This week's Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the folklore of nature and wildlife. So join us around the campfire at the heart of the Dark wood.

Nigel Palmer, the host of Wildlife Matters, welcomes listeners to a festive storytelling session that delves into the rich tapestry of folklore linked to nature. This special Christmas episode presents two compelling tales that highlight critical themes of respect for the environment, morality, and the consequences of human actions.

The first story, 'The Alder Sprite,' unfolds in Somerset and follows Tam, a farm worker whose conflict with the sacred Alder tree leads to devastating consequences. Tam's relentless grumbling about a branch obstructing his access to the Saints well culminates in a series of ominous warnings from the tree's spirit, which he ultimately ignores. His defiance results in a tragic fire that consumes his cottage, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of heeding nature's signs and respecting the spirits that inhabit it. This narrative encapsulates a timeless moral lesson about the dangers of underestimating the natural world and its unseen guardians.

The second story, 'The Black Fox,' shifts focus to a greedy lord who, despite possessing vast wealth and power, cannot claim the woodland cottage owned by a woman he desires. Driven by obsession, he attempts to control everything around him, leading to supernatural occurrences marked by the appearance of a mysterious black fox. This fox symbolizes the spirit of the woodland and acts as a protector of those who cherish nature. As the lord's reckless pursuits lead to his downfall, the tale serves as a cautionary narrative about the perils of greed and the folly of disregarding the natural order. The intertwining of these stories offers a rich exploration of human folly contrasted with the wisdom found in nature, illustrating how ignorance can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Palmer's masterful storytelling captivates the audience, inviting listeners to reflect on their relationship with nature and the lessons learned from these age-old tales. The episode not only entertains but also encourages a deeper understanding of the interplay between humanity and the environment.

As the episode draws to a close, listeners are left with a powerful message about the importance of respecting nature and the consequences of our actions, reinforcing the idea that the stories we share shape our perceptions of the world and our place within it. The blend of ancient folklore with contemporary themes resonates deeply, making this episode a thoughtful exploration of morality and the human experience within the natural world.

Takeaways:

• During the holiday season, nature offers a comforting escape from our daily stresses.
• The storytelling tradition in Britain showcases a rich tapestry of folklore and nature tales.
• Tam's story illustrates the consequences of ignoring warnings and the wisdom of nature.
• The Black Fox symbolizes the protective spirit of nature against those who exploit it.
• Respecting nature and its creatures is essential to maintaining harmony within our environment.
• The importance of listening to one's instincts and emotional intelligence is highlighted in folklore.

This week's Wildlife Matters podcast dives into the concerning issue of avian botulism affecting water birds along the Grand Union Canal in West London, where several swans and other species have been found dead. Host Nigel Palmer discusses the investigative efforts of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which initially suspected avian influenza but later shifted focus to toxins such as botulism as the likely cause of the mass mortality. The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining good biosecurity practices for bird keepers as the risk of avian influenza remains high this winter. Additionally, listeners are provided with practical tips on how to create a hedgehog-friendly garden for the winter months, ensuring these charming creatures can hibernate safely. The podcast wraps up with a second part of an adventurous exploration of the Men’s Nature Reserve, showcasing its rich natural history and the beauty of ancient woodlands.

Hello and welcome to this week’s Wildlife Matters podcast. I’m your host, Nigel Palmer.

Can you believe it’s already December? Where has 2024 gone? We have another action-packed show lined up for you today.

We will conclude our walk on the wild side in the beautiful ancient woodland of Mens Nature Reserve, and we’ll spend some Mindful Moments listening to the sounds of wildlife from that day on the reserve in late spring.

We'll also share another formative Wildlife Matters article, this time on how to help hedgehogs in your garden this winter.

Now, it’s time to head over to the news desk for this week’s Wildlife Matters nature news.

And that was this week’s Wildlife Matters Nature News. Now, let’s look at what you can do to help hedgehogs find and stay in your garden this winter - with our wildlife matters article.

I hope you found our tips and advice for hedgehogs in your garden helpful. We would love to hear if you follow our tips and how they worked out for the hedgehogs and you.

