Welcome to Series Six of the Wildlife Matters podcast!

In this new series, we have many new adventures. Please like and subscribe to join us on an exciting journey as we explore the wonders of nature through nature-based storytelling infused with our firsthand experience and expertise in wildlife and the environment.

Later in series six, prepare to immerse yourself in this thrilling new series as we spend an unforgettable night with wild beavers in the West Country and witness the return of the majestic golden eagles in Southwest Scotland. 

The excitement is palpable, and we are eager to share these remarkable adventures with you!

This series promises a rich exploration of nature, from the fabulous common frog to the fascinating dolphins and porpoises that live off the British coastline. We'll also dive into the alarming consequences of Avian Influenza and its devastating impact on our wild seabirds and migratory bird species. We will also explore how it has jumped species to infect seals and their pups.

We are excited to start a new feature based on urban wild spaces. 

We begin in the capital, so get ready to experience Wild London. Join us as we spend a night in a cemetery that is an oasis for wildlife, explore an ancient woodland, and learn about some of its best-known wild species deep in South London.

We celebrate the summer solstice with an adventure walk to Glastonbury Tor and celebrate the milestone of the first 50 episodes of the Wildlife Matters podcast.

We'll conclude Series Six with a story around the campfire for the autumn equinox when the nights begin to lengthen and darkness envelops us.

But before that, stay with us as we kick off this series with an enchanting springtime fungi forage. Together, we will search for delectable wild mushrooms you can find now in nature.

Our spring fungi forage will begin later in this podcast.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we embark on new adventures in wildlife exploration and showcase our journey through nature's wonders.
• The podcast explores the alarming impacts of avian influenza on seabirds and other wildlife species.
• Listeners can anticipate a captivating feature series focused on urban wildlife spaces to experience nature in London.
• Our discussions delve into the importance of choosing native plants to support local ecosystems and wildlife in British gardens.
• The episode highlights the fascinating diversity of shark species in UK waters, enhancing our understanding of marine life.
• We conclude our series with a poignant narrative around the autumn equinox, celebrating the cyclical nature of wildlife and seasons.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• World Animal Protection
• TV Sid
• Netflix
• Latvian Fund for Nature

Links referenced in this episode:

• wildlife-matters.org
• latvian-fund-for-nature.com
• world-animal-protection.org
• tv-sid.dk
• coquette-island.co.uk

Saries 6 of the wildlife Matters podcast and in this series we have many new adventures.

So please like and subscribe to join us on our exciting journey as we explore the wonders of nature through our nature based storytelling infused with our firsthand experience and expertise in wildlife and nature.

Later in series six, prepare to immerse yourself in the thrilling new series as we spend an unforgettable night with wild beavers in the west country and witness the return of the majestic golden eagle in southwest Scotland.

The excitement is palpable and we are eager to share these remarkable adventures with you and this series six promises a rich exploration of nature, from the fabulous common frog to the fascinating dolphins and porpoises that live off the British coastline.

We'll also dive into some alarming consequences.

Of avian influenza and its devastating impact on our wild seabirds and migratory bird species.

We will also explore how it has jumped species to infect seals and their pups.

And we're excited to start a brand new feature series on urban wild spaces.

We'll begin in the capital, so get ready to experience wild London with wildlife.

Join us as we spend a night in a cemetery that is an oasis of wildlife and explore an ancient woodland and learn about some of the best known wild species deep in South London.

Yes, we celebrate the summer solstice with an adventure Walk to Glastonbury Tour and celebrate the milestone the first 50 episodes.

Of the Wildlife Matters podcast.

We'll conclude series six with a story around the campfire for the autumn equinox when the nights begin to lengthen and darkness envelopes us once again.

But before that, stay with us as.

We kick off this series with an.

Exciting springtime fungal foray as we forage for wild food in a woodland.

Together we will search for delectable wild mushrooms that you could find right now in Nature.

Our spring fungal foray will begin later in this podcast, but first let's delve into some of the stories that have caught our attention in this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News.

Hello and welcome to this week are Wildlife Matters Nature News and our first story is about wildlife TV streams that are gaining popularity in Europe with some captivating live streams that are available for viewing.

From the migrations of Swedish moose to the heartwarming interactions of Mu Daeng in Thailand.

