Episoder
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Join us in this episode of Naturespace with Haith's as we welcome Martin Woods, a renowned horticultural consultant, and former Head Gardener at the Royal Gardens at Sandringham. Martin shares his journey from a childhood passion for gardening to his prestigious role with the Royal Gardens, and now, his collaborative efforts with Haith's bird food.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The origins of Martin's passion for gardening.
- Insights into the differences between royal and regular gardens.
- Practical tips for bringing colour to your garden year-round.
- Expert advice on the best plants for shady borders.
- Gardening tips to attract wildlife and for beginners.
- The joys and challenges of Martin's work.
- Martin’s all-time favourite plant.
- An exclusive virtual tour of Haith's garden space, highlighting the importance of our ponds for local wildlife.
Martin also discusses our efforts at Haith's to hand back commercial space to nature and evaluates our progress. Tune in for an enriching discussion that blends horticultural expertise with a passion for sustainability.
Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode that celebrates the beauty of gardening and the importance of creating green spaces. Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!
Martin Woods
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557850013760
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-woods-23aa2a8a/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the.gardensage/
Sandringham : https://sandringhamestate.co.uk
Haith's
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haithsbirdfood
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/haiths.birdfood/
Website : https://haiths.com
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🍃Unveiling Nature with the “Bearded Birders” - Discoveries, Stories and Dreams
Join us this week on Naturespace with Haith’s bird food, where we dive into the enchanting world of the Bearded Birders, a duo dedicated to exploring and sharing the wonders of nature in and around Lincolnshire, UK. In this episode, we unravel the origins of their journey, the inspirations behind their unique initiatives, and their profound connection with the natural world plus a close shave with a deer in distress.🦌
☀️What's in This Episode:
- The Beginning: Discover how the Bearded Birders transformed their passion for nature into a thriving community on the back of tragedy.
- Educational Goals: Learn what the Bearded Birders share through their engaging content and what they hope followers will gain from their work.
- Favourite Memories: Relive their most memorable moments in nature - hear stories that bring them closer to the wild.
- Exploration Hotspots: Find out where they go to connect with nature and why these places are on their must-visit list.
- Innovative Mini-Me's: Get the backstory on the beloved mini-Me's and the creative spark that brought them to life.
- Favourite Species: Hear about their favourite animals and birds, and the reasons behind these choices.
- Dream Destinations: Dream with us as the Bearded Birders share their ultimate travel wish list for observing wildlife.
- Looking Forward: Discover the ambitious goals set for the future of the Bearded Birders and how they plan to impact the community and nature conservation.
Tune in to be inspired, learn something new, and maybe even find your own path to connecting with the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking for a story of passion and perseverance, this episode is for you! 🌱
🎧Available now on Spotify – don’t miss this journey into the wild!
📱Beardedbirders socials
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089011755814
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedbirders/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/beardedbirders
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Mangler du episoder?
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Why Listen? "Budgie Brilliant!" offers a unique blend of expert insights, practical tips, and passionate discussions aimed at both seasoned birdkeepers and newcomers. Whether you're interested in the intricacies of budgie care, the ethics of breeding, or the environmental impact of bird keeping, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of these captivating creatures.
Host: Simon King (SK)
Special Guests: Veterinary Guru John E. Cooper & Champion Breeder Chris Snell
Introduction:
Join host Simon King on a special edition of Naturespace with Haith's, as we dive into the vibrant world of budgerigars. Featuring esteemed guests, Veterinary Professor John E. Cooper and Champion Budgie Breeder and President of The Budgerigar Society Chris Snell, this episode explores the fascinating aspects of budgie care, breeding, and the profound impact these delightful creatures have on our lives and the environment.
Episode Highlights:
- The Ascension to Champion Breeder: Chris Snell shares his journey to becoming a globally recognised budgie breeder.
- Veterinary Excellence: John E. Cooper discusses his international recognition and commitment to the health and wellbeing of budgerigars.
- Understanding Budgerigars: Unveiling the world of budgies, from their significance to myths surrounding their breeding.
- Behaviour and Social Needs: Insights into budgie behaviour, the importance of flight, and companionship requirements.
- Creating the Ideal Environment: Tips on setting up the perfect habitat, understanding the role of outdoor aviaries, and mitigating common risks.
- Health and Wellbeing: John E. Cooper delves into essential care tips, diet importance, and the debate between clean and uncleaned budgie seed.
- Ethical Bird Keeping and Sustainability: A discussion on promoting sustainable practices, ethical considerations in the pet trade, and the importance of conservation efforts for wild populations.
Closing Remarks:
Simon King wraps up the episode with a reminder of the joy and responsibility that come with birdkeeping, emphasising the importance of informed and responsible care for our feathered friends.
