife mattersreceived information on a reported
incident in Carlisle, wherethe youths were shooting at otters.
(05:40):
This incident is just one ofmany similar reports received recently,
which indicate a disturbingincrease in wildlife crime and animal
cruelty in the UK.
This is a matter of graveconcern and requires immediate attention
and action from us all.
(06:01):
This incident, which happenednear Sheep Mount.
In Cumbria, involved a mantrying to.
Stop the youths from shootingat otters with an air pistol.
This resulted in both the manand his dog being shot with an air
pistol in retaliation.
A spokesperson for the huntsaboteurs expressed their concern
(06:22):
over the deliberate targetingof otters, which are a protected
species with guns.
Lee Moon told wildlife Mattersthat shooting animals for fun is
cruel and totally unexpected.
The hunt sabs have urgedindividuals with.
Firsthand information aboutthe incident to report it to the
(06:43):
police.
This calls for collectiveaction to protect our wildlife and
prevent repeated incidents.
The RSPCA has recentlyreleased details of 896 incidents
reported to them between 2020and 2022.
Three that involved weapons.
(07:05):
It was crossbow attacksincreased with eleven incidents in
2023 compared to seven in theyear before.
Additionally, there was aslight increase in catapult for slingshot
incidents up to 28, and inCumbria, six incidents were reported
during this period.
(07:26):
Wildlife matters wants toemphasize that otters are protected
under the Wildlife andCountryside act of 1981 and the Conservation
of Habitat and SpeciesRegulations of 2017.
It is illegal to injure,capture, disturb.
(07:47):
Or to kill an otter intentionally.
But it's not only harmingotters that's illegal.
Damaging, destroying ordisrupting otters, their breeding
sites or shelters, even ifthey're not currently in use, is
also an illegal offence.
Wildlife groups are committedto prosecuting anyone caught harming
(08:10):
these and other protectedwildlife species.
And in our third story thisweek, we're looking into the mysterious
deaths of more than 25 swanswhich have been found dead on a canal
in London.
Swan support, a charitydedicated to swans and aquatic birds,
(08:31):
has informed wildlife mattersthat it received reports at the end
of September regarding severaldead birds found along the Grand
Union Canal at Bankside near Southall.
The charity has sincediscovered over 25 swans, 15 geese,
three ducks, two coots and amoorhen in the canal, which runs
(08:56):
through Uxbridge.
The mystery surrounding thedead birds has deepened as tests
on the first set of dead swansreturned negative for avian influenza,
which is also known as bird flu.
Swan support is not ruling outpoisoning or pollution, and along
with the community.
(09:16):
Group, Friends of the GrandUnion Canal is calling for an investment
investigation, which Defra hasnow confirmed they have launched.
A friend of Grand Union Canalspokesperson told us, our members
first reported dead swans onthe 24 September after heavy rain.
Since then, we have had manymore reports.
(09:38):
In fact, almost daily, Swansupport has been collecting the bodies
which we thank them for, butthis is very upsetting for their
volunteers and ours and ourlocal community, Swan support told
us, whilst we are willing torecover the bodies from the water,
(09:58):
we cannot cover the disposalcosts and it is not our responsibility
to do so.
Also, we do not know what weare dealing with.
It's an illness of some kindwhich is clearly spreading.
We can't be sure if bird fluis the cause or if it's a toxin in
the water and thereforeprecautions need to be taken to protect
(10:21):
those at swans already in ourcare and those we rescue outside
of this area.
A spokesperson for the Canaland River Trust said, we are concerned
by the reports of dead swansin west London.
Defra is the authorityresponsible for investigating potential
outbreaks of bird flu.
(10:42):
We do support their work byreporting dead birds to them and
following their directions on removal.
They also advise the publicnot to touch or pick up dead or visibly
sick birds, but to call theDefra helpline and that number is
03459 double three, doublefive, double seven.
(11:07):
That is zero three four fivenine three three five five seven.
A Defra animal and Planthealth agency spokesperson told wildlife
matters, we are aware ofseveral wild bird deaths in the Uxbridge
area in west London and areinvestigating these deaths as part
(11:27):
of our wild bird surveillanceprogram, wildlife matters will continue
to follow this and otherwildlife crime stories and report
on any new.
Issues we know of.
