Amid the constant stream of negative headlines, we’re keeping our annual tradition alive and spending an episode reflecting on the positive environmental strides made in 2024!

From newly established marine protected areas to passionate local communities defending nature, this episode is packed with inspiring stories. We've got dam removals, flying scientists teaching birds how to migrate, species reintroductions, and much more.

As we move into a new year, join us for this uplifting look back at the brilliant work being done worldwide to protect and restore our nature. We love recording these episodes as they are a reminder that dedicated people everywhere are working tirelessly to make a real difference for the environment, wildlife, and people — and that is worth celebrating.

What was your favourite positive nature story of 2024? Get in touch, we would love to know 👇

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest | AP News

Scientists taught this once-extinct bird how to migrate by guiding them across Europe | Euronews

Herd of 170 bison could help store CO2 equivalent of 43,000 cars, researchers say | Rewilding | The Guardian

As Zambia schools take on climate change, one teen is spreading the word in sign language | The Independent

How a tribe brought back its sacred California condors - BBC Future

Japan develops plastic that disappears within hours in the sea and boosts soil health - Times of India

Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 - BBC News

Wild tiger population increases in Thailand

Passionate young conservationist, dedicated reptile surveyor and winner of the BBC Springwatch Under 18s Wildlife Hero Award 2024, Reuben Martin joins us on The Birdy Bug Pod.

Grab a coffee and tune in for a fantastic chat with Reuben as we learn all about his conservation work, his love for our native reptiles, the experience of appearing on BBC Springwatch and what it was like getting recognised in public for the first time.

This episode is packed with reptile facts, inspiring projects, and some brilliant stories from Reuben's surveys. In true Birdy Bug Pod style, we wrap up with some heart warming conservation stories, shining a light on the incredible efforts being made to protect and restore our wildlife.

We were thrilled to have Reuben as a guest. Seeing someone so young and passionate making a real difference for nature is truly inspiring.

Make sure you check out Reuben's YouTube channel: Reuben’s Reptiles - YouTube

And don't forget to follow him over on Instagram: @reubens_reptiles

A huge thank you to Reuben and his Dad for travelling down to record with us!

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Timestamps

00:00:00 Meet Reuben Martin

00:06:42 Reuben's wildlife heroes

00:08:40 All about our reptiles

00:15:25 Reuben's conservation work

00:24:51 Winning Springwatch's Wildlife Hero award

00:32:16 Future career & Reuben's YouTube channel

00:38:29 Positive conservation news

00:53:59 What's next & wrap up

Links:

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Garden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Home | Steyning Downland Scheme

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/help-your-heaths/heathlands-reunited/

Whilst we all know about the tropical rainforests of the world, we often forget the temperate rainforests we have right here in the UK.

Found in the misty valleys and coastal areas of western Scotland, Wales, and south west England, these rainforests are rare ecosystems that support a wealth of biodiversity, from vibrant mosses and lichens to endangered species like red squirrels and pine martens.

Settle in and join us as we explore why these rainforests are so ecologically significant, their historic decline, the threats they face, and the encouraging conservation efforts to protect them.

Have you ever been to one of our temperate rainforests? We'd love to know, comment or ping us a message over on Instagram @thebirdybugpod.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Catch up

00:01:56 Introduction to UK's rainforests

00:23:32 Decline of our rainforests and threats

00:31:14 Rainforest restoration and positive news

00:45:59 Wrap up

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Temperate Rainforest in the UK - Woodland Trust

Temperate rainforest - Plantlife

Interactive Map Reveals Britain's Rare And Hidden Rainforests (countryliving.com)

Temperate rainforest | The Wildlife Trusts

Discover Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens - Plantlife

Lost Rainforests of Britain

England’s largest temperate rainforest a National Nature Reserve - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Lost rainforest could be revived across 20% of Great Britain | Environment | The Guardian