Unwelcome wildlife!

08/07/20 • 74 min

In this episode I talk about unwanted wildlife, the vilified and unwelcome guests to these shores with Jack Baddams, naturalist, ornithologist and wildlife researcher at the BBC Natural History Unit. We discuss the narratives that dominate talk of non native and invasive species, and the discrepancies and at times hypocrisy of how we view certain species against others.

Jack share his recent thoughts having read a book that challenged all his strongly held beliefs on native Vs non-native debate, and whether we should celebrate all biodiversity in this day and age, no matter where it originated. Can it be that introduced species actually help us build more diverse ecosystems? Although many conservationists and naturalists are strongly opposed to introduced species – some of our most loved species are introduced – rabbits, hares, little owls (which we're now concerned are decreasing!), mandarin ducks, poppies, sweet chestnuts to name a few.

It's a controversial topic, and one which prompts passionate debate. It was certainly a thought provoking chat with Jack and challenged some of my preconceptions too. I hope you too will enjoy it!

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.

It's a controversial topic, and one which prompts passionate debate. It was certainly a thought provoking chat with Jack and challenged some of my preconceptions too. I hope you too will enjoy it!

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.

Previous Episode

The kids are alright!

I had the pleasure of chatting with two bright young naturalists and talented wildlife photographers, Indy and Sennen, to discuss what matters most to them in this time of eco-anxiety, biodiversity loss and widespread disconnection from nature. We talk about their various volunteer/activism roles and what their future aspirations are, get their suggestions on how we can engage more young people with nature and green spaces in the countryside and the city, and explore what it's like to be a young nature geek when often that's not seen as very cool. I reassure them that I know the feeling very well. I once was young too!

Indy and Sennen are sickeningly good photographers, a talent I'm quite envious of. So they give me some tips and we talk about their most exciting wildlife encounters and favourite photo moments.

The future of nature conservation is bright!

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

The Lynx and Us

I chat to David Hetherington, author of 'The Lynx and Us' and arguably the UK's foremost expert on Lynx and its proposed reintroduction to Britain. We discuss the issues of land management, the need for reafforestation and peatland restoration in Scotland to combat climate change and the overpopulation of deer and controversially for some, sheep. The lack of any apex predators means an imbalanced ecosystem. So surely reintroduction of apex predators like the lynx (and wolves and bears?) is a no brainer, right?

Well, it's a complex topic and there is certainly a healthy level of opposition from various camps. Some for genuinely valid reasons, and some based in an arguably misled fear about having predators back in our landscape. It's a fascinating discussion with David, an engaging and knowledgeable advocate for lynx and their reintroduction to Britain after many centuries of absence.

Successful reintroduction projects in Europe are explored as well as the real impact of lynx on sheep farmers. A more nuanced issue than you might assume. Have a listen and decide for yourself. Is it time that the iconic lynx came back to Britain?

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.