Please help support ourinvestigative journalism to stamp
out wildlife cruelty andcrime, and follow nature and wildlife
(11:48):
politicism in parliament bysupporting this podcast via our website,
ways to help page.
And that has been this week'swildlife Matters Nature news.
Now let's take a few momentsto immerse ourselves in nature in
this week's wildlife mattersmindful moments.
(12:28):
Today on wildlife matters andmindful moments, we'll be listening
to a small bird.
You may see in your garden local.
Park or woodlands here in theUK, both the male and female birds
hold.
Territories as a pair in the summer.
And as individuals in thewinter and they will fiercely defend
(12:50):
their territories, oftensinging loudly from prominent perches.
Unlike other birds, thesesmall birds sing.
All year round except for ashort period during midsummer whilst
they are in.
Moult and they are among the first.
To join the dawn chorus everymorning and are often the last to
(13:13):
stop singing every evening.
These birds are bold aroundpeople and.
May even approach you if youremain quiet.
Quiet enough?
Can you guess which bird we'retalking about?
Well, if not, let's take a few.
Moments to relax and enjoytheir beautiful.
Song in this week's wildlifematters mindful moments.
(13:47):
It so I'm sure most of you.
(15:10):
Would have guessed by now.
It's a delicate butdistinctive song with warbling notes,
whistles and clear pauses.
The song is soft and mournful in.
Autumn and winter, becomingclearer and more powerful in spring
and summer.
You may have heard thedistinctive tick.
(15:30):
Sound which is often repeatedduring their.
Calls throughout the year.
The population of these birdsin the UK has increased by 45% since
the 1970s and is continuing torise each year.
The biggest threat they faceis a prolonged severe winter.
(15:53):
During cold nights, they canlose up.
To 10% of their body weight just.
To keep warm and that can be.
Faithful if they cannotreplenish that fat reserves with
food.
Providing food during coldweather can help them and other garden
birds who will.
Appreciate any scraps or fatballs and.
(16:14):
Other food that you can putout for them.
If you haven't guessed yet, weare talking about the robin which
became the iconic bird ofChristmas during the victorian.
Era when postman werenicknamed robins due to their red
waistcoats.
Robins began to appear onChristmas cards to represent the
(16:37):
postman who delivered themfrom one icon of british wildlife
to another.
This week's a wildlife mattersmain feature is the first part of
our series on the trees ofGreat Britain, where we begin with
arguably our most iconic tree,the magnificent and mighty english
(17:02):
hoax.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's wildlife.
Matters, a main feature, andtoday we're.
Looking at the most populartree for most people in the whole
(17:25):
country, the mighty oak.
The ancient oak forests ofEngland hold a special place in our
hearts.
It is often said that Englandwas built on oak, and it's true that
the oak tree has played asignificant role in the nation's
development.
For centuries, our ancestorscarried acorns for good luck and
(17:50):
to ward off illness, and manyancient civilizations, including
the Greeks, Romans, Celts anddruids, believed that the oak tree
was magical.
And speaking of magic, theChristmas yule log initially was
an oak log decorated withmistletoe and holly, and it's a testament
(18:13):
to the tree's importance to humans.
Today, the oak tree'simpressive legacy can be seen in
prestigious oak wood buildingsand beautiful ancient oak furniture.
The reverse of the one poundcoin features an oak tree, and the
National Trust's emblem is asprig of oak leaves and acorns, and
(18:37):
the royal oak is one of themost popular names for pubs in the
whole of the UK.
The english oak tree, calledpendunculate oak, or quercus in Latin,
belongs to the beech family.
It is considered the king ofthe forest due to the impressive
height, age and strength ortraits that have contributed to it
(19:02):
being our national tree.
Oak trees have been around formuch longer than humans, dating back
about 300,000 years ago duringthe interglacial period.
Despite the shrinking woodlandareas, the english oak tree continues
to thrive and it is anintegral part of our natural heritage.
(19:27):
Oak trees are common in themidlands and throughout the south
and east of England.
Their broad, rounded crownsand grey fissured bark make them
easily recognizable.
These trees have been afavorite among children for generations,
with their branches oftengrowing low on the trunks they make,
(19:47):
which makes them perfect for climbing.
The British Isles have twonative oak species, quercus robur,
known as the common orpendunculate oak, and quercus petraea,
or the sessile oak.