Links: https://haiths.com/collections/budgie-seed About Haith’s SupeClean bird food: https://haiths.com/blogs/garden-bird-blog/haiths-superclean-bird-food-a-commitment-to-healthy-seed-healthy-birds?_pos=1&_sid=8c6113cbd&_ss=r -
🌊 Dive into the Depths of Marine Restoration Ecology with Naturespace and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts 🌿
Join us on a captivating journey beneath the waves in the latest episode of Naturespace with Haith's, hosted by Simon King. This time, we're exploring the hidden marvels of the marine world - from the life-sustaining 'super seagrass' to the ecosystem-engineering 'amazing oysters', and the creation of 'hospitable habitats' in a surface breaking £2.5m flagship project to restore part of the River Humber.
Featuring Special Guests: We're thrilled to welcome Georgia Bennett, Seagrass Restoration Assistant, and Kieran McCloskey, Marine Restoration Manager from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts. With their expertise, we dive into the heart of the Wilder Humber Seagrass Restoration project, a pivotal initiative aiming to breathe new life into our seas.
🗺️ Segment 1: Setting the Scene - Discover the vital geography of the Wilder Humber area, learn about the challenges faced at Spurn Point, and understand why this location is crucial for seagrass and seascape restoration.
🌱 Segment 2: Unveiling the Underwater Meadows - Georgia Bennett unravels the mysteries of seagrass, its critical role in marine ecosystems, and the meticulous process of restoring these underwater meadows.
🌀 Segment 3: The Ecosystem Benefits of Seagrass - Delve into the myriad benefits of seagrass, from its ecological importance to its role within the broader seascape restoration efforts.
🌍 Segment 4: The Vision of Seascape Restoration - Kieran McCloskey shares the ambitious vision behind the Wilder Humber project, emphasising the importance of holistic restoration efforts for the health of our coastal and marine environments.
🛠️ Segment 5: Challenges and Triumphs - Our guests share the hurdles and victories encountered along the way, along with early signs of success and positive impacts from their restoration efforts.
👥 Get Involved - Inspired? Find out how you can support or get involved with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts' restoration projects.
👋 Outro - Thank you for joining us on Naturespace with Haith's, where we're committed to exploring and supporting the restoration of nature's most precious spaces.
Show note links:
Revitalising the Humber's Natural Wealth
The Wilder Humber initiative represents a groundbreaking five-year mission aimed at rejuvenating the marine habitats and species diversity within the Humber estuary. This project is the result of an innovative conservation alliance involving the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and the international renewable energy corporation, Ørsted.
This prestigious endeavour pledges an investment exceeding £2.5 million towards the restoration of the Humber estuary on a scale of ambition unprecedented in the area. The project's strategy includes the cultivation of saltmarsh and seagrass habitats, alongside the reintroduction of half a million native oysters, intended to establish a biogenic reef. This initiative extends and enhances the significant seagrass restoration efforts already in progress between Ørsted’s Hornsea 4 project and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, marking a major step forward in the conservation and restoration of the UK's marine environments.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust = Wilder Humber: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/conservation-projects/wilder-humber
Haith’s Bird Food & Naturespace with Haith’s: https://haiths.com/
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Dive into the heart of adventure with the latest episode of Naturespace with Haith's! In this captivating session, we're thrilled to feature Nick Ray, the inspiring force behind Life Afloat. Join Simon King and Nick Ray as they explore Nick's remarkable journey – a testament to the transformative power of nature and the spirit of exploration.
🚣 Embark on a Sea Kayaking Adventure: Hear about Nick's awe-inspiring 12-month solo sea kayak expedition around Scotland's rugged coastline. Discover the challenges and triumphs of navigating through some of the most breathtaking and remote seascapes.
🌿 A Life Lived Simply and Adventurously: Nick shares his philosophy and his connection with nature and how his adventures have shaped his understanding of the world and himself.
🐦 Conservation and Connection: Learn about the unique perspective Nick holds on wildlife, and how living closely with nature has deepened his commitment to conservation and environmental advocacy.
🧭 Mental Health and Solitude: A candid discussion on the healing power of solitude and nature. Nick talks about his own experiences with mental health and how his adventures have been a journey of self-discovery and recovery.
🌎 Inspiration for All Ages: Nick's story is a reminder that adventure knows no age. His experiences inspire us to embrace the call of the wild at every stage of life, reinforcing the idea that it's never too late to start your own adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration to embark on your own journey of discovery, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to "Naturespace with Haith's" and let Nick Ray’s story ignite the spirit of adventure in you.
