Conservation and Science
Tommy's Outdoors
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Top 10 Conservation and Science Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Conservation and Science episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Conservation and Science for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Conservation and Science episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
190: The Geopolitics of Whale Conservation with Peter Corkeron
Conservation and Science
11/05/24 • 56 min
Is the resumption of commercial whaling inevitable? What hidden geopolitical forces are shaping international whale conservation efforts? Let's dive (pun not intended) into the complex world of whale conservation with marine scientist Dr Peter Corkeron. In our conversation, Peter uncovers the surprising connections between military bases, national security, and the fate of the world's largest mammals.
From the history of industrial whaling to the current state of whale populations, our guest provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing whale conservation today. He explains how some whale species are making an impressive comeback while others teeter on the brink of extinction. But the real story goes beyond biology! Learn how US military interests in Japan may be influencing whaling policies, and why anti-whaling efforts that seemed successful for decades may now be faltering.
As commercial whaling threatens to resume, we argue for a new approach to whale protection. We discuss the limitations of current conservation strategies, the complex motivations behind pro-whaling interests and why simply allowing whaling to "fizzle out" is no longer a viable option. Finally, Peter offers his perspective on potential solutions, addressing underlying geopolitical factors and advocating for policy changes to protect whale populations more effectively.
Further reading:
- Losing the Whales: How the Anti-Whaling Narrative Has Failed
- The Return of Whaling
- What US Militarism Has to Do With Japan's Quest to Slaughter More Whales
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156: Save Blackswarth Road Wood with Phil Sturgeon
Conservation and Science
08/16/23 • 62 min
Some things are so tiny yet so central that they matter more than giant things elsewhere. This is a paraphrased message I got from Phil Sturgeon, an ex-techie and founder of Protect Earth charity, who dedicated his life to woodland creation and restoration. As it turns out, Phil is running a fundraiser to buy five acres of mature woodland in Crew's Hole, Bristol, for the long-term benefit of the community, wildlife and, of course, the climate. I have been following Phil’s work for some time now and he strikes me as a cool dude who does a lot of good work. So, without hesitation from either side, we decided to sit down and have a chat about the fundraiser and Phil’s work in a broader context.
While listening to our conversation, you will learn why Phil decided to start his charity, how he goes about identifying suitable sites for woodland creation, and what work he and his volunteers conduct while restoring or creating woodland. We also discuss common misconceptions about woodland creation or, as some call it, “planting trees”. There are a few things that can be done incorrectly, so it is interesting to hear what exactly those things are, as well as discuss what Phil and his crew do to avoid those mistakes.
I’m sure, that in the end, you’ll be convinced of the value of his work and you’ll break out a few quid to save the Blackswarth Road Wood. To find out more about the fundraiser, click here.
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200: Deer Management in Ireland with Ashley Glover
Conservation and Science
04/23/25 • 77 min
Is Ireland ready to tackle its growing deer management challenges? How will the new national deer management programme impact hunters, landowners, and conservation efforts? What role do thermal imaging technologies play in modern wildlife management? In this milestone 200th episode of Conservation and Science, we welcome back Ashley Glover, a conservationist, master huntsman, and long-time friend of the podcast. Recording from Wicklow Wolf Brewery, we celebrate this special occasion by diving into the significant changes coming to Irish deer management. From there, we discuss many more Irish conservation and nature restoration-related topics.
Ashley shares valuable insights on the recently introduced national deer management strategy, including the establishment of 15 deer management units across Ireland. We explore the complexities surrounding implementation, from landowner engagement to data collection methods and hunter integration. The conversation highlights ongoing policy conflicts, such as how to manage deer on state lands, and addresses critical issues like deer-vehicle collisions and the humane dispatch programme. Ashley explains how thermal imaging has revolutionised deer counting and tracking, making wildlife management more effective and evidence-based.
Beyond deer, we discuss other pressing conservation matters in Ireland, including invasive American mink control and the challenges of predator management for protecting ground-nesting birds. Ashley offers valuable perspectives on balancing conservation needs with hunting traditions and the importance of mentoring new hunters. In our conversation, we examine Ireland's conservation landscape, highlighting both the progress made and the significant work still needed to address policy conflicts in biodiversity management, peatland restoration, and sustainable land use.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.
116: Subsistence Living in Alaska with Zephyr Sincerny
Conservation and Science
02/16/22 • 100 min
Alaska is considered by many to be the last frontier. One of the few remaining places where true pristine wilderness still exists. Without a doubt, this largest state in the United States is a fantastic place for outdoorsmen or anyone who wants to live close to nature and away from the crowds. This is because, although Alaska is huge, it has a tiny population located in just a few urban areas.
As you can imagine, hunting and fishing are in the blood of most Alaskans and ready access to the abundant and well managed natural resources makes it a perfect place for subsistence living. I’m using this term as defined in Alaska state law as the non-commercial, customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife.
To discuss this topic I’m joined today by Zephyr Sincerny who is an outdoor guide, instructor and educator with long years of experience gained while working for Outward Bound USA and NatureBridge. He spends a lot of time growing food in his garden as well as hunting and fishing.