Sessile oak is older and growsnaturally in upland areas, while
(20:10):
quercus roba, or penduncularoak, prefers the lower region.
To differentiate betweensessile and penduncular oak, you
need to look at their acorns.
Acorns from penduncular oakare borne on stalks, while those
from sessile oak are not.
Additionally, if you examinethe dead leaves on the tree during
(20:34):
winter, you'll notice that theleaf stalks are very short on a penduncular
oak oak tree buds resemblesmall nuts, arranged spirally on
the outer twigs and clusteredat the twig tips.
Oak leaves begin to emergebetween mid April and mid May.
They are quite distinctive,with three to six unequal thumb shaped
(20:57):
lobes on either side of theleaf, giving them that wavy edged
look.
Often, tiny discs made byinsects called galls appear on the
underside of the leaves, butthey do not seriously affect the
tree and the leaves fall offin October and November.
The leaves of the penduncularoak usually appear a few weeks earlier
(21:20):
than those of the sessile oak,and the difference in their leaves
are one of the.
Two ways to identify whichspecies of.
Oak the tree is sessile.
Oak leaves have a longer stalkand lack the ear lobes of the penduncular
toque at the bottom to theleaf next to the stalk.
Oaks grown on open land tendto spread out, while those surrounded
(21:44):
by other trees in a woodlandsetting tend to grow taller and stay
slim.
Oak trees have deep roots andcan withstand drought, and that may
be how oak will survive thecurrent climate change issues that
impact the UK and everycountry worldwide.
(22:04):
Oak trees prefer moist,mineral rich soil with a ph of 4.9
to 5.4.
Oak trees can tolerate waterlogging for long periods, and this
includes salt water.
Finding an oak tree that'sover 300 years old can be challenging,
since oaks were typicallypollarded in the past to provide
(22:27):
firewood and timber for new buildings.
The Newlands oak was thelargest english oak tree ever recorded.
When it fell, its trunkmeasured a staggering 45ft in circumference.
Today, the oldest oak tree inBritain stands in Sherwood Forest,
(22:50):
with a circumference of 33ftand weighing over 23 tons.
It is estimated to be around800 to 1000 years old.
Oakwood is solid and durable.
It's perfect for buildingframes, furniture, wine and spirit
(23:11):
barrels, and, of course, formaking charcoal.
You can still find oakfurniture that was made in the 14th
century for.
Sale, but it is as expensiveas it is beautiful.
Oak trees produce male flowersas slender, pale green catkins, while
(23:31):
female flowers are on spiked stalks.
This unique characteristic ofoak trees is a fascinating aspect
of their reproductive cycle.
During the summer, greenacorns develop and sit in a small
cup.
Oaks do not produce acornsevery year, but when they do, they
(23:52):
fall, usually leaving the cupbehind and turning brown as they
lie on the ground.
An oak tree typically startsproducing acorns between 25 and 40
years old and makes the mostduring its middle age, which is between
80 and 120 years.
As the oak tree ages, acorn production.
(24:13):
And overall growth slow downand the tree will start to lose branches
as it ages.
During early spring, an oaktree grows a primary shoot that leads
to the formation of twoopposite leaves.
Oak trees can grow to have amassive spread, which adds to their
grandeur.
The outer branches may die andfall, leaving behind decaying stumps.
(24:39):
Over time, oaks undergo anatural process called crown death,
where the highest branches dieback first.
As the tree ages, theheartwood of the main trunk also
dies and rots, but the treecan remain in good health.
This gives the ancient oaksthe distinct appearance of being
(25:01):
three quarters dead.
Once fallen, an acorns firsttask is to send out a red shoot that
roots in the ground andbecomes a central taproot.
This descends deeply in searchof water.
When it comes to acorns, thestalk lengths are reversed.
The pendunculate oak treebears acorns on long stalks or pedunces,
(25:27):
hence the name, while thesessile oak has clusters of acorns
on short stalks attacheddirectly to the outer twigs.
The pendunculate oak is moretolerant of extremes of climate.
It grows in valleys nearrivers and on dampen, moist land
that is not too acidic.
(25:48):
Its ability to root intoheavier soils is ecologically valuable
for its structure, improving,and drainage effects.
Its ability to root intoheavier soils is ecologically valuable
for its soil structure,improving and drainage effects.