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Welcome to the latest episode of "Naturespace with Haith's," a captivating podcast where our passion for wildlife and conservation takes centre stage. I'm your host, Simon King, and in this special episode, we're delving deep into the enchanting world of British wildlife.
🌟 Featuring: Specialist Wildlife Vet Steve Smith from Tiggywinkles 🌟
Join us as we welcome Steve Smith, a renowned Specialist Wildlife Vet from Tiggywinkles - the world's busiest wildlife hospital. With over 12,000 animals treated annually, including hedgehogs, badgers, deer, and birds, Tiggywinkles is a beacon of hope in wildlife care and rehabilitation.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Vet: Get an inside look at the day-to-day challenges and joys of a wildlife vet.
The Origin of Tiggywinkles: Discover the inspiring story behind the inception of this remarkable wildlife hospital in 1978.
Hedgehogs and Their Ecosystem Role: Explore the crucial part these adorable creatures play in our ecosystem and the threats they face in the UK.
Feeding Hedgehogs - Dos and Don'ts: Learn the best practices for feeding hedgehogs, starting with the common myth about milk!
Supporting Hedgehog Welfare: Tips and tricks for making your garden a haven for hedgehogs.
🌱 Questions from the Haith’s Team:
Uncover the most unusual patients at Tiggywinkles.
Discover whether some animals become permanent residents.
Learn about the hospital's capacity and future expansion plans.
Understand the average number of patients treated each year.
🐾 Deep Dive Segments:
The Plight of British Wildlife: Insights into the challenges facing British wildlife today.
Innovations in Wildlife Care: How Tiggywinkles is pioneering wildlife rehabilitation techniques.
Community Involvement and Education: How you can play a vital role in supporting British wildlife.
📣 Closing Remarks:
Hear from Steve Smith on how you can support Tiggywinkles and hedgehog conservation efforts.
Access resources for further information on wildlife protection.
🎧 Tune in to "Naturespace with Haith's" and join us in our journey towards wildlife conservation and education. Together, let's make a difference for British wildlife! 🌍🐾
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🌿🏰🎙️ Episode 3 of season 2:The Secrets of Castle Howard with Special Guest Nick Howard - Only on Naturespace with Haith’s! 🌿🏰🎙️
If you're passionate about nature, heritage, and the greatoutdoors, you won't want to miss the latest episode of Naturespace with Haith's hosted by Simon King. This time, we've got an episode that's a real treat for the senses for anyone who's fascinated by the human-nature balance at CastleHoward.
🎤 Meet Our Special Guest: Nick Howard of Castle Howard! 🏰
Nick Howard is the custodian of Castle Howard, one ofBritain's most iconic stately homes. Nestled in the idyllic North Yorkshire countryside, the Castle Howard estate encompasses a jaw-dropping 10,000+ acres of gardens, parklands, and farmland. It's a cornerstone of British history and a haven for nature lovers. 🌳🌷🦋
Why You Can't Miss This Episode:
1️⃣ Nick Howard's Personal Lens:Get up close and personal as Nick shares his journey into Castle Howard’s conservation efforts and his take on balancing heritage and natureconservation.
2️⃣ Castle Howard Unveiled:Discover the rich history of Castle Howard and how it continues to be a hub for the local community and natural history.
3️⃣ Wildlife and Conservation:Tune in for awe-inspiring House Martin stories (and video footage) plus discussions about woodland restoration, and the Howard family's approach to preserving natural capital.
4️⃣ Successes and Looking Ahead:Learn about Castle Howard's environmental initiatives and what's next on their conservation agenda.
🔐 Hear some of the secrets of CastleHoward.
🌟 Hear Nick close the podcast with histhoughts on what we might learn from the collaborative efforts of his team at Castle Howard and how even the simplest of garden setups might be a safe space for nature and to feed wild birds.
📅 Available Today on Spotify.
🔗 Click that 'Follow' button on Spotify soyou won't miss out on this exclusive episode! It's not every day that you get to hear from someone who lives and breathes both history and nature conservation. So, mark your calendar, set your reminders, and prepare for an inspiring and insightful journey to Castle Howard - right from the comfort of your home.
See you in the Naturespace! 🌿🎧💚
Follow this link to see Castle Howard - https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/
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🌍 Join us on another inspiring Journey with Naturespace with Haith's Podcast 🌍
Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the heart of nature and conservation on the latest episode of the Naturespace with Haith’s Podcast. This time, we are thrilled to be joined by the dynamic ‘unstoppable’ Sacha Dench, a woman whose indomitable spirit and passion for nature have literally propelled her to remarkable heights.
Hosted by director of Haith's, Simon King, this episode promises an in-depth exploration of Sacha's extraordinary career that seamlessly blends science and exhilarating adventure. From her early sparks of interest in biology to her groundbreaking efforts in the world of conservation, get ready to be inspired by Sacha's tireless commitment to the wellbeing of our planet.
