Afleveringen
-
Unlike many podcasters who take a break over Christmas, I'm not taking breaks. Instead, as I do every year, I'm publishing a special episode with seasonal wishes and, most importantly, with a big thank you to all of you for being here with me, subscribing to the podcast whether on a podcast app or YouTube and particularly for signing up to my newsletter. I would also like to welcome new subscribers as well as give big shout-outs to those of you who have been with me for many years. Thank you!
In the episode, I give you a rundown of what's coming in the new year, starting with episodes that have already been recorded and are scheduled for release in early 2025, and finishing with changes to my social media presence and publishing schedule. This type of update is normally reserved for my supporting members on Buy Me a Coffee. But it's Christmas time, so there you go!
Speaking of support, if the approach of Christmas has made you feel generous, you can always channel your generosity by supporting my work on Buy Me a Coffee. The only way I'm finding time for all the editing and content production is in the early mornings - we're talking 5 am early mornings. So extra caffeine comes in really handy, especially at this time of year when we have to wait unusually long for the first rays of daylight.
Finally, I wish you and your loved ones a merry and peaceful Christmas filled with good conversations and cheerful moments. May the new year bring you closer to nature and much-needed good news for conservation. Thank you for being part of this journey and stay tuned for 2025!
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
This episode is a real treat for all those who are interested in bowhunting, bowhunting culture and the ethics of bowhunting compared to rifle hunting. Everything sprinkled with a healthy dose of hunting stories.
It feels like Iâm one of the only very few who talks about bowhunting with European listeners in mind. Indeed, I would like to see hunting with archery tackle being legalised and popularised on the old continent. In my view, the notions that itâs inhumane or somehow unethical are ill-advised and plain wrong. It is especially disturbing when such unwise opinions are expressed with confidence by hunters or veterinary practitioners who have no experience or previous exposure to bowhunting.
To talk about these matters Iâm joined by expert bowhunter Jim Clark. In our conversation, Jim shares a wealth of knowledge about bowhunting as well as some of his personal stories. As always I didnât shy away from asking him hard questions to tease out the potential downsides of using archery tackle over firearms.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and it only made me want to try my hand at bowhunting even more. I will keep talking about hunting with archery tackle to at least provoke a constructive discussion among European hunters and hunting organisations alike. If you would like to see bowhunting legalised, please leave a comment. What are your thoughts?
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
How much influence do personal experiences of high-ranking officials have on EU environmental policies? What happens when science-based conservation collides with political interests? Can farmers and environmentalists find common ground in nature restoration? In this episode, I talk to Faustine Bas-Defossez, Director for Nature, Health and Environment at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), who provides insights into the complex world of EU environmental policymaking.
In our conversation, we discuss several pressing environmental issues, including the recent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the controversial recommendation to lower wolvesâ protection status in Europe and the implementation challenges of the Nature Restoration Law. Faustine explains how scientific evidence sometimes takes a back seat to political motivations, using the example of how a single incident involving the European Commission President's pony influenced wolf protection policy. She also discusses the challenges of balancing agricultural practices with environmental protection, highlighting the systemic changes needed in our food production and consumption patterns.
The discussion ends on an optimistic note with Faustine sharing a success story from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. She describes how representatives from seemingly opposing interests - from environmental NGOs to industrial farming organisations - reached a meaningful consensus on future agricultural policies. This achievement demonstrates that despite the challenges and polarization in environmental politics, collaborative solutions are possible when stakeholders commit to constructive dialogue.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
In this episode I'm joined by Declan Quigley to explore the history of sturgeon in Irish waters. We talk about the recent campaign by the Irish Wildlife Trust to reintroduce this ancient fish. The conversation dives into the history of sturgeon in Ireland, discussing their critical endangerment and the factors that led to their decline, including overfishing and habitat loss. Declan shares his extensive research findings, revealing that while sturgeon havenât been confirmed to spawn in Irish rivers, they have a historical presence in coastal waters. The episode highlights the challenges and potential for sturgeon farming as a conservation tool, as well as the importance of preserving knowledge about these remarkable creatures. Listeners will also discover the cultural significance of sturgeon in Ireland and the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of this iconic species.
