Mammals are amoungst our most-loved wildlife. They are usually cute and we'll go to quite a lot of effort to see them as they give so much joy.

In this podcast we talk to Elizabeth Ogilvie, Ecologist for the Lowther Farming Partnership, about the enclosed beaver trial on their estate, and with Joshua Adams, Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Red Squirrel Ranger.

You'll learn about these secretive animals' behaviour and what's being done to help these species thrive in Cumbria into the future.

In this episode we hear about life on the edge. In the far south west of Cumbria, on the southern tip of Walney Island is a very special nature reserve providing a haven to grey seals and many resident and migratory birds.

Beth Churn, Marine Conservation Officer, takes us to a hide overlooking the seal colony and talks about their behaviour, what we're doing to protect them and the joy in seeing this colony thrive and grow over the last ten years.

South Walney Nature Reserve is better known locally for it's colony of gulls. Bekka Watts, Shorebird Warden, talks to us about these and all the other birds that call it home, or that rely on the protection the reserve gives to birds on migration.

Can Cumbria Wildlife Trust bring nature back to the Lake District and create England's highest nature reserve? In this episode we hear about plans to fundraise and purchase Skiddaw Forest, a 3,000 acre wilderness in this iconic National Park.

David Harpley, Cumbria Wildife Trust's Director of Nature Recovery, takes us on a tour of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve, explaining what he's learned about putting nature back into the uplands and how this knowledge can be applied at Skiddaw Forest.

Danni Chalmers, Staveley Woodlands Officer, describes the Atlantic rainforest at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve and how this habitat will look in a much higher location.

As usual Joe Murphy, Head of Nature Reserves, hosts the podcast with guest host and CEO of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Stephen Trotter.

In our second podcast we visit Cumbria's amazing coast and hear about our annual celebration of marine wildlife at Seafest. Listen to two of our passionate and knowledgeable volunteer Marine Champions talk about what can be found on our shores and in the Irish Sea.

Our host and Head of Nature Reserves, Joe Murphy, chats to Marine Officer Amber Gould about what makes the Irish Sea special and their favourite places on the coast to visit.

It’s our first ever podcast! Listen to Keziah talk about our long-term restoration project at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve and volunteer Alasdair shares his amazing knowledge on ospreys.

Our host and Head of Nature Reserves, Joe Murphy, talks to Volunteering Co-ordinator Ruth Alcoft about the huge difference our volunteers are making for wildlife across Cumbria. Each gives a shout out to their favourite place to visit right now.

Links: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/foulshaw-moss https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/barkbooth-lot https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/explore/gosling-sike https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/save-roanheads-wildlife-2 https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/general-election-2024

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the restoration of Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve. Much of the restoration works has been thanks to people who have left us a gift in their Will. Read about leaving a gift in your Will.

Thank you to all our members who are helping put wildlife back into our land and seascapes to make Cumbria a wilder county with more space for nature. If you’re not yet a member, you can sign up here https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/join

Music by Alan Whittle.