Episode Highlights:
Sacha's early experiences that fuelled her unique career path. Anecdotes from her awe-inspiring expedition tracking Bewick's swans. The inception and vision behind Conservation Without Borders (you can support her work by donating – see below). Sacha’s enlightening talks on discovering one’s true passion. Behind-the-scenes details on the groundbreaking Flight of the Osprey Expedition. Sacha’s messages and experiences from UN conference journey.Let's delve into a world where adventure meets conservation, and passion meets action.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to reignite your passion for nature and inspire you to play a part in conserving the beauty of our planet.
Hashtags:
#NaturespaceWithHaiths
#SachaDenchJourney
#ConservationWithoutBorders
#WildlifeConservation
#NaturePodcast
#AdventuresInConservation
For more on Sacha Dench and her conservation adventures, visit:
Sacha Dench's Official Website Conservation Without Borders Haith's Official Website -
Ready for an audio adventure? Simon King brings you another enriching episode of Naturespace with Haith's, diving deep into the awe-inspiring tales of our natural world.
In this podcast episode, we explore the crossroads of wildlife conservation and investigative media. Joining us is the multi-talented Megan McCubbin, known for her work as a zoologist, TV presenter, photographer, author, and conservation champion. Regular listeners, you're in for another enriching journey. And if you're new here, don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations. Whether you're a dedicated environmentalist, a casual nature lover, or simply someone intrigued by the complex world around us, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and deepen your appreciation for the natural realm.
You're not just listening to a podcast; you're listening to Naturespace with Haith’s.
🎧 What to Expect:
Childhood Shaping Passion: Megan McCubbin talks about how her childhood around the Isle of Wight Zoo influenced her deep love for the environment. Media & Conservation: From her breakthrough on BBC3's "Undercover Tourist" to tackling global issues with Al Jazeera, Megan explores the power—and pitfalls—of using media for wildlife conservation. Springwatch and Beyond: Hear Megan's memorable moments from her time on the iconic "Watch" series on BBC2. The Impact of Dyslexia: In an emotional segment, Megan discusses how severe dyslexia has shaped her journey. Self-Isolating Bird Club: How did this creative initiative help people connect with nature during the pandemic? And Much More: From Megan's fun stint on Pointless to her personal birdwatching and bird-feeding hobbies, this episode offers an intimate look into the life of a multifaceted conservation hero.Don't miss this enlightening conversation with one of the most passionate and versatile voices in wildlife conservation today. Hit that subscribe button and join Simon King for a journey that celebrates our beautiful, complex, and ever-challenging natural world.
Show notes:
Megan’s latest book is ‘An Atlas of Endangered Species’ Megan’s website: https://www.meganmccubbin.com/ Find out more about Haith's bird food here: https://haiths.com/ -
iolo Williams is a Welsh naturalist, broadcaster, public speaker and writer who’s worked in conservation for over 30 years. iolo's talking to Naturespace at Haith's about helping the natural world and nature's healing powers plus tips for garden wildlife enthusiasts this winter.
In this episode of Naturespace with Haith's, iolo Williams talks to Simon King of Haith's bird food about his passion for nature conservation and encourages all of us to get out and enjoy the natural world. iolo is perhaps most widely known as a popular member of the Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch teams and he'll be joining the Winterwatch broadcast this January (2023) live from Edinburgh.
iolo was born and raised in mid-Wales and - after working for the RSPB for fifteen years - in the late 1990s, left the society and tells listeners how he ended up working in the media.
iolo talks about the benefits of nature and mental health, what nature means to him, what we can all do to help nature and what makes him smile when he's out in the field. His advice is refreshingly plain and delivered without fuss - everyone can do something to help nature, but what you should never do is do nothing he says and his advice is to: stop. look. listen. To make a little mind space for nature and the benefits of doing so are exponential.
So why not put your feet up with a cuppa and enjoy this entertaining addition to our podcast series, which includes handpicked guests who love nature and the natural world as much as we do?
iolo Williams's website: https://iolowilliams.co.uk/
Haith's website: https://haiths.com/
Listen to more podcast sessions from Naturespace with Haith's and guests: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mzAdD1tL1cFbQfKnETYxF
We ask iolo:
About his work with the RSPB. Who influenced his love of nature. What the turning point was from RSPB office to TV presenter. What made iolo study ecology. The State of Nature in the UK. Urban bird feeding and watching wildlife. Tips for garden wildlife enthusiasts for winter. How being out in the field is where iolo's in his natural element. How iolo will be broadcasting live from Edinburgh this Winterwatch (Jan 2023). -
Chris Packham is a naturalist, scientist, TV presenter, photographer, educator and campaigner about animal welfare and the environment. He is a gifted presenter of BBC's Award-winning Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, which have gripped nature enthusiasts since 2005.