During our conversation, we discussed how Zephyr provides food for his family, year-round without the aid of a grocery store! We also got into discussing the effects of climate change, techniques of food preparation and the ethical and spiritual aspects of bowhunting. This is one special episode and I’m sure you’ll love every minute of it!
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Mentioned in this episode:
DOWNLOAD:
How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland
The Hunter Conservationist Podcast brings you nuanced content about conservation, science and responsible hunting in Canada, so you can stay topped up on issues concerning your outdoor, hunting and fishing lifestyle, stay current on the latest in wildlife conservation, science and responsible hunting and be entertained by conversations with intellectual thinkers.
100: Deer, Sheep and Fires with Ashley Glover
Conservation and Science
07/07/21 • 122 min
There are no two ways about it. It’s a milestone episode. Episode 100. To mark the occasion we get together with environmentalist, hunter and axe thrower, Ashley Glover to discuss some of the most interesting subjects from the past three years. And while the title says “Deer, Sheep and Fires,” in reality it should have said, “Deer, Sheep, Boar, Wolves, Mink, Trout, Seals, Woodland, Rhododendron and Fires.” You get the picture!
In our conversation, you will be able to identify episodes from Tommy’s Outdoors back catalogue that you might want to listen to. For your convenience, I have compiled below a full list of episodes discussed in our conversation. It is by no means a list of “best” episodes but just a list of those we mentioned.
Episode 20: Irish Wildlife Trust with Pádraic Fogarty
Episode 29: Forestry and Native Woodlands with Ciaran Nugent
Episode 51: Fighting Illegal Salmon Netting with Bertie Brosnan
Episode 54: The National Biodiversity Data Centre with Dave Wall
Episode 61: African Swine Fever Awareness and Prevention with Shane McAuliffe
Episode 68: Rewilding, Wolves and Biodiversity with Pádraic Fogarty
Episode 71: The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation with David Scallan
Episode 72: Seal Rescue Ireland with Mel Robinson
Episode 73: Quantitative Ecology with Kilian Murphy
Episode 77: Sweden is Hunting with Andreas Michalik
Episode 78: Human-Seal Conflict with Liam Flannery and Dan Brosnan
Episode 81: Skates and Marine Rewilding with Patrick Collins
Episode 88: Rewilding Scotland with Peter Cairns
Episode 89: Camera Trapping and Large Mammal Monitoring with Adam Francis Smith
Episode 92: Upland Ecology with Cathy Mayne
Episode 95: Białowieża Forest with Marta Klimkiewicz
Episode 97: Human-Wildlife Conflict with Amy Dickman
You will also receive hints of possible future episodes! I don’t usually give that information away, but hey! There is only one episode 100 for every podcast!
Finally, I would like to say a big “thank you!” to all my guests from previous episodes, for donating their time and sharing their views, experiences and knowledge. It is greatly appreciated. I would also like to give a very special thanks to all of you, my listeners! Thank you for your messages, your...
Podcast Intro
Conservation and Science
10/31/16 • 0 min
Welcome to Tommy’s Outdoors where we talk about the natural environment and human-wildlife interactions. With our guests - scientists, members of environmental organizations, conservationists, farmers, writers, and last but not least, hunters and anglers - I discuss various, often difficult and unpopular, aspects of the human relationship with nature. Biodiversity loss, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewilding, human-wildlife conflict are only some of the subjects we discuss. Follow or subscribe and find out just why Tommy’s Outdoors is the best place for all your environmental conversations.
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137: Salmonid Studies with Richard Kennedy
Conservation and Science
11/30/22 • 62 min
What are the differences between salmon and sea trout? What are their migration patterns when they get to the ocean? Find out what scientists from the Compass Project have learned about these fascinating fish from my conversation with Dr Richard Kennedy.
Salmonids are fascinating fish and that’s not only because of their life history strategy. They also have huge importance for the health of ecosystems. And, albeit to their detriment, they are also important for the economy. Of course, I cannot omit the fact that they are prized by anglers as sport fish. Even though we already had a general discussion about salmon in episode 63 and a talk with men facing the dangers of fighting with salmon poachers in episode 51, today we offer a different perspective with more of a focus on sea trout.
This is another episode dedicated to research conducted during the COMPASS project and as the title suggests we focus on salmonid studies. Our guest today is Dr Richard Kennedy who is a Senior Science Officer at AFBI (Agri Food and Bioscience Institute). During our conversation, we talk about the differences between salmon and sea trout, and their conservation status as well as dedicate a significant chunk of our discussion to the aims and achievements of the COMPASS project study.
And if after listening to this episode you still want a deeper dive you can check the scientific papers on Richard’s Research Gate profile.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard-Kennedy-7
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175: SOTKA Wetlands with Veli-Matti Pekkarinen and Heikki Helle
Conservation and Science
04/09/24 • 58 min
Finnish SOTKA is a large-scale habitat restoration project and a part of a larger Helmi Habitats Programme aimed at restoring Finland’s biodiversity. It is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment. SOTKA’s objective is large-scale habitat restoration through wetlands rehabilitation, restoration of mires and catchments, non-native (i.e. invasive) predator control and building a network of resting areas for waterfowl.
