The badger cull debate!

10/02/20 • 97 min

I sat down to chat about this controversial and often emotive topic with the President of the British Veterinary Association, James Russell and CEO of the Badger Trust, Dominic Dyer. We explored the issues surrounding the eradication of bovine TB, a disease of cattle which also affects wildlife species, most notably the badger. And we tackle the logic, pros and cons of the government's badger cull strategy as part of the plan to eradicate this disease.

It's illuminating and at times a little heated, but Dominic and James do a sterling job of setting out the issues, respectfully debating the finer points and making a very complex topic more clear. As we all agree at the end, it's vital to talk and come together from both sides of the debate. The all too common 'them Vs us' attitude that often crops up where difficult conservation or animal welfare issues arise can do more harm than good.

I'm very grateful to have had them both on as guests, coming together to bring clarity and explore the middle ground in such a divisive topic.

Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.

All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.

If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.

Cover photo by Billy Heaney.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm very grateful to have had them both on as guests, coming together to bring clarity and explore the middle ground in such a divisive topic.

Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.

All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.

If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.

Cover photo by Billy Heaney.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Growing local & sustainable

I chat to Conor Gallagher, founder of AllotMe.co.uk, a brand new online platform linking wannabe food growers with local landowners to start using urban spaces for food production. Think of it as the AirBnB for gardeners and food growers!

We discuss the importance of connecting with our food systems, urban agriculture, the demand for and shortage of allotment space in urban areas and new technologies driving more sustainable food production. As well as why it's so important for global health and the environment to grow and shop local for food.

Are you looking for a space to grow? Been sitting on an allotment waiting list for years? Don't have much outdoor space so think you'll never be able to grow your own food? Then think again, this episode and AllotMe.co.uk is just what you've been waiting for!

Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.

All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.

If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Derek Gow: Rewilding Revolutionary!

A fascinating, hilarious and inspiring conversation with Derek Gow, an ecologist, reintroduction specialist, farmer and author of 'Bringing Back the Beaver'. Derek is well known for speaking out on the frustrations of our current systems and organisations in place to protect our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Or should that be to regulate our natural landscapes and attempts to restore biodiversity?

In this episode he packs no punches in critiquing the bureaucracy and inertia of our conservation organisations. He suggests that perhaps we need to be bolder and get cracking right now on restoring nature on a larger scale and restore lost species as a matter of urgency.

We discuss the psychology of humankind in historically conquering nature, obliterating species deemed harmful or indeed valuable to us, and reshaping the landscape in ways that have been immensely harmful to the natural world. We also explore Derek's varied career in farming, into global wildlife conservation, back to British wildlife conservation and most recently his pioneering role within the UK rewilding movement. Specifically his work from his Devon farm and collaborating with several other organisations in reintroducing threatened or extinct species, from water voles and harvest mice to beavers and white storks.

If you're offended by crude language and straight talk, be warned. Personally I found Derek's refreshingly honest and bold approach truly inspiring. It's a compelling and humorous chat from a non-traditional nature conservationist not afraid to take risks or rock the boat!

Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.

All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.

If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.

Cover photo credit: Magzter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.