In this podcast episode, Chris talks to Simon King (Haith's) about the birds visiting his garden bird feeders and shares his concern for the species not visiting his garden for bird food. Chris talks about the importance of keeping bird feeders clean and feeding good bird food.
Chris generously opens up about his autism diagnosis and his childhood - he tells how he was always at his happiest on his own, scurrying about in the woods and fields, looking for things to fill his jam jar. Chris admits to being 'different' and that he's been 'isolated but not lonely.'
Chris explains why he can't stop campaigning - he's in a prime position to make a "potential positive difference" and his best educational efforts are directed at looking after the natural world and mental health issues. We're (Haith's) grateful to Chris for exploring with us the link between autism and nature. Don't expect Chris to get sidetracked any time soon - his arguments and campaigns are rooted in sound science and there is no mid-ground as it's either right or wrong in Chris's eyes.
Simon King (Haith's director) interviews Chris and says: "If you think Chris Packham is just another TV presenter, think again. He's an educator and if you take time to listen to him, he'll attempt to show and tell how he sees the world. Don't try to compete with him - Chris isn't trying to impress you with his natural history knowledge - he's just sharing what he knows. If you ask him a question and he knows the answer (which he probably does) he'll tell you. Listen to Chris talk about his autism diagnosis and the black-and-white nature of what it takes to live with autism. I hope you'll come to the same conclusion as me that life is better for having someone like Chris Packham around to educate about the natural world and mental health. Chris has inspired Haith's to hand over commercial space to nature in our relocation project. Thank you, Chris."
Topics:
Features unusual exotic animal poo quiz What isn't on Chris Packham's bird feeders? The importance of cleaning bird feeders and feeding good bird food How Chris Packham cleans his feeders A bird feeder is a permanently fruiting tree Chris's deep connection with the natural world When Chris's interest changed from holding animals captive to studying them in the wild Naturalist to scientist - learning about zoology. A two-part BBC Two series (coming Feb 2023) will see Chris Packham investigate how the autistic mind works Swift boxes in a commercial settingShow links:
Chris's autobiography: Fingers in the Sparkle Jar: A Memoir Chris's website: https://www.chrispackham.co.uk/ The Walk That Made Me - https://youtu.be/1sNFLXCYXuk Buy Chris Packham's Full of @!&% 2023 calendar here: https://www.chrispackham.co.uk/chris-packhams-shit-calendar-2023 -
How far would you go to help nature? Would you walk naked through the streets of London (in autumn) to highlight the declining population of Swifts in Britain? My Naturespace with Haith's guest did and she has in mind what could be one relatively simple solution to help save Swifts from disappearing.
Nature writer and campaigner Hannah Bourne-Taylor hit the headlines this autumn (5th November) when she strolled naked from Hyde Park Corner to the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street to highlight the plight of Swifts. Her petition seeks the government to make "swift bricks compulsory in new housing to help red-listed birds" and I (Simon King) will - for one - be signing it.
Hannah delivered her RSPB-endorsed campaign entitled "The Feather Speech" unclothed and painted from neck to toe in feathers. Hannah asks for urgent action to give swifts a home when new houses are erected in Britain. "This action," she says "could also benefit other red-listed birds: House sparrows, House martins and starlings."
Hannah's petition needs 100,000 signatures to reach parliamentary debate and the deadline is 30th April 2023. "Don’t sign because I ask," she says, "Sign because swifts can’t. Sign because of #EveryBirdCounts."
The Feather Speech attracted the attention of Piers Morgan who said he'd help Hannah save the swift population and he encouraged his social media followers to sign her petition, which stands at 35,825 signatures (12th December 2022).
"The government's response is a cop-out," says Hannah - see https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/626737 "They're not being accountable." "Time is running out!"
Why are swifts in decline? BTO: "Modern building design and refurbishment of old buildings may have contributed to the decline by depriving Swifts of nest sites, but the complications in monitoring trends and nests (as described in the Status Summary) make it difficult to confirm and identify the likely main drivers of change."
Follow-up note: after my interview with Hannah, I connected with Action for Swifts and we're discussing a way to add circa seven swift boxes to our relocation project and to hand over more commercial space to nature as it makes sense to add these nesting sites to commercial buildings too. We hope we'll home a colony of Swifts soon...
So, back to my question: what would you do to help nature? How about signing the petition AND here's an additional one from me and Hannah - "Clean your bird feeders, please!"
Thanks for listening.