The sessile oak grows in moreacidic, poorer soil conditions and
(26:11):
even sandy soils, but is muchless tolerant of flooding than the
pendunculot oak oak, however,it does thrive at higher altitudes.
Oaks are some of the mostimportant trees in the british countryside.
They provide a home to diversespecies crucial to the ecosystem.
Did you know that as many as284 species of insects can call a
(26:37):
single oak tree home?
We now know that oaks areessential for the survival of certain
butterfly species, such as thepurple hair streak and the purple
emperor acorn.
Eating animals like jays andsquirrels also play a vital role
in the spread of oaks whenthey bury the acorns in the ground,
(27:00):
allowing the trees topropagate and grow.
Oaks also serve as a habitatfor many british bat species, which
roost in their hollows duringthe day.
Some birds, such as thegreater spotted woodpeckers, spotted
flycatchers, and nuthatches,find food and shelter in oak trees,
(27:23):
making them an essential partof the ecosystem.
Wild primroses, bluebells,ransoms, or wild garlic and violets,
thrive in the rich soil foundbeneath oak trees.
Combining the trees deep rootsand the nutrients they extract from
the soil creates an idealenvironment for these delicate plants
(27:47):
to grow and flourish.
I've heard some ecologists saythat individual oaks should be designated
as nature reserves to continueproviding homes for all those species.
And overall, the oak tree'simportance in our ecosystems cannot
be overstated.
(28:08):
They are a vital part of ournatural heritage, supporting diverse
species that rely on them forfood, for shelter and indeed, for
life.
The oak tree has been anessential part of human history and
culture for centuries.
Druids used to worship in oakgroves and couples would get married
(28:30):
under the spreading branchesof an oak tree.
And today the oak is the mostcommon british native tree found
in woods and hedgerows.
No other tree has played suchan important role or been valued
by humans, even as an objectof worship and adjuration.
Traditionally cut from oak,the yule log was decorated with holly
(28:53):
and mistletoe for Christmas.
Acorns were carried as charmsto bring good luck and good health.
Oaks were pollarded forvarious reasons, mainly to encourage
the growth of large branchesat the crown, which could be used
for building timbers.
Oakwood is so durable androbust that it is prized for roof
(29:16):
timbers in great medievalgrain barns, churches and cathedrals
such as the one at Lincoln.
Green oak, or unseasoned oak,was invaluable for shipbuilding.
Great warships, such as HenryVIII's Mary Rose and the grace to
do were built almost entirelyout of Oakland.
(29:38):
And in 1812, over 2000, matureoak trees were used to make just
one ship, called the Great Britain.
Whole.
Forests of pollarded oak werereserved for naval shipyards, and
some, like my local ancientwoodland at Ebono in West Sussex,
(29:59):
still survive from ancient tomedieval times.
Pigs were moved into pasturewoodland to feed on acorns in the
autumn.
The right to graze pigs, knownas pannage, was often keenly disputed
and jealously guarded.
It meant that extensive oakforests were maintained because of
(30:20):
the acorn crop.
This function was valuable forthe woodland and brought significant
value to local communities.
Oaks had sacred significancein many cultures, like the holy oak
of Ireland at Dumanigo, thekings of Tara in Ireland met under
the oak trees.
(30:41):
The presence of holy oakgroves, where celtic people worshipped,
was well known in classicaltimes and commented on by writers
such as Strabo and Pliny.
The earliest christian synodin England met at St Augustine's
Oak in Herefordshire.
(31:01):
People believe that fairiesinhabit oak trees.
And that if you see a hole.
In the trunk, it was said to.
Be a fairy door, which could have.
Been caused by fallen branchesand you should rub your hands on
the hole if you want to callon the fairies.
But a word of caution thisshould only be done to pay your respects
(31:24):
or to ask for their help.
Many local superstitions areassociated with oak trees.
For example, fairies werebelieved to dance around the herns
oak in Windsor Great park.
Foresters and woodmen'sfamilies used to announce the deaths
to the nearest oak tree, whichwas said to strengthen the surviving
(31:47):
family.
Planting an acorn during adark moon phase was believed to bring
wealth and prosperity, andhanging an acorn around a child's
neck was considered to protectthem from harm.
Changes in the colour of oakleaves were said to be a sign of
(32:08):
impending disaster.
