Stephen and Kate are seeing early signs of Spring. They are joined by young naturalist Sorrel Lyall to talk about what it's like to work on North Ronaldsay ringing birds. Stephen also takes a walk on RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve with Senior Habitats and Species officer James Silvey to see what evidence of spring there is amongst the sleet. Stephen apologises to some ducks and Kate makes a Celtic connection.

LINKS
Interesting organisations looking at nature and inclusion
https://www.flocktogether.world/
https://www.bootsandbeards.co.uk/

North Ronaldsay Observatory 
https://www.nrbo.org.uk/ 

Garganey https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/garganey/

Orkney MPAs https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/important-orkney-waters-finally-granted-protection/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer Claire Smith to talk about how important uplands are for nature and what needs to be done to make them even better. There's a surprise visit from a special raptor and Stephen has a lovely walk in the Caledonian Pine Forest with Ewan Craig from the National Capercaillie Survey.

LINKS
South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project
https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/
Scottish Government Farming Strategy
https://www.gov.scot/publications/next-step-delivering-vision-scotland-leader-sustainable-regenerative-farming/
Video about Ewan's survey work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqDEf0I-8_4

Join Kate, Stephen and Katie O'Neill from the Nature on Your Doorstep team for an early morning trip to a woodland full of birdsong. They talk about why birds sing and why we love to hear them. There's also a guest appearance by a very tuneful song thrush and Stephen gets to try out a fancy microphone.

LINKS
City Nature Challenge
https://citynaturechallenge.org/

Big Garden Birdwatch Results
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/

Take part in Dawn Chorus DAy
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/dawn-chorus/

More about Nature on Your Doorstep
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Head of Conservation Science Jen Smart to chat about migration. On a steamy day at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve the team talk about why birds migrate and some of the mind boggling distances covered. We also delve into Jen's obsession with waders. Stephen shares his recordings of corncrakes in the Hebrides. Kate has been admiring gannets.

SHOW NOTES
RSPB information on Avian Influenza
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/
CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/city-nature-challenge-2022---the-results-are-in
Curlew Video at Insh Marshes
https://youtu.be/w-5LyNSzuMI

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland's Head of Species Paul Walton to discuss the unfolding bird flu outbreak. They discuss the latest from the seabird colonies most affected, hear from RSPB staff on the ground in Shetland and talk about what we all can do to help.

LINKS
Keep up to date with bird flu
https://rspb.org.uk/birdflu

Donate to the Appeal
https://rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/donate/appeals/avian-flu-emergency-appeal/?from=morelikethis

Learn about biosecurity on islands
https://biosecurityforlife.org.uk/

The podcast is back after a summer break! Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss the Westminster Government's attack on nature and the RSPB's response. There's nature news and Stephen has been visiting Scotland's rainforest. Let us know what you want the podcast to cover @RSPBScotland on Twitter or podcast.scotland@RSPB.org uk

LINKS
Capercaillie Survey

National survey results reveal capercaillie numbers at critically low levels (rspb.org.uk)

 People’s Plan For Nature

 People's Plan For Nature (peoplesplanfornature.org)

 Attack On Nature
Attack on nature: the story so far | The RSPB

 Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest

Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk)

Stephen and Kate take a trip to RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve. They're joined by Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson who has some tips for things to keep an eye out for as we head into winter. Warden Dan Snowdon shows off his new scrapes which are proving to be a home for all kinds of wildlife. The team also has all the latest nature news.

LINKS

If you want to see the scrapes at Lochwinnoch watch this video https://youtu.be/rChb6zIsFz8 This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot. It’s also part of the wider Garnock Connections project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Find out more about the Birdcrime report here https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/BirdCrimeReportLaunched/

Info on the Nature of Scotland Awards https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/scotland/nature-of-scotland-awards/

Stephen and Kate are joined for a snowy wander by Scotland Director Anne McCall and Head of Species and Habitats Paul Walton. They pick out their highlights of the past year and look ahead to 2023. There's also an unexpected link between long tailed tits and the Waltons.

