Blue whales are the largest animal that has ever lived. Topping all kinds of charts and holding a host of impressive records in the animal kingdom. Yet despite their remarkable size, and partly because of it, they were driven close to extinction in the 20th century. But there is good news, as their numbers are beginning rise!

Join us as we explore the incredible world of the blue whale. From their evolution from land-based mammals to the devastating impact of industrial whaling, and the conservation efforts working hard to support their recovery and returning numbers.

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Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

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Links

New research indicates blue whale population recovery - Curious Earth

Blue whales: Facts, threats, and our conservation plan | IFAW

fact_sheet_blue_whale_climate_change.pdf

Whales evolved in three rapid phases, reveals largest study of its kind | UCL News - UCL – University College London

First records of orcas seen killing and eating blue whales - Discover Wildlife

Blue Corridors of the Eastern Pacific Ocean | World Wildlife Fund

Antarctic blue whale numbers are recovering | WWF

With so much bad news in our daily feeds, it’s easy to forget that people around the world are working tirelessly to protect nature, wildlife, and the environment.

So, before 2025 fades completely in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking one final look back at the year’s good news for the planet. From species making remarkable recoveries and long-lost wildlife being rediscovered, to major habitat protections and hard-won environmental policies, there’s far more hope than the headlines often suggest.

Join us for a relaxed and chatty episode featuring some brilliant wins for nature, many mispronounced place names, and a hopeful start to 2026.

Our annual positive news roundup is always one of our favourite episodes to research and record, we hope you enjoy listening.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Thermal Cameras and AI Help Protect Rhinos in Kenya | World Wildlife Fund

Nepal Reports Stable Snow Leopard Population | World Wildlife Fund

Devon pine marten kits born in 'historic moment' on Dartmoor - BBC News

Smallest otter in the world rediscovered in Nepal after 185-year absence | Discover Wildlife

Gorongosa Conservation Progress and Success 2025

Rediscovered in a Forgotten Park: The Elusive Upemba Lechwe - African Conservation Foundation

Mountain Gorillas: Rising From the Brink of Extinction | World Wildlife Fund

Seal Greece: 1,000 Miles for the 1,000 Mediterranean Monk Seals Left on the Planet - Seal Greece

We've mentioned them a lot but now it is time they get their very own episode.

They're ecosystem engineers, climate change protectors, master builders, and have a tail with more functions than you'd think. You can't help but love them.

So, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of beavers. From their unrivalled ability to shape landscapes and support entire ecosystems, to their extinction in the UK and the inspiring efforts to bring them back, we cover it all in this deep dive into one of our favourite animals.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers

https://beavertrust.org/beaver-basics/beaver-impacts/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/beavers-save-czech-taxpayers-by-flooding-ex-army-training-site

https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/cornwall-beaver-project

https://www.norfolkriverstrust.org/case-studies/returning-beavers-to-the-glaven

https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beaver-benefits/

https://news.westernu.ca/2020/08/ancient-beavers-cut-trees-for-food-first-not-to-build-dams/

Beavers: How and why they build dams - YouTube

If you’ve been listening to the pod for a while, you’ll know we have a real soft spot for curlews. They were even the topic of our second ever episode back in September 2022!

Since then, lots has happened in the world of curlews. There’s been some sad news about the slender-billed curlew, but also lots to celebrate, with some great conservation projects underway. And on The Birdy Bug Pod front, Steve has a very exciting curlew update of his own.

So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the latest curlew developments and chat about Steve’s new curlew venture.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Curlew Action – Action Now for Curlews Tomorrow

HOME - Curlew LIFE

Slender-Billed Curlew: The Latest Bird Extinction Explained

Resources | Curlew Recovery Partnership

Man treks 53 miles in bird costume costume to raise awareness about endangered Eurasian Curlew | New York Post

Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so!

Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk.

We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly?

We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

The UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

The national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

UK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.uk

Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BES

Genus-Wide Characterization of Bumblebee Genomes Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Variation in Ecological and Behavioral Traits | Molecular Biology and Evolution | Oxford Academic

Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback!

2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries.

Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it.

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary

White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England

White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain

White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

White-tailed eagle saga - Dave Sexton

Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Not just their descendants, but the last living branch of one of the most successful animal groups to ever walk the Earth.

In this episode, we sit down with paleo artist, keen birdwatcher, and lifelong dinosaur enthusiast Sean Hennessy (aka Speed Thief) to uncover the fascinating evolutionary link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives. We dispel some common dino myths and misunderstandings, explore how dinosaurs capture the public imagination, and discuss why they remain vital ambassadors for natural history and science.

We also chat to Sean about how he sees paleo art as a powerful form of science communication and learn more about his fantastic paleo comics.

Sean has probably had more mentions on the podcast than anyone else, we've been wanting to have him on for ages. It was brilliant to finally have him in the studio and chat all things dinosaur (prehistoric and living).

Sean's art and socials:

https://linktr.ee/speed.thief

@speed.thief

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Ancient, agile, and unmatched in the air, dragonflies have ruled the skies for over 300 million years. But in today’s rapidly changing world, how are they faring?

In this episode, we explore the world of these remarkable insects, from their perfectly-adapted anatomy and impressive hunting skills, to the art, poetry, and legends they have inspired across centuries and cultures.

We examine the state of the UK’s dragonfly populations, where some species are in steep decline while others are on the rise, revealing important clues about the health of our ecosystems and the effects of climate change.

And we of course, highlight the brilliant work of the dedicated people and organisations striving to protect these extraordinary insects and restore the habitats they need to survive.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

British Dragonfly Society - British Dragonfly Society

Rare dragonfly introduced into a hidden corner of Cumbria

Dragonfly species are colonising the UK 'at a greater rate than ever before' | Natural History Museum

UK’s dragonflies are benefiting from climate change | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Rare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The Guardian

Rare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The Guardian