If you had to cut down an oaktree, it was recommended to do so
during the waning moon phaseand only when the wind comes from.
The North British Isles arehome to thousands of place names
associated with oak trees,another testament to the close relationship
(32:29):
between oak trees and people.
Many farms, fields and villagenames have a heritage that reflects
this association.
If you look at an ordnancesurvey map, you can find ancient
oak trees grown in places suchas broad oak or great oak farm, or
(32:49):
on the lanes that lead tothose farms.
If a place name starts withthe letters ac, it is likely to be
linked to oak trees.
For instance, Acton Bridge inCheshire means settlement by a bridge
where the oaks grow.
Acle in Norfolk means oak wood.
(33:10):
Acrees in kent means oak copse.
Accrington in Lancashire meanssettlement where acorns are found.
Aquilat mere in Staffordshiremeans oak glade mere.
The place names in Irelandalso reflect this association, as
Derry indicates an oak wood,whilst kildare means church of the
(33:34):
oak.
Derwent, as in Derwent andDerwent water in Cumbria comes from
an old celtic word, derva,which means river or lake by which
oaks grow.
And finally, coptoc in suffolkmeans coppiced oak or oak rising
to a summit.
(33:58):
Oaks were also said to beindicators of weather patterns.
Gods associated with oak treesare also associated with storms,
especially thunder.
Due to its height and its lowresistance to electricity, oak trees
are far more likely to bestruck by lightning than any other
(34:18):
tree.
According to folklore,lightning is significant because
people think God struck thetree to leave mistletoe behind.
The old irish rhyme called the oak.
And the ash is said to predict.
The weather based on whichtrees leaves appear first.
If the oak is before the ash,then we'll only have a splash.
(34:42):
If the ash is before the oak.
Then we'll surely have a soak.
Throughout many generations,the people of the United Kingdom
and Ireland have developed aprofound connection with oak trees.
Oak trees have played asignificant role in folklore, mythology
(35:03):
and practical applicationssuch as shipbuilding, house building
and furniture making.
I do hope you've enjoyedlearning about.
The rich history and ecologyof oak trees and the close relationship
with generations of people whohave lived beside them for so long
here in the UK.
(35:24):
And that has been this week'swildlife matters main feature.
Well, I hope you enjoyed ourtribute to the magnificent oak tree
(35:44):
and learned something newabout these majestic standing icons
of the british landscape.
In series five of the wildlifeMatters podcast, we will feature
interviews with somefascinating people who are passionate
about wildlife.
And nature in Britain.
From birds to badgers, frombig cats to raptors, from wildlife
(36:08):
crime to wildlife rescues.
We have some fantasticinterviews for you.
We look forward to sharingsome of our own work too, with episodes
on woodpeckers and beautifulbadgers and fabulous boxes.
And then join me for an epictwo part adventure as we will explore.
(36:31):
One of southern Britain'soldest and wildest nature reserves.
We will also bring you somefun storytelling for Christmas and
look forward to the lightreturning at the end of the series
as we celebrate the spring equinox.
Before we go, a reminder thatyou can now find the Wildlife Matters
(36:51):
podcast.
On YouTube and the we will be.
Launching videos of our walks,talks and adventures to the Wildlife
Matters YouTube channel in thenear future.
So please hop on over toYouTube and subscribe so you don't
miss a single video or podcast.
And of course, the wildlifematters podcast can be found on Apple,
(37:14):
Spotify and all good podcast platforms.
Or you can listen to us us.
Via our substack and Patreonpages or directly from our website,
which is www.wildlifematters.org.
that's www.
Dot wildlife hyphenmatters.org.
(37:38):
please do subscribe whereveryou get your podcast so you don't
miss an episode.
And if you can leave us a.
Review, it only takes you afew moments, but it can help the
algorithm to guide more peopleinto discovering our humble a little
wildlife podcast thank you,but for now, thank you for your time
(37:59):
listening to our podcast today.
We really appreciate every oneof you and we love to hear from you.
So if you'd like to chat withus, send us an email to info at wildlife
high matters.org.
that'sinfo@wildlifematters.org and wildlife
(38:19):
matters will return.
In two weeks time, but until then.
Keep safe wild ones.
I've been your host, NigelPalmer and this is wildlife matters
signing off.
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