LINKS

Report on the state of Scotland's protected areas

https://www.scotlink.org/two-thirds-of-scots-support-ambitious-30-by-30-target-to-protect-nature/

 A chance to see our new Glencripesdale nature reserve for yourself

https://youtu.be/w3T8QUwAziw

 Advice on feeding birds

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/

How to clean feeders

https://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

Stephen and Kate are joined by Katie O’Neill and David Hunt for a Big Garden Birdwatch. Join them in Kate’s “garden room” for some tips on how to take part in this important bit of citizen science. There’s also all the latest nature news and a very odd folk tale about goldcrests.

LINKS

Species Campaign

https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/1

Mull Eagle Blog

https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/flying-home-for-christmas/

 Big Garden Birdwatch

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?from=hphero

 How to Clean Feeders

https://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

Stephen and Kate are joined by Conservation Officer Scott Shanks  for a wander in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. They're on the lookout for early signs of Spring and bumblebees in particular. Stephen has also been testing out his birdsong knowledge. And Kate is feeling the weight of winter lift from her shoulders.

LINKS

Beavers
Learn more about the reintroduction of beavers on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooCQniFUAd4

Follow their progress on the Loch Lomond nature reserve social feeds https://twitter.com/RSPBLochLomond

Wild Isles
Watch the trail here https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcpress/status/1628437839527411713

Birdsong
The app Kate used https://birdnet.cornell.edu/
More on birdsong here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/

Scotland's rainforest is an amazing place but it's under threat. Stephen and Kate take a trip to see the habitat for themselves at RSPB Scotland's Inversnaid nature reserve. Stephen has been to the Morvern peninsula on Scotland's west coast to hear about an exciting new RSPB Scotland project working with communities to protect, restore and expand the forest there. Kate is feeling hopeful about spring and Stephen is learning to love lichens.

LINKS

Save Our Wild Isles
https://www.saveourwildisles.org.uk/

Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest
https://savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk/

Stephen and Kate are looking back at the amazing wildlife featured in the Wild Isles series. They are also looking forward to the plans being made to protect and renew it. James How from RSPB Scotland's Loch Gruinart nature reserve on Islay gives us the inside story of how the Wild Isles team filmed White Tailed Eagles hunting Barnacle Geese. Stephen chats to one of the people who has taking part in putting together the People's Plan For Nature. And there's all the usual nature news.

LINKS

Search for Saving Our Wild Isles on the BBC iplayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Learn more about the People's Plan For Nature https://peoplesplanfornature.org/
Read more about the gamekeeper case we discuss here https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/gamekeeper-pleads-guilty-to-shooting-sparrowhawk-on-scottish-grouse-moor/

Stephen and Kate are visiting RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven reserve to find out how to really connect to nature. Freya and Daniel from the visitor experience team at the reserve explain the difference between just spending time in nature and connecting with it. Stephen tags along with a group of blind and visually impaired people who are learning about birdsong. There's nature news and a lot of chat about peewits.

LINKS

The latest on Bird Flu https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/

Find out more about Visibility Scotland https://visibilityscotland.org.uk/

Watch Daniel and other staff from RSPB Scotland Loch Leven connect to nature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PvzmKm59bA

Earlier this year experts from bird charities across Europe gathered in Scotland to share how they are working to save nature across the continent. Stephen is joined by Isobel Mercer to talk about how working together across national boundaries is more important than ever. We hear from people working all over Europe about the challenges they face. And there's time for some nature news including a close pass by a common sandpiper and a birding first for Isobel.

LINKS
Find out more about Birdlife's work here https://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-asia/

More on bird flu here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/

Spotted Flycatcher ID https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/spotted-flycatcher/

This episode is a deep dive into the crisis facing seabirds around Scotland's coasts. Stephen is joined at the seaside by Head of Species Paul Walton and Head of Marine Policy Helen McLachlan. They explain why Scotland is so important globally for seabirds and the threats they face.

Stephen also travels to RSPB Scotland nature reserves in Orkney, Fowlsheugh and Troup Head to hear what the impact of bird flu has been on birds like Gannets and Kittiwakes.

There's lots you can do to help and to find out more about what's happening to seabirds

Let the Scottish Government know what you think about closing the Sandeel fishery
https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/rspb-news-stories/hope-for-struggling-seabirds/

More about seabirds
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/features/enjoy-a-seabird-spectacular/

More about the Climate Crisis and what you can do
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/climate-change-effects-on-nature-and-wildlife/

In this special edition of the podcast Stephen is in Orkney to hear about work to protect its special, native wildlife.