It is also a great example of cooperation between hunting and non-hunting organisations for the benefit of nature. This type of cooperation is something I’ve always been a strong advocate of. So it was my great pleasure to invite to the podcast: Veli-Matti Pekkarinen, the Waterfowl Habitat Specialist from the Finnish Hunters’ Association and Heikki Helle, the Wetland Specialist at BirdLife Finland.
Listen to our conversation to learn more about SOTKA and Helmi projects. We also discuss the details of cooperation and specific actions that are undertaken to meet project objectives. I also enquired about the social perception in Finland of actions like predator control. Overall it was interesting to compare mindsets and attitudes in Finland with those in Ireland or the UK. Also, big shoutouts to Padraig Breen from NARGC who was instrumental in making this podcast episode happen.
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189: Climate Anxiety and Presence Activism with Lynne Sedgmore
Conservation and Science
10/22/24 • 56 min
Do you feel climate anxiety? Is it overwhelming you? How do we find peace while being bombarded with dire environmental predictions? In an attempt to answer these questions, I talk with Lynne Sedgmore, a well-known educator, leadership coach, activist and the author of the book "Presence Activism: A Profound Antidote to Climate Anxiety".
To set the scene, we start with a discussion about peaceful but disruptive climate protests. We discuss their effectiveness, the reception by the wider public, and the recent governmental clampdown resulting in excessively long prison sentences for protesters. I also asked Lynne about ways to communicate with older generations about environmental issues. From my observations, it's usually more difficult than with younger people.
During our discussion, Lynne talks about the challenges of immersing herself in climate change literature and the importance of finding a balanced perspective. As in the book, in the podcast we explore the concept of "presence" as a tool for managing anxiety, and how practices like meditation have a calming effect on our nervous systems. Lynne emphasises the need for empathy in climate discussions, even with those holding opposing views.
We finish with a reminder about the value of staying present, rather than getting lost and upset by predictions for the future. This episode offers a unique mix of practical advice and philosophical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate concerns. And if all this sounds interesting to you, buy Lynne's book using the link below. That way, you will also support my work on the podcast.
Buy "Presence Activism: A Profound Antidote to Climate Anxiety"
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The guest featured in this episode paid a nominal guesting fee. This fee did not influence the content of the episode. The guest had no editorial control, did not review the episode before publication, and did not influence the questions asked during the interview.
Tommy’s Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
178: Why Biodiversity Matters with Nigel Dudley
Conservation and Science
06/04/24 • 56 min
“Why Biodiversity Matters” is fundamentally a philosophy book. However, the author and our guest, Nigel Dudley, is not a philosopher but an accomplished conservation biologist who has accumulated an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience working on conservation projects across the world. He has worked as a consultant ecologist with international organisations like WWF International, IUCN and UNESCO. He is a co-founder of Equilibrium Research and Industry Fellow in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is the author and editor of numerous titles, including being a co-author of Leaving Space for Nature (Routledge, 2020), Arguments for Protected Areas (Routledge, 2010) and Authenticity in Nature (Routledge, 2011).
The book is an interesting and thoughtful discussion on the subject of “rights” applied to different entities. The author analyses the overlaps, synergies and also contradictions between concepts like ecosystem rights, biodiversity rights, animal rights and, last but not least, human rights. While reading the book I was impressed by the deep analysis which at the same time was presented in simple and easy to understand language. Everything is illustrated with stories and examples taken from the author's vast experience in places like Vietnam, Bhutan, Africa, Tanzania, the UK, and South America.
I found this book to be insightful, balanced and thought-provoking. Especially since it deals head-on with widely discussed hot-button topics like human-made ecosystems, invasive species, predator control, trophy hunting and the disproportionate attention given to charismatic megafauna at the expense of wildlife that is “more important” from the ecological point of view. Whoever tried their hand at discussing these topics at any length is well aware of how nuanced and difficult such discussions can be. So, more kudos to the author for concisely and competently dealing with them in his book.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the different concepts of rights as they relate to the environment as well as the wildlife and humans inhabiting it. As always, you can purchase the book using the link below and by doing so, you will support my work as I’ll get a small commission from each sale.
Get "Why Biodiversity Matters": https://amzn.to/4bF4MLW
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Tommy’s Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
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FAQ
How many episodes does Conservation and Science have?
Conservation and Science currently has 218 episodes available.
What topics does Conservation and Science cover?
The podcast is about Nature, Podcasts, Science, Sports and Wilderness.
What is the most popular episode on Conservation and Science?
The episode title '190: The Geopolitics of Whale Conservation with Peter Corkeron' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Conservation and Science?
The average episode length on Conservation and Science is 68 minutes.
How often are episodes of Conservation and Science released?
Episodes of Conservation and Science are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Conservation and Science?
The first episode of Conservation and Science was released on Oct 31, 2016.
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