Watching animal live streams is quickly becoming one of the Internet's favorite pastimes and the charm of slow TV that's unhurried, worried, unscripted broadcast featuring migrating animals lies in its peacefulness.

There are no plots to anticipate and no pressure to binge watch, making it a refreshing alternative to social media's fast paced, algorithm driven nature and the overwhelming selection of content available for streaming on Netflix.

Tuned in to Sweden's Moose Migration Live stream.

And in the Netherlands, hundreds of thousands of people eagerly engaged in the 247 live stream that enabled bream, pike, bass and other fish to make spring migrations and then safely allay their eggs.

But these aren't the only animal live streams available.

Many are not seasonal either.

Whether you're interested in watching spring puffins, nesting eagles, a lazy bear scratching its back, there are plenty of feel good animal live streams worth checking out.

In Denmark, a pair of nesting white storks has become an unlikely sensation on tv.

Every spring and summer the national broadcaster TV Sid live streams a stork nest around the clock, both online and on the TV.

Over the past 10 years that the broadcaster has covered the nest, the storks have experienced significant change this season.

Connie and Thorkild hold the spotlight as they tend to their nest while waiting.

For their eggs to hatch.

Storks breed during spring and summer, laying.

Eggs at any time between April and September.

Once the eggs hatch, the young storks will stay in the nest for a couple of months before migrating south, covering distances of up to 700km in a day.

This year, only nine pairs of storks are nesting in Denmark.

If you're fortunate, you might witness a nest changeover between Connie and Thorp killed, or even see a baby stork hatch.

You can catch the annual puffin show on Northumberland's Coquette Island.

This charming livestream is only available for a few months every year because puffins are strictly seasonal.

Fortunately, the latest season has just begun, so from March through to August, puffins arrive on Coquette island, located off the Northumberland coast, to breed, nest and show off their antics.

The camera is positioned above a burrow, offering a bird's eye view of these small, charismatic creatures, often called the clowns of the sea, as they flap, shuffle and occasionally doze off while staying.

Rescued bears roam in Romania's peaceful mountain sanctuary located in the Carpathian Mountains near Zonesti in Romania's wooded Transylvania region, the Liberty sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued bears.

Many of these bears were previously kept in circuses or confined in cages, but now they enjoy life roaming through forested enclosures enclosures, splashing in pools and napping in the shade, all of which can be viewed through a live stream which is available 24 7.

The UK based charity World Animal Protection established the sanctuary with the Millions of friends.

Association and visitors can tour the sanctuary in person during the warmer months but not in winter.

For those who can't travel to Romania to see the birds firsthand, though, the live stream offers a valuable glimpse into animal rehabilitation and conservation efforts and you can watch majestic sea eagles as they raise their chicks in Latvia High in.

The spruce tree in Latvia, pair of.

White tailed sea eagles is raising chicks and viewers can watch the entire process unfold thanks to the Latvian Fund for nature.

At that time it was one of.

Only four known white tailed sea eagle nests in Latvia.

The following year, the eagles moved to a neighbouring spruce tree and a camera was installed to monitor their activities.

Today there are two dedicated fan forums.

One is in Latvian and luckily for me, the other is in English, and viewers can discuss their daily highlights.

The experience combines drama and meditation, delivering a powerful message about conservation for anyone can contribute to it online.

You'll find links to the wildlife live streams in our show notes below and Wildlife Matters is not associated with any live stream providers or the sanctuaries where these animals are based.

Our second story is why Choose Native Plants?

It was written by Wildlife Matters because we were asked to write a series of articles focused on rewilding for gardeners.

We wanted to share just one of those articles with you.

Imagine stepping into a British garden where wildflowers are swaying in the breeze, bees buzz in dappled sunlight, and ancient hedgerows overflow with hidden life.

But this isn't a scene from a forgotten countryside.

It's a growing movement that's sweeping the uk.

Gardeners are transitioning from manicured lawns and.

Imported blooms to embrace a wider, richer tapestry, one that is deeply rooted in our native heritage.

The wilding revolution is more than just a trend.

It represents an inspiring and heartfelt response to the ecological crises and a call.

To reconnect with the land's original beauty.

So why are so many people turning.

Their backs on neatly trimmed box hedges to nurture brambles, nettles and native meadows?

The answer lies in a passionate rediscovery.