Takeaways:
The Irish Wildlife Trust advocates for a feasibility study to reintroduce sturgeon into Irish waters. Despite historical presence, evidence suggests sturgeon may have never spawned in Irish rivers. Sturgeons are ancient fish, often referred to as living fossils due to their long evolutionary history. Declan Quigley highlights the critical decline of sturgeon populations due to overfishing and habitat loss. Efforts in France aim to breed sturgeon, potentially leading to increased sightings in Irish waters. Sturgeon farming may contribute positively to conservation by supplying caviar and reducing poaching.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
-
What exactly is rewilding? Does it simply mean bringing back wolves, lynx and bears, or is there more to it? Can we balance food production and rural community needs with land left to natural processes and wildlife conservation? To answer these questions, I talk with Ian Parsons, editor of "Great Misconceptions: Rewilding Myths and Misunderstandings", a new book that explores common assumptions and misconceptions about rewilding.
In our discussion, we address aspects of rewilding that are often misunderstood or misinterpreted, sometimes innocently and at other times deliberately or even maliciously. We explore three topics commonly associated with rewilding that often spark heated debate: species reintroductions, community engagement, and the choice between tree planting and natural regeneration. This discussion draws on the collective wisdom of renowned authors who contributed distinct chapters to the book.
In the end, Ian emphasises that rewilding shouldn't remain just another niche concept but needs to be integrated into how we live our lives, from urban planning to politics or even business practices. He challenges the notion that rewilding is anti-rural, arguing instead that it can revitalise rural economies and provide new opportunities for communities. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in conservation, land management and the future of our relationship with nature.
Buy Great Misconceptions: Rewilding Myths and Misunderstandings
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Tommyâs 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
-
What drives two friends to create a weekly podcast about fly fishing? How do they manage to keep it fresh and engaging week after week? Ireland on the Fly started as Daire's passion project about four years ago, combining his media background with his newfound love for fly fishing. The podcast took on new life when Tom, an experienced angling guide and former Hardy and Grays sales manager, joined the team two and a half years ago.
The show explores the rich culture and history of fly fishing in Ireland, featuring diverse topics from technical fishing advice to environmental issues. Each episode brings unique perspectives through interviews with historians, scientists, and fellow anglers. The hosts maintain a careful balance between practical fishing content and broader environmental concerns, often addressing current issues like the recent Killery Harbour salmon farm escapees, while staying true to their role as custodians of rivers and lakes.
As media veterans, Daire and Tom understand the challenge of keeping environmental content engaging for their audience. They work to find fresh angles on recurring issues like fish kills and salmon farming, while still delivering the practical fishing content their listeners desire. Their approach combines awareness-raising with entertainment, proving that educational content can coexist with engaging storytelling.
Ireland on the Fly
-
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 FailedThe Return of WhalingWhat US Militarism Has to Do With Japan's Quest to Slaughter More WhalesSubscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
Listen to my conversation with John Aitchison from the Coastal Communities Network Scotland to learn about the devastating effects of salmon farming on the marine environment and coastal communities. Toxic waste, pesticides, diseases and parasites are just the tip of the iceberg.
I knew that salmon farming was bad but I didnât realise quite how bad it really is. Salmon aquaculture creates massive ecological and welfare issues for the fish. Both farmed fish as well as wild fish populations are negatively affected by open-net aquaculture. And that is even before I mention the impacts the industry has on coastal communities. The massive amounts of toxic waste, misuse of pesticides, diseases and spread of parasites that negatively affect wild salmon are just the tip of the iceberg.
To better understand the issues examined in this episode, I talk with John Aitchison. John is an acclaimed wildlife filmmaker but he is also an environmental activist at the Coastal Communities Network Scotland NGO. During our conversation, we take a closer look at the Scottish salmon farming industry. However, the issues we discuss apply equally to Ireland, Norway or anywhere salmon aquaculture is present.
I am pretty sure that after listening to this episode you wonât buy farmed salmon again, which you shouldnât, or you will at least take a pause and consider your choices.
Cover image courtesy of Corin Smith - Copyright Corin Smith.