Simon King - Haith's - www.haiths.com
Show links:
Photo credit: Ruotong Zhou (4).
Sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/626737
Watch The Feather Speach video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ft8nmG3OyO0
Hannah's website: https://hannahbournetaylor.com/
Buy Fledgling, Hannah's debut nature memoir: https://hannahbournetaylor.com/fledgling/
Invest in a Swift box: Visit www.actionforswifts.com
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Paul Rose's journey from a Romford council flat to Base Commander of Rothera Research Station, Antarctica, for the British Antarctic Survey for ten years and being awarded HM The Queen's Polar Medal is an inspirational one, which he happily shares with young explorers in his role as Expedition Leader, National Geographic Pristine Seas.
And we're pleased to say, Paul feeds and watches his garden birds, and - like Haith's - sees garden bird feeding as a great way to connect with nature.
We invited Paul to be a guest on Naturespace with Haith's bird food because we launched this podcast to explore the bigger picture. Who better to talk to than a real-life explorer who's at the forefront of exploration above and below sea level? And - luckily for us - Paul jumped at the chance to promote some of the global issues he's involved in helping scientists 'unlock and communicate international mysteries in the most remote and challenging regions of the planet.'
Not every day do we get to talk to one of the world’s most experienced divers, field science and polar experts, and we hoped Paul would help us unlock some of the secrets and encourage Haith's to have that 'explorer mindset' he fosters in his students. One of the biggest challenges we all face is what to do about our reliance on single-use plastics (plastic pollution) and here at Haith's, we're challenging ourselves through our Mission 'R' project to make a positive difference.
Paul's a big believer in education being partly conducted outdoors and amongst nature rather than solely in classrooms. We (at Haith's) agree, which is why we invited Paul to visit Haith's new premises - where we'll be handing over commercial space to nature - in spring/summer 2023.
Paul Rose was broadcasting from his home in Switzerland and Simon King from his office at Haith's.
More about Paul Rose:
Paul is an experienced television presenter, radio broadcaster, former Vice President of the Royal Geographical Society(link is external), Chair of the Expeditions and Fieldwork Division and is currently Expedition Leader for the National Geographic Pristine Seas Expeditions (link is external).
For his work with NASA and the Mars Lander project on Mt Erebus, Antarctica, Paul received the US Polar Medal.
Paul is a mountain and polar guide leading Greenland Icecap crossing and mountaineering expeditions and polar science support logistics. He worked for four years as a Mountain Safety consultant to the oil industry in the Middle East.
On his 2012 Greenland expedition, Paul led the first expedition to successfully traverse a new 275km icecap route of Knud Rasmussen Land and repeated his first ascent of the north face of Gunnsbjørnfjeld, the highest mountain in the Arctic.
Paul ran the US Navy diver training programme at Great Lakes Naval Training Centre and trained many emergency response dive teams including the Police, Fire Department and Underwater Recovery Teams. He remains a current and active PADI Dive Instructor.
To find out more about Paul's work, visit:
Website: https://www.paulrose.org/ https://twitter.com/paul_rose https://www.instagram.com/paulroseexplorer/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjtCS0EEoCY -
We (Haith's) have a duty to promote good bird health and encourage people who feed the birds to keep them healthy, and that's why we make SuperClean bird food. Cage and aviary birds rely on their keepers - it's a bird keeper's responsibility to ensure their birds live long and healthy lives.
In this episode, we bring together two leading lights in the aviculture world, veterinary Professor John E. Cooper and Champion bird breeder Chris Snell from his aviary in Lincolnshire - plus circa 250 budgies! We're talking specifically about budgerigars, but we're promoting good health for all birds - captive and wild (free-living).
What we cover:
The origin of the Budgerigar. Back to the 1960s and the halcyon days of bird keeping. Why feeding a quality bird seed diet is imperative for bird health. How to tell if a birdseed diet is dusty. Why it's essential to make grit available to budgies. Why keeping budgerigars can be a way of learning about the natural world and why budgies are good for people. The most important thing is the well-being of a bird - a budgerigar's got to fly! Budgerigars should be in flocks, or a single budgie should have close contact with its keeper. Individuals who keep a single budgerigar - a companion bird. The five freedoms of keeping birds. The anatomy of a bird. Companion/pet bird keepers.For more information about our work at Haith's and how we make great bird foods, please visit our website or search for Haith's bird food.
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Margaret is an avid garden birder with a fascinating backstory. Margaret's a talented nature writer and has penned more than 50 blogs for the Haith's bird food community since joining the armchair naturalists project. The project was launched by Haith's bird food during the coronavirus lockdown to help people stay connected with the natural world and share their insights with the community.