Orkney  has its own native Vole species and also hosts globally important populations of seabirds, waders and other species. But that wildlife is under threat from an invasive predator, the Stoat. 

RSPB Scotland is part of a groundbreaking project that has set out to eradicate Stoats and protect native wildlife. Stephen hears from those involved in trapping, monitoring and biosecurity as part of this enormous undertaking.

The Orkney Native Wildlife Project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council with generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE (LIFE17 UK/NAT/000557) as well as in kind and financial contributions from partners. The mop-up methodology trial was supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

As the days shorten wintering ducks, geese and swans are making their way back to Scotland. Stephen is at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve to see some of the birds that make this time of year so special. He's joined by Site Manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon to chat about Pintail, Smew and Wigeon.

Stephen also travels to the Slammanan Plateau in search of the UK's rarest goose. Conservation officer Scott Shanks and volunteers Angus Maciver and Billy Thomson help him to find Taiga Bean Geese in fields near Cumbernauld.

LINKS
More about our work on Corncrakes

Cattle on Lewis
https://youtu.be/87RIV7Q4qO8
RSPB Scotland Oronsay nature reserve
https://youtu.be/sMDBUpeVV6E

Let the Scottish Government know you want better legislation to protect and renew nature https://t.co/DjDHX7Zz1V

See the volunteers at Kinnordy in action
https://youtu.be/ulMPni4aiZA

It's an important time for Scotland's birds of prey as the Scottish Government introduces legislation to license grouse moors in a bid to end raptor persecution.

Raptor persecution - the illegal killing of birds of prey - continues in Scotland and around the UK. In this podcast Stephen meets those working to end this criminality. He hears from RSPB Scotland's Head of Investigations Ian Thomson, Ruth Tingay from the influential Raptor Persecution UK blog and campaigner Chris Packham.

And there's the very latest on what's happening in the Scottish Parliament.

And you can help too by putting pressure on your MSPs to follow through on delivering the legislation.

LINKS
Get in touch with your MSP
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/act-now-to-protect-birds-of-prey-and-peatlands


Report an incident
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/how-to-report-crimes-against-wild-birds

It's that time of year again! Big Garden Birdwatch is here. Stephen and Dan Snowdon from RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve explain how to take part. There are also tips on how to work out what you're seeing out there.

Stephen also travels to Dundee to meet staff and volunteers involved in inspirational work building connections with nature for people living in the city.

More about Big Garden Birdwatch here https://t.co/tC0YFBrsRr

Find out more about our work in Dundee Winter Wildlife in Dundee - Scottish Nature Notes - Our work - The RSPB Community

How to Listen to Birds is a new podcast mini series from RSPB Scotland. Join host Stephen Magee out and about for tips on how to identify birds by their song. He'll also hear from RSPB staff about how the sounds birds make help us understand their lives better. And Stephen will try to understand what it is about birdsong that moves and enthrals us.

In Episode 1 we are at RSPB Scotland's Baron's Haugh reserve with warden David Anderson. He has tips on how to get started with birdsong. We encounter a tiny bird with a big song and David explains you don't need to go deep into the wild to enjoy the sound of birds.

LINKS
Birdsong Beginner video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-qJuNysUsU
David's work with blind and visually impaired people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeXEmSgvgk
RSPB Web resources about birdsong and ID generally https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z
Dan Chorus https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve.  Site manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon are on hand to help him identify what is singing in the woodland.

There's a little bird with a loud voice,  a melodic warbler and a thrush with a complex song.

Stephen also hears about some odd nesting decisions by Blue Tits at the reserve and discovers which bird sounds like a squeaky bike pump.

Let us know what you think about the series and what you've been hearing podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Find out more about Loch Leven nature reserve here https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-leven
Birdsong info on the RSPB website https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z

In Episode 3 of our miniseries How to Listen to Birds Stephen is visiting RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy nature reserve. Assistant Warden Ewan Craig is his guide as they take a walk through the stunning pine forest. There’s noisy Goldcrests making a sound that belies their tiny size. Ewan has an odd way to remember the song of the Chaffinch. And the pair luck out with a pine forest specialist, Crested Tit.

We want to know what you want to hear about in the podcast. Drop us an email podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

There's more about Bird ID including help with birdsong here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z

Visit Loch Garten
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-garten-abernethy

In the latest episode of our mini series How to Listen to Birds Stephen is visiting RSPB Scotland’s Baron’s Haugh reserve.

Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson is his guide as he encounters the bewildering array of noises a Great Tit can make.

There’s also a chance to focus on one of the sweetest songs in the wood, the Robin. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs are singing loudly.

Toby also offers his expert take on why birds sing and the risks involved.

Let us know how you're enjoying birdsong podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Bird ID including song https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Wood of Cree nature reserve. With the help of local expert Crystal Maw he hears some of the specialist birds that call this ancient woodland home. There's Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and the stunning song of the Wood Warbler. Crustal also explains how RSPB Scotland looks after this special place.

Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe. You cn get in touch using the email podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

In the last of our miniseries on birdsong Stephen is squeezing in a few moorland highlights before heading back to Wood of Cree for a rainy visit. 

Guided again by Crystal Maw he's listening to a mournful thrush and hearing about the bizarre life cycle of a Cuckoo.

Let us know what you want to hear about in the podcast podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk 

And don't forget to leave us a review wherever you listen to the pod.

This week the RSPB releases its latest Birdcrime Report detailing the shocking ongoing illegal killing of birds of prey.

In a special episode of RSPB Scotland’s Nature News podcast host Stephen Magee talks to RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations Ian Thomson.

They discuss the latest findings as well as the new legislation introduced in Scotland that sets out to tackle this criminality.

You can find out more about the Birdcrime Report here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birdcrime

Join Stephen and Kate as they mark midsummer by hearing about the "Simmer Dim" in Shetland. The podcast also covers recent nature news including a mass influx of rosy starlings and how to make sure you and your dog enjoy the outdoors without causing problems for wildlife. Let us know what you think of the podcast and what you want us to cover @RSPB Scotland on twitter or podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Kate and Stephen share their nature news after some hot weather brings out all that's good and slightly less welcome from the world of invertebrates. There's advice on how to help birds in warm weather. We look ahead to a vital climate conference in Glasgow. And we hear from a young woman who has fallen in love with the peat bogs at RSPB Scotland's Forsinard reserve. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. And get in touch with your nature news podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

You can also find out more about how to get involved in campaigning for action on the nature and climate emergency at these links

Climate Scotland https://climatescotland.org/

SCCS https://www.stopclimatechaos.scot/

Climate Fringe https://climatefringe.org/

Kate and Stephen discuss Eco-Anxiety in the wake of the IPCC report on climate change, the success of the Edinburgh Swift City Project and hear about a new wetland on RSPB Scotland's Loch Lomond nature reserve. They also reflect on some of their own nature moments from the last couple of weeks.

The Swift City Project is supported by ScottishPower Foundation.

The Loch Lomond wetland is being created in partnership with Froglife and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the RSPB . We would like to thank the players of the National Lottery and the members of the RSPB for making this possible. Find out more about the Loch Lomond project here https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/making-a-splash-at-rspb-loch-lomond
Keep an eye on our YouTube playlist for video about the work soon https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6TyuYG9WmfWngjkGjbQ0aWlhNcllbvqF
Find out more about the RSPB's policy on shooting https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/policy-insight/gamebird-review/ 

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to talk about the approach of Autumn and the marvels of migration. There are some surprising revelations about the identities of the little brown birds in the garden and an attempt to get into the mind of a green sandpiper. Stephen shares his experience of performing starlings and Kate is having soup for lunch. Let us know your nature news podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Stephen mentioned the Fight For Sotland's Nature. You can learn more here https://www.fightforscotlandsnature.scot/

Join Stephen and Kate on a damp day to chat sun kissed machair, benign neglect and whether or not we can get a listener in Antarctica. They’re also joined by Parliamentary Officer Nora Casey for a look at the Scottish Government’s programme for government.

 You can vote for your favourite Nature Champions of the Decade here Nature Champions of the Decade (rspb.org.uk)

Information on nature friendly gardening Nature on your Doorstep – Wildlife-friendly Gardening | The RSPB

In this week's episode Kate and Stephen talk to Dr Francis Daunt of the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology about why seabirds are behaving strangely - and even dying - down the UK's East Coast. Over the last few weeks reports have come in of birds feeding in unusual areas and members of the public have been finding dead guillemots and razorbills along the coastline. We explore whether climate change is involved and the theory that toxic algae may be playing a part in these disturbing events.