Special guests in this episode: Ireland on the Fly
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
Ireland on The Fly
I sit down with Tom and Daire from Ireland on the Fly podcast to explore the intersection of angling, conservation, and environmental storytelling. As fellow podcasters focused on outdoor pursuits and environmental issues, we discuss the challenges of balancing technical fishing content with crucial environmental coverage. The conversation delves into how both our shows strive to bridge divides and foster understanding between different stakeholder groups in environmental debates. From salmon farm escapees to the future of recreational fishing, we examine how...
-
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"
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
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.
Tommyâs 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
-
Last week I published a blog post where I set out to answer the question of whether polar bears are facing impending extinction due to climate change or are they, in fact, doing better than ever. Around the time when I was investigating this question, I got in touch with Professor Andrew Derocher from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, who has studied polar bears for over 40 years. He specialises in ecology, conservation, and management of large Arctic mammals with a particular focus on polar bears. So, of course, I couldnât miss the opportunity to sit down with him for a comprehensive chat about all things polar bears.
During our conversation, we talk about the limiting and regulating factors of polar bear populations. Those include habitat use, predator-prey relationships, the effects of climate change as well as the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the bears' bodies. We also explore the issue of polar bear hybridisation with brown bears and how this might impact their population. We ended our conversation with an attempt to predict the future of polar bears in the rapidly warming world.
You may also be interested in checking out my blog: âAre Polar Bears Going Extinct or Are Their Populations Doing Better Than Ever?â
Finally, you might want to check Andrewâs book: âPolar Bears: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behaviorâ. And, by purchasing it using the link provided, you will help support my work since I receive a tiny commission on each sale made.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Tommyâs 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
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
-
Is scientific publishing broken? How can we make it more accessible and inclusive? And what if peer review could be collaborative and efficient instead of opaque and burdensome? In this episode, we dive into the world of academic publishing with Dr David Green, founder of Stacks Journal. We talk about how the current system is failing researchers and science enthusiasts alike, with over half of all research never getting published and exorbitant costs imposed by a handful of publishers who monopolise the industry.
David describes how Stacks Journal is revolutionising peer review through a community-based, transparent approach that empowers scientists by eliminating gatekeepers, reducing bias, and making publishing affordable. We also explore known issues like the publish or perish culture, resistance to paradigm-shifting ideas, and the impact of AI on academic writing. Finally, we try to answer the question of whether science really progresses one funeral at a time.
This episode offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of scientific publishing. David shares his vision for the future of open access and provides inspiring advice for early-career researchers feeling discouraged by the system. Whether you're a seasoned academic or simply curious about how scientific knowledge advances, this episode is a must-listen.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
The European Commission is deliberating on lowering the protection status of wolves in the EU. It seems like this decision has been taken after the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyenâs pony was killed by wolves. Is this really the reason for what many have dubbed âa new European wolf huntâ? To unpack this issue I talked to environmentalists, farmers, top-tier scientists and last but not least, hunters.
Our guests are a wildlife biologist, Professor John Linnell, a goat breeder, Bruno Lecomte, a social scientist, ââProfessor Erica von Essen, an environmentalist, the Head of EU Policy at BirdLife International, Ariel Brunner and, last but not least, the Secretary General of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, Dr David Scallan. Special thanks to hunting journalist and blogger Denis Plat for his help in ensuring that opinions from rural France were voiced.
While making this episode I recorded many hours of material and understandably not all of it made it into the episode. If you would be interested in listening to the individual interviews with the guests in this podcast, please click here.
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.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
-
Can farming and conservation coexist harmoniously? How can farmers produce high-quality food while protecting biodiversity? Elise Sutton, a passionate conservationist and livestock manager at Cherry Lodge Farm, shares her experience in balancing food production with nature conservation. Elise talks about conservation grazing using English Longhorn cattle on a 650-acre farm that includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest. She explains how this method maintains biodiversity and produces top-quality, grass-fed beef.