Today’s Mindful Moments audio was recorded while we were exploring the wild and wonderful Men’s Nature Reserve. In this episode, we are sharing Part Two of our adventure there.

I heard this sound whilst walking through the dense holly that now covers so much of the ancient trackway we followed.

One of my overriding memories of the day was the wild nature of this thousand-year-old woodland and how the wildlife was thriving in this natural and undisturbed environment.

Some of you will recognise this animal instantly, while others may be surprised, so sit back and enjoy some precious time in nature with one of our most popular wild animals.

As I listen to the audio, the memories of that warm and sunny late spring day come flooding back to me.

How many of you recognised the beautiful grey squirrels communicating with one another in the canopy of the ancient woodland as we walked through the woodland edge and into the bright light of the wood meadow?

The light in Badlands Meadow was incredible that day, and the vibrant buzzing of the insects as they went about their tasks was truly captivating.

Wood meadows are essential parts of ancient woodlands, often found at the edges or in clearings and rides.

Since witnessing the rich biodiversity they support, I have developed a keen interest in wood meadows. Expect a more in-depth episode on them in the future.

Now, join me as we explore the trees that helped the Royal Navy build their ships, rediscover old charcoal kilns, and even find an abandoned church hidden in the woodland near the well-known village of Bedworth in Part Two of our "Meander Around the Men's Nature Reserve."

I hope you enjoyed our adventure at the Men's Nature Reserve. We have thoroughly enjoyed bringing this experience to life for the podcast.

We plan to return in the autumn to forage for fungi and to spend an evening listening out for some of the...

Host Nigel Palmer takes listeners on an emotional journey through the Men's Nature Reserve in West Sussex, an ancient woodland that has been preserved for over a millennium. As the episode unfolds, listeners are encouraged to reflect on nature and the importance of wildlife welfare, highlighted by discussions on the detrimental effects of using live reindeer at festive events. The podcast also provides practical tips on how to care for garden birds during the winter months, ensuring their survival amid harsh conditions. With a blend of serious topics and nature exploration, this episode emphasises the crucial relationship between humans and wildlife while advocating for animal welfare.

Nigel Palmer guides listeners through a compelling exploration of wildlife and nature in Southern Britain, specifically focusing on the historic Men’s Nature Reserve in West Sussex. This episode is packed with fascinating insights, beginning with a discussion of a landmark case involving two women who were jailed for their involvement in a global monkey torture ring. The shocking details of this case highlight the disturbing realities of animal cruelty and the legal strides being made in the UK to combat such heinous acts. Detective Chief Inspector Ben Arrowsmith characterizes the suffering inflicted upon these animals as both sadistic and sickening, which sets a serious tone for the episode as it transitions into lighter topics later on.

Following the nature news, the episode emphasises a growing movement to eliminate the use of live reindeer in Christmas events, focusing on the welfare issues that arise from such practices. With a report backing the claim, Palmer discusses how many events have successfully transitioned to reindeer-free celebrations, highlighting a positive shift towards more humane treatment of animals. As the podcast progresses, listeners are introduced to practical advice on how to care for garden birds during the winter months. Palmer provides helpful tips on the types of seeds and feeders that can attract various species, ensuring that listeners are well-prepared to support their local avian populations amid harsh weather.

The latter part of the episode transitions into a vivid auditory journey through the Men’s Nature Reserve, where Palmer invites listeners to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of this ancient woodland. He shares anecdotes about the diverse flora and fauna, and the unique historical context of the area, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. This blend of informative storytelling and personal reflection not only educates but also inspires a sense of stewardship for wildlife and the environment.

Takeaways:

• This week's episode features a shocking case of animal cruelty involving a monkey torture ring.
• Listeners are encouraged to stop using live reindeer at Christmas events for animal welfare.
• The Men's Nature Reserve has a rich history dating back over 1,000 years.
• Properly cleaning bird feeders is essential to prevent avian diseases and promote bird health.
• The podcast discusses how to create a bird-friendly haven in your garden during winter.
• A special mindful moment reflects on the soothing sounds of rain in nature.

Links referenced in this episode:

www.wildlife-matters.org

• www.helpanimals.co.uk