Kate and Stephen also hear from Sarah-Jayne Foster about the exciting new green space being constructed in Glasgow's Botanic Garden as part of RSPB Scotland's campaigning around COP26.

LINKS
RSPB Scotland blog on dead seabirds including how to report.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/an-update-on-seabirds-on-the-east-coast?CommentId=f22418cc-336b-4ae8-90e7-81f23b1513e6

Dr Francis Daunt
https://twitter.com/FrancisDaunt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Biodiverity Banner on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQAUkXH6R0Q

In this episode Stephen has lunch with some ducks and Kate gets an unusual view of a sparrowhawk. They are joined by Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss how well Scotland's protected areas are actually looked after in practice and what the future holds for these key habitats.

There's also a trip into the woods to go looking for fungi with James from the Comms team and a lovely autumnal message from Gullane beavers.

LINKS

Bad Ducks RSPB Scotland on Twitter: "New podcast alert! In this episode Stephen has lunch with some ducks and Kate gets an unusual view of a sparrowhawk... Take a listen: https://t.co/Pu2AKJgYx0 https://t.co/5eBQRfE286" / Twitter

Find out about the new marine protected area here https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/nature-s-advocates/posts/a-new-seabird-haven-the-size-of-france-will-protect-5-million-seabirds-in-the-north-atlantic

How you can report upland burning https://upland-burning-rspb.hub.arcgis.com/

National Nature Reserves https://www.nnr.scot/Search_by_Map

Advice on foraging for wild food 
https://www.wildfooduk.com/

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland’s Director Anne McCall to look ahead to the COP26 summit. There’s also news of snow buntings, a grouse based confrontation and a wildlife mystery to solve. Star of CBeebies, Rory Crawford also shares some tips about engaging kids with nature. Send us your nature news podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

LINKS
Take the Peat Free Pledge https://t.co/YqYLngFsq0?amp=1

Day of Action on November 06th Join the Global Day of Action on 6 November 2021 | The RSPB

Paper on grouse behaviour https://britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/article_files/V57/V57_N04/V57_N04_P137_170_A027.pdf

In the first of our special podcasts Kate and Stephen talk to Emma, a young person from Glasgow about her hopes for COP26. Emma is a member of the COP26 Youth Climate Steering Group and has been working with other young people to make sure their voices are heard at the summit. We'll be bringing you more updates over the next couple of weeks. Let us know what you think @RSPBScotland on Twitter or podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Stephen is actually at COP26, or at least just the other side of the security fence. But fear not as he has guests who have been inside making the case for nature. He's joined by Milly Hayward, a residential volunteer from RSPB Scotland's Forsinard Flows nature reserve who is in Glasgow to share her enthusiasm for our peatlands. The podcast also features a chat with Paul Walton from RSPB Scotland and John Martin from RSPB Northern Ireland about how peatlands are fast becoming a key focus of this summit. Don't forget to subscribe and review and let us know what you think about COP26 podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

LINKS
Animation about Forsinard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTtEseJZFP0
Milly's guide to the work at Forsinard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1jBm3DO3S4

Today the focus is on forests. Stephen talks to Scotland's Environment and Land Reform Minister Mairi McAllan MSP about what the Scottish Government plans to do to restore Scotland's rainforest. He also chats to Director, Scotland Anne McCall and Principal Policy Officer Andrew Weatherall about this unique habitat and the threats it faces. All this comes as world leaders promise to end deforestation globally by 2030. Don't forget to subscribe and review, and let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Stephen is joined by Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the RSPB and Patricia Zurata CEO of BirdLife International to get an insight into what's happening in the negotiating rooms of COP 26. Beccy outlines how we'll know if COP has produced a good deal. Patricia gives a global perspective on what's happening in Glasgow and Stephen sees a pretty fancy looking Police boat. Don't forget to let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org uk


LINKS
BirdLife International https://www.birdlife.org/
Get involved in the Day of Action on Saturday https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/my-climate-action/cop26-march/?sourcecode=PAIAHC2730

As COP26 starts to really get into the hard work of forging a deal Stephen talks to Principle Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi about the realities of negotiations. She's at her sixth COP and is closely observing events in Glasgow. Stephen also talks to young advocates for nature Oluwaseyi Moejoh from Nigeria and Milly Hawyward, a a residential volunteer at RSPB Forsinard Flows. They discuss whether young people are really being listened to and whether the perspective of the global South is receiving the attention it deserves. Let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