It turns out Margaret is no ordinary garden birder. For her professional life of almost 40 years, Margaret was a meteorologist. For fifteen of those years, she was broadcasting as part of her role with BBC local radio and even national radio.
Then Margaret moved "to the other side" with ITV and did occasional interviews, probably the scariest one being live on the ITN lunchtime news during snowy weather where she had to do that one outside with her foot in plaster. Margaret also provided video input for the Met Office for several years and hasn't lost her broadcasting skills.
Margaret's bird garden is awash with wildlife - it's a stepping stone for nature, offering good food, shelter, fresh water and a place to breed. In return, all Margaret asks for is to watch the comings and goings of her feathered friends as she makes a point to observe, watch and sometimes write about their antics.
To help picture Margaret's bird garden in Kent:
Margaret lives in Kent and has a suburban garden 90ft long by 45ft wide. She has a well-established garden with mixed shrubs. Her garden is 400 yards from a green space and overlooks the North Downs. Margaret regularly feeds seed mixes, suet products and live foods and provides fresh drinking and bathing water. Margaret's blogs list a large number of wildlife including starlings, robins, blackbirds, doves, sparrows, and woodpecker are all regular visitors as well as bats, foxes, butterflies and squirrels (who loves burying peanuts!).More: Margaret's blogs can be read on Haith's website here: https://haiths.com/blogs/garden-bird-blog
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Because we're a trusted bird food company on a mission to discover the bigger picture, we have a self-imposed responsibility to learn more about the 2022 Avian flu activity here in the UK. We can think of no one better equipped to talk to about avian flu and the latest guidance from the Government regarding feeding wild (free-living) garden birds than our veterinary advisor, Professor John E Cooper, DTVM, FRCPath, FRSB, Hon FFFLM, FRCVS.
Professor Cooper's guidance will be comforting to those of us who care deeply about feeding and watching garden wildlife:
There are three main reasons to keep feeding wild (free-living) birds during the current outbreak of avian flu:
It's good for garden birds & good for people - research shows that feeding supplementary bird food increases the fitness of birds, and feeding / watching wildlife is good for our well-being and mental health. Feeding garden birds is not illegal during avian flu and - as long as it's carried out 'sensibly' and 'sensitively' (listen to the podcast for definitions of those terms) - it is safe and beneficial (for birds and people) to do so. Stopping feeding garden birds could actually be counter-productive and Professor Cooper explains why removing bird foods could arguably force birds to go in search further afield for food - which could bring more species and different numbers of birds to food sources and potentially aid the spread of avian flu (please listen to the podcast for a more helpful explanation).Haith's advice: regularly clean feeders, baths, stations & tables to keep bacteria and viruses at bay.
Show notes - useful links:
Visit https://haiths.com/ for the full show notes.
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It’s possible to hand over commercial space to nature: Haith’s bird food is embarking on an exciting commercial relocation project (migrating from Grimsby to Louth’s Fairfield Est.).
We’re aiming to make a positive difference for our staff by creating commercial space and a working environment that’s connected with nature, where we can continue to create unique hand-crafted foods for birds and wildlife – which is what Haith’s has been doing since 1937. Please see https://haiths.com/pages/it-all-started-in-1937 Haith’s bird food manufacturing champions can’t work from home so we’re making it a priority to develop the business in a setting that encourages colleagues’ best efforts because that’s going to help us make our best bird food.
The 25,000-square-foot building will house our award-winning super-clean seed cleaning system, where we remove unwanted grain dust, debris, and husks because these can be harmful to birds. Once this cleaning stage is complete, we blend our ingredients into mixes using tried and tested formulas (such as ensuring there’s adequate calcium in a bird diet as this leads to better skeletal development, larger broods, higher fledgling success and optimal body condition in adult birds).
Our hand-crafted bird foods fill the nation’s garden bird feeders, are purchased by champion bird-breeders and pet bird-keepers, used by zoos and universities who combine their science to protect animals.
We have a comprehensive website presence at haiths.com - where enthusiasts can find out more about Haith's and explore and discover new ways to connect with the natural world.
Haith's is an award-winning bird food company; we’re Northern Powerhouse Export Champions (helping other companies establish a route to international markets) and were awarded an inaugural Board of Trade Award by the Secretary of State for International Trade in 2018.
