Episodes

  • 9: Puffin patrol on the Isle of May: 52,000

    9: Puffin patrol on the Isle of May: 52,000
    Jul 23 2024
    Sitting at the mouth of the Firth of Forth in Scotland, the Isle of May is a sanctuary for nesting seabirds and the destination for this episode.

    Join Alice and Sue as they journey to the island and meet UKCEH Field Manager Mark Newell and his dedicated team. Discover the critical work they do to monitor seabird colonies, including the iconic puffin, providing valuable insights into the health of our marine ecosystems.

    Alice and Sue also chat with Assistant Reserve Manager Thomas Skinner to uncover the rich history of this National Nature Reserve, meticulously managed by NatureScot since 1989, and find out about the tireless efforts of the Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust volunteers.


    UKCEH Isle of May Long Term Study (IMLOTS)
    https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/isle-may-long-term-study
    Seabird Monitoring Programme
    JNCC - https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/seabird-monitoring/
    BTO - https://app.bto.org/seabirds/public/index.jsp
    NatureScot – Isle of May National Nature Reserve
    https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/isle-may-national-nature-reserve
    Isle of May Bird Observatory
    https://isleofmaybirdobs.org/
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    40 mins
  • 8: A deep dive into Windermere: 79

    8: A deep dive into Windermere: 79
    Jul 3 2024
    Stretching over ten miles through Cumbria’s countryside, Windermere isn't just England's largest lake – it’s a real-life classroom, helping us to understand how our environment is changing over time.

    Join Alice and Sue as they venture onto the water with UKCEH scientists Eleanor Mackay and Heather Moorhouse. Together, they explore the deep waters and vibrant ecosystem of this iconic lake, where researchers have been monitoring everything from water quality to wildlife for nearly eight decades.

    They also catch up with Taylor Butler-Eldridge, from the University of Exeter, to discuss his fascinating research into the world of open water swimming.

    UK Lakes Portal - https://eip.ceh.ac.uk/apps/lakes/

    UKCEH Algal bloom app - https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope

    Producer: Rachael Buchanan

    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.


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    36 mins
  • 7: What's the buzz: 1500

    7: What's the buzz: 1500
    Jun 6 2024
    In this episode, Alice Hope and Sue Nelson get knee-deep in flowers to hear which plants attract the most pollinators – those vital bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, flies and moths – and why.

    UKCEH ecologist Dr Claire Carvell takes Sue on a tour of the office wildflower meadow in Oxfordshire, discussing how citizen science is enhancing what we know about pollinators, and the latest findings from the UK pollinator monitoring scheme.

    Alice and Sue also explore the gardens at RHS Wisley in Surrey, where wildlife specialist Helen Bostock explains why they’re introducing wildflowers into formal gardens and talks about the work of their dedicated volunteers.

    For more details see:
    The UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme

    The FIT count app

    The Royal Horticultural Society

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope

    Producer: Rachael Buchanan

    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.


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    35 mins
  • 6: Reflections on our rivers: 14

    6: Reflections on our rivers: 14
    May 30 2024
    In this episode, Sue and Alice dive into the factors affecting the ecological health of our rivers.

    Alice goes wading in the River Kennet with Anna Forbes from ARK to explore river health monitoring first hand, encountering some fascinating river residents along the way.

    Then Sue and Alice chat with Dr Mike Bowes and Dr Eleanor Mackay of UKCEH about how both the state of our rivers and our approach to monitoring them is changing over time.

    https://www.riverflies.org/
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    40 mins
  • 5: The secrets of the saltmarsh: 450

    5: The secrets of the saltmarsh: 450
    Mar 27 2024
    Sue and Alice explore these complex coastal ecosystems and discover their amazing benefits – from providing wildlife habitat to storing carbon.

    https://www.ceh.ac.uk/solutions/emerging-challenges/saltmarsh-blue-carbon

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope

    Producer: Rachael Buchanan

    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
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    38 mins
  • 4: Soil Superheroes: 50 trillion

    4: Soil Superheroes: 50 trillion
    Feb 27 2024
    Delve into the vital statistics of earthworms, as Alice and Sue uncover the unsung heroes of our soil.

    Worm resources
    Garden worm ID chart

    Earthworm Society UK diagram of worm habitats

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope

    Producer: Rachael Buchanan

    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
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    34 mins
  • 3: Nature for net zero: 0

    3: Nature for net zero: 0
    Jan 30 2024
    Sue and Alice visit Heartwood Forest and the Fens to explore how far nature-based solutions like planting trees and restoring peatlands can take us towards net zero.

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope 
    Producer: Rachael Buchanan

    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. 
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    35 mins
  • 2: Hedgelife: 390,000

    2: Hedgelife: 390,000
    Jan 30 2024
    Sue and Alice poke around that great staple of the British countryside - the hedgerow - and discover a surprising variety of residents, from mice to molluscs.

    Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope 
    Producer: Rachael Buchanan
    Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. 
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    27 mins