LINKS
Day of Action https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/my-climate-action/cop26-march/?sourcecode=PAIAHC2730
Vanessa Nakate, the activist Seyi mentions in the podcast https://twitter.com/vanessa_vash

It's the Day of Action and thousands are marching in Glasgow and elsewhere to speak up for nature and the climate. Stephen and Kate catch up with RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, naturalist and campaigner Chris Packham, CBeebies star and RSPB stalwart Rory Crawford and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together. It's raining and the helicopters are back, but nothing can dampen their spirits or drown them out. Let us know how you marked the day podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Stephen talks to RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall about Saturday's Day of Action and what the atmosphere is like inside the negotiations. He's also joined again by Principal Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi to discuss what the likely sticking points of any deal might be and whose voices are the loudest in the room. Don't forget to let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

You can see the video Stephen mentions about the Day of Action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTOePpxp8

Today is Gender Day at COP26. Stephen Talks to Bianca Pitt, Co-Founder of She Changes Climate. It was set up to campaign for equal representation at COP for women. He also hears from two women who have travelled from Africa to attend COP, Prudence Muchinouta of Zambian organisation COMACO and Judy Muriithi of Kenya's Focused Conservation. Let us know what you think about COP podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

As a draft deal is published Stephen is joined by RSPB Scotland's COP26 Project Manager Lottie van Grieken and Parliamentary Manager Patrick McGlinchey to examine this first indication of what a deal might look like. They ask whether nature is being given the attention it needs. Stephen also takes a trip to one of Glasgow's many parks with Dr Scott Shanks to get an insight into the role urban green spaces play in tackling the nature and climate emergency.

Don't forget to like and subscribe and get in touch podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Find out more about our work in Glasgow https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/scotland/giving-nature-a-home-in-glasgow/

As crunch time approaches Stephen is joined by two of the RSPB's staff working inside Cop Melanie Coath and Fiona Dobson. They discuss the increasingly prominent role nature is taking at COPs and what an eventual deal might look like. He also catches up with former world champion cyclist Chris Boardman. And hears from ambient music pioneer and climate change campaigner Brian Eno.

As it becomes clear COP26 will roll on past its Friday deadline Stephen is joined by Melanie Coath to find out where nature features in the latest draft agreement. He also chats to young activists  Rob Knott and Ruari Brogan about their experiences at the summit. Let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

A deal is done! Stephen is joined by RSPB staffer Melanie Coath who has been working for nature throughout the summit. They analyse the final agreement and reflect on the last two weeks. I f you've enjoyed these podcasts don't forget to listen to Nature News from RSPB Scotland and make sure you like and subscribe. You can find it in this fed or anywhere you get podcasts.

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall to analyse the deal done at COP26. They pick out what’s good for nature in the agreement and discuss the impact of activism on the summit. There’s also nature news involving long tailed tits, gallus foxes and juvenile delinquent gulls. Stephen also hears from two young activists Milly Hayward and Oluwaseyi Moejoh who spent the last two weeks at COP.

See the fox in question
https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland/status/1458796654480396295

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer and Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to look back at 2021. It's been a massive year for nature and the conversation ranges from the biggest Big Garden Birdwatch of all time to Glasgow's moment in the global spotlight during COP26. They also take time to share their biggest personal nature moments of the year.

LINKS
Take part in Big Garden Birdwatch https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
More on Seabird deaths https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland/status/1456667626722168834
A little reminder of what it was like to be at COP26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTOePpxp8

Join Kate, Stephen and Head of Habitats and Species Paul Walton for a bit of birdwatching and some tips on how to have a great Big Garden Birdwatch. The team also delve into the real science behind the event. Paul chats about glow in the dark blue tits, Kate is thinking about pigeon milk and Stephen doesn't want to play wrens at board games.

LINKS

NATURE PRESCRIPTIONS
https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/nature-prescriptions/Edinburgh-pilot-final-report.pdf
FEEDING BIRDS SAFELY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA8Kj0zu2YQ
AVIAN FLU
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/

WILD CHALLENGE
Family’s Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/
Schools Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/schools-wild-challenge/
How to make your own bird feeder: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-recycled-bird-feeder/