We're excited to be migrating to Louth and we look forward to connecting with the local nature-loving community. -
A note: this podcast was also filmed and can be viewed on our Spotify (if you have a Spotify account) and YouTube channels. Dr Helen Jeffries says, “I’m autistic and happy to talk about it” which is why we (Haith's) invited her to feature on an episode of Naturespace with Haith’s because we, too, believe that watching and feeding wildlife can help our well-being and mental health. Helen is brave, determined and unafraid to share her backstory: When Helen was diagnosed autistic five years ago, she found the diagnosis liberating, illuminating, and depressing. “I thought then that being autistic was a total barrier to career progression as I couldn’t see any openly autistic senior civil servants." However, Helen decided to turn the diagnosis into a positive opportunity to share her story and become the open autistic role model she lacked herself. Helen is an advocate of the benefits of nature connection for people with autism and the podcast discusses how even a simple bird feeder, nest box and bird table might help improve a child’s emotional state plus increase cognitive ability. Helen is a natural history enthusiast and a Senior Civil Servant in the Department of Health and Social Care. Before that, she worked in the Cabinet Office Covid Task Force. Helen is now an active campaigner in the public sector for more understanding of autism and acceptance of autistic colleagues and writes about her experiences via her blog at: https://helenjeffries.wordpress.com/ on Twitter you can find Helen happy to talk about autism, nature and music at @HelenEva8 and LinkedIn and linkedin.com/in/helen-jeffries-b0969413 Helen Jeffries - "I'm autistic and happy to talk about it." - https://helenjeffries.wordpress.com/ Find out more about Haith's wild bird food online at www.haiths.com We covered: - The connection between nature and autism - How a simple bird feeder, nest box and bird table could help many people with autism - Beneficial activities for people with autism - Sensory stimulation - Talking about autism - pushing back against don't ask, don't tell - Communication - Chris Packham - Autism diagnosis - Autistic role models - Department of Health and Social Care - Cabinet Office Covid Task Force - Autistic colleagues - Autumnwatch
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ITV News: ‘Being around birds ‘linked to mental wellbeing boost’. Would you believe that some of our customers phone Haith's bird food and ask to be put on hold so they can hear our bird song recordings? They do! And there's a good reason why - it's beautiful.
Most say our bird song recording is relaxing - some say that bird song is an ideal background to practice mindfulness and is good for mental well-being, which is why we're adding it to the Naturespace with Haith's podcast as a listener bonus.
Enjoy! Read: ITV News: ‘Being around birds ‘linked to mental wellbeing boost’ - https://www.itv.com/news/2022-10-27/being-around-birds-linked-to-mental-wellbeing-boost -
When the Haith’s team heard about a landmark report by ZSL showing how increased urban rewilding efforts could boost wildlife and buffer city dwellers from the worst impacts of climate change, we knew we had to find out more, and we’re grateful that lead author of the report, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, agreed to a spot on the podcast.
In this revealing conversation, Nathalie shares a helpful metaphor (using a Cuban taxi!) to highlight the difference between restoration and rewilding and how urban rewilding adds to the conservation portfolio. “Our world is connected,” explains Nathalie, “it’s the wonder of nature.”
Nathalie reveals that rewilding is possible in our private gardens, which is important in terms of creating spaces for nature and connectivity – creating wildlife corridors and wild spaces - our collective gardens becoming steppingstones for nature to navigate to and from core habitat. "For example, by leaving part of your garden wild, and avoiding artificial turf and pesticides we can all do our bit to secure a future where wildlife and people survive."
This connectivity and space for nature are very much the bigger pictures Haith’s is investigating as it embarks on a relocation project and a commitment to hand over commercial space to nature in Louth, Lincolnshire. Feeding the birds is also one part of our efforts to buy wildlife time whilst the scientists make a case for nature, which – hopefully – inspires enough of us to make more space for nature. You can find out more about Haith's migrating to Louth here.
More about Dr Nathalie Pettorelli:
Nathalie is a senior scientist at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), where she carries out research to help secure a biodiverse future. She did her PhD on roe deer in France and then moved to Norway and Canada before taking a position in London over 15 years ago. Nathalie's work focuses on the relationship between nature and climate crises, and what solutions there may be to tackle these crises jointly. Her research has been carried out in a diversity of settings, from the plains of the Serengeti to tropical forests and arctic tundra. She got into science because she likes to feel useful and solve problems - and she got into conservation because she is fascinated by people, nature, and their interdependencies.
Topics:
Space for nature Urban rewilding & habitat creation The difference between restoration and rewilding Biodiversity loss Ecology The impact of climate change on nature Nature recovery Private gardens and “Rewild my street” project Nesting boxesNathalie: https://www.zsl.org/science/users/nathalie-pettorelli
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pettorelli?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Books: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781108460125?gC=5a105e8b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw48OaBhDWARIsAMd966AG7MLdbpbfSioJ6mY6jsa5ayINYC6lSehD4jukqtXA9rnfl0alkUAaAmWzEALw_wcB
As mentioned in the podcast: https://www.rewildmystreet.org/
Sponsor: https://haiths.com/ Prod. Ed King
- Se mer