We talk about the intricacies of managing a nature-friendly farm, focusing on the importance of soil health, dung beetles, and adaptive grazing techniques. Elise describes how the farm has transitioned from intensive practices to a more holistic approach, integrating livestock with conservation objectives. I also asked about the challenges faced by farmers attempting to adopt more sustainable methods.
Further, our conversation extends to broader topics such as the future of farming, the potential of rewilding, and the importance of connecting habitats across landscapes. Elise offers insights into making nature-friendly farming economically viable through diversification and direct-to-consumer sales. She expresses optimism about the next generation of farmers embracing more environmentally conscious practices while acknowledging the hurdles that still need to be overcome in balancing food production with conservation efforts.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
What are the latest advancements in gene editing for crops? How can genetic engineering help plants withstand climate change? Is genetically modified food safe for consumption? To answer these questions, I talk with Ido Margalit, a co-founder and the CEO of BetterSeeds, a plant genetics company focused exclusively on using genome editing/CRISPR technology for their breeding activities. Ido explains the differences between GMOs and gene editing, highlighting how CRISPR allows for precise modifications without introducing foreign genetic material. He discusses the potential of gene editing to create drought and heat-resistant crops, addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Ido talks about the specific traits his company is developing, such as plants that can reduce water usage by 70% without compromising yield. He explains how these advancements can contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing energy consumption in irrigation and greenhouse temperature regulation. Our conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape for gene-edited crops. Ido notes that many countries treat gene-edited plants similarly to conventionally bred varieties due to their low-risk profile.
We finish discussing the broader implications of climate change for agriculture and the role gene editing can play in ensuring food security. Ido emphasises the safety of gene-edited crops and encourages farmers to embrace this technology as a solution for the future. He also mentions ongoing work to develop an enabling technology that would make CRISPR more accessible and applicable across a wider range of crops, potentially revolutionising plant breeding and agricultural practices.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
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.
-
Can large carnivore conservation coexist with livestock farming? In this episode, environmental social scientist Jonny Hanson and I discuss the complex issue of large carnivore reintroductions in Britain and Ireland. What are farmers' perspectives on sharing landscapes with predators like wolves and lynx? How can we balance conservation goals with the realities of modern agriculture? We explore these pressing questions, drawing from Jonnyâs extensive research and firsthand experience as both a researcher and small-scale farmer.
Interested in the potential reintroduction of large carnivores to Britain and Ireland? Read Jonny's informative report, "Large Carnivore Reintroductions: Farmers' Perspectives and Management Options," along with other relevant resources in the public edition of my newsletter. To receive future issues containing additional reading materials that expand on podcast discussions, consider subscribing to my newsletter.
In the episode, we discuss the challenges of large carnivore restoration to landscapes where they've been absent for centuries. Jonny highlights the importance of governance and stakeholder engagement in managing potential conflicts between wildlife and livestock. Our conversation covers various management tools, from livestock guardian dogs to compensation schemes, and examines their practical implications for farmers. Jonny also talks about the need for more social science research to understand the cultural and psychological aspects of reintroductions.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on innovative approaches to wildlife management, including the potential use of technology to create "virtual fences" for large carnivores. We also explore the ethical implications of such interventions and question whether they diminish the wildness of reintroduced animals. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of rewilding and the delicate balance between conservation and agriculture. Listen to learn how human perspectives shape our future landscapes.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. Although I donât agree with everything in the book, I can overlook my disagreements because of how brilliant some parts that I do agree with are. So I couldnât wait to sit down with the author, expert ecologist, Simon Mustoe for a chat about his views and, of course, about the book.
In his book, âWildlife in The Balanceâ, Simon lays out the case for animals being the most important ingredient of the ecosystem. He outlines the critical importance of keeping the planetâs energy inputs and outputs in balance and the role animals play in ensuring this balance. This connection of ecology with physics is one of the most unique and forward-thinking aspects of this book. To extend this thought, it contains one of the most comprehensive and compelling explanations of why the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are in fact one and the same â neither can be solved separately.
After reading this book, I started to question many things that I had thought to be unequivocally true. For example, the removal of overabundant species, like deer, that are thought to be having a negative effect on the local ecosystem. Iâm not saying that I think itâs not true anymore, but it made me question whether it is really true.
Buy "Wildlife in the Balance" here.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Tommyâs 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
Mentioned in this episode:
This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if youâre a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Donât worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.
-
Are humans part of nature or separate from it? How do we define native species, and should we always strive to eradicate invasive ones? Can urban green spaces play a role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss? And what is the Anthropocene anyway? These are only some of the questions I discussed with Dr. Marcus Collier, an Associate Professor of Sustainability Science at Trinity College Dublin. His expertise in nature-based solutions gives us a new perspective on answering these complex questions and a fresh approach to environmental issues.
In this episode, we talk about the fascinating world of novel ecosystems. We explore the complex relationship between humans and nature while challenging traditional notions of ecosystem restoration and conservation. I asked Marcus to clarify the concept of the Anthropocene and its implications for our understanding of the human impact on the environment. We also didnât shy away from the controversies surrounding invasive species and ecological restoration practices. Marcus shares his insights on how our perception of time and history influences our approach to ecosystem management and highlights the challenges of defining a "natural" state in an ever-changing world.
Then our conversation shifts to cultural landscapes and urban environments, highlighting the importance of nature-based solutions in cities. Marcus emphasises the benefits of urban greening initiatives, from improved air quality to enhanced mental health, while acknowledging potential drawbacks like gentrification. He advocates for a multifaceted approach to environmental challenges, emphasising the need for both technological and nature-based solutions for issues such as water quality and climate change.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
-
Why was the farming community so opposed to the EUâs Nature Restoration Law? Doesnât a healthy ecosystem benefit agriculture? Isnât the availability of additional payments for alternative use of unproductive land a good thing? Arenât the measures built into the law sufficient to protect the actively used agricultural land? To find answers to those and other questions related to farming and biodiversity I sat down (in his kitchen) with Bill OâKeeffe a dairy farmer from Co. Kilkenny.
In case you are wondering, Bill is involved with the Irish Farmersâ Association but he spoke with me very much from his personal perspective. His family has been farming in the area for the past 400 years, so without a doubt, his perspectives on farming are different from those of people who donât have such a sense of belonging to a place. And so we talk about farming practices and their impacts on the environment, farming communities and the looming changes. We also discuss the important difference between a farmer and a landowner.
Besides this podcast episode, I made a video where Bill shows us around his farm and talks about it and how he farms. The video is available on my Conservation and Science YouTube channel, so head over there to watch it.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect any organisation's official policy or position. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.
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.
-
Should we worry about consuming venison from an animal harvested with lead ammunition? Will cutting out and discarding meat around the impact area solve the problem? And what are the best practices to keep us safe?
Most of us have heard about the negative effects of lead on health. Not only on our health but also on the health of the ecosystems. In this episode, we are answering questions about the scale and severity of these effects from the perspective of lead used in hunting ammunition. To get a full picture I talk with Prof. Fredrik Widemo, a senior researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies. Fredrik is also a hunter so he approaches this topic from a personal perspective.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
DOWNLOAD:
How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland
-
What is sustainable agriculture? Does regenerative farming mean focusing primarily on the soil biome? Is farming a leading cause of biodiversity loss? âŠand do we really have only 60 harvests left? To get the answers to those and other questions about farming and biodiversity, join me for a conversation with an agricultural management and policy specialist, an economist, a writer and an advisor, Stuart Meikle.
In this episode, Stuart shares with us the history of his education in farming and later his work in different farming environments across the world. Then we switch gears and talk about issues specific to Irish agriculture, which also has some relevance in the UK context. And so, we discuss the use of nitrogen fertilisers, soil health and whether the cuts to the size of the national cattle herd are inevitable. I also ask Stuart about his thoughts on the recently passed Nature Restoration Law.
After you listen to this episode, donât forget to subscribe to my newsletter so as not to miss more farming episodes that are due in the coming weeks. Being a subscriber also gives you an excellent opportunity to send me your feedback and suggestions about past and future episodes. Itâs as easy as replying to an email! Finally, newsletter subscribers are first to be informed about live events and can avail themselves of substantial discounts on exclusive content.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
- Laat meer zien