Of what it truly means to belong to the landscape.

Native plants are the unsung heroes of British gardens.

They have evolved over millennia alongside our wildlife, forming intricate relationships with insects, birds and mammals.

And unlike exotic plants, our native species provide the food and shelter local wildlife needs.

For example, the humble nettle is a vital nursery for butterflies such as the peacocks and the small tortoise shell.

By planting a native wildflowers, shrubs and trees, gardeners can offer lifelines to endangered species.

Scientific studies have shown that gardens that are rich in native plants support significantly more insect and bird life than those filled with exotic species.

So when you're next down at the garden center buying some plants, do consider choosing a native species.

This simple change could dramatically transform a quiet patch of lawn into a vibrant, living wildlife refuge.

Our third story today is which are the most common sharks found in UK waters?

Because we had a new report which said that we are more likely to see sharks from the small spotted cat shark near the shore to the sleek blue shark off the southwest coast.

Although precise population numbers for sharks are not, a few species stand out as the most common in our waters.

Some can be spotted in shallow areas close to the shore, while others are primarily found out at sea.

The small spotted cat shark are commonly found near the UK shores, often in shallow waters.

Their diet primarily consists of shellfish and small fish.

This species was previously known as a lesser spotted dogfish, so maybe you recognize it by that name, the blue sharks, which are particularly abundant in UK waters.

During summer as they travel north with the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean.

These large, sleek sharks feature a metallic.

Blue color that helps them blend into the ocean environment.

They are typically spotted around the southwest coast, usually more than 10 miles offshore, and the spiny dogfish, also known as spur dogs, has declined in recent years due to overfishing.

These bottom dwelling sharks have slender bodies adorned with light white spots.

Spiny dogfish inhabit shallow coastal waters and feed on fish, squid, jellyfish and crustaceans.

They can live for 30 to even 40 years, although some individuals have been known to live for even longer.

So when you're visiting the coast this spring and summer, do keep your eyes open for some of the fascinating small sharks that call the British coastline home.

And that has been this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News.

If one of our stories has raised a question or sparked your interest, please let us know by leaving us a comment.

Wherever you get your podcasts or on our social media platforms, you can contact us also via our website.

You'll find a link in the show.

Notes on this week's Wildlife Matters Mindful.

Moments we spend time with a migratory.

Visitor who arrives every spring.

They can be found mainly in the southeast of Britain in areas of thick vegetation such as bush, scrub and coppiced woodland.

They are very secretive birds.

They were once thought to be related to our native missile song thrushes and indeed our humble blackbird.

But today their insectable diet has seen them reclassified as a flycatcher species.

Listen for this distinctive song when you're out and about in nature between April and June.

But now it's time to relax and enjoy the sound of this incredible bird on this week's Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments.

Many of you would have recognized the.

Beautiful song of the nightingale.

A nightingale song is highly complex, consisting.

Of individual sounds called elements that combine.

To form syllables, and these syllables are then strung together to create phrases which results ultimately in its beautiful song.

Nightingale songs are known for their intricate rhythms and varied tempos.

These birds can create local dialects by imitating and sharing songs with other nightsingales.

They primarily sing at night to attract mates as their songs travel further in the still night air.

Nighttime singing also allows them to advertise.

Their territory some of the migrating females.

Who often travel at night while nightingales.

Sing both during the day and at night.

Their nocturnal singing is especially prominent during the mating season.

And by singing at night, a male.

Asserts their territory, which deters other males.

From entering their breeding grounds.

Hope you've enjoyed listening to the nightingale.

On this week's Wildlife Matters.

Mindful moments and now it's time on the Wildlife Matters podcast to join us on a spring adventure as we walk through a woodland and meadow in search of wild food.

But this is not intended to be a definitive guide, but rather a beginner friendly introduction to identifying some edible mushrooms and understanding their roles in the ecosystem.

I hope you will learn key identification points, avoid common pitfalls, and explore different habitats as you accompany me on this walk.

A reminder though, you should never eat a mushroom or any wild plant or food unless you are entirely confident in your identification.

And never take all the forage that you find.

Regardless of the type or species, it is essential to leave some behind for the plants and fungi to survive, regenerate and provide food for the insects and wildlife that depend upon them.

And finally, always practice Leave no Trace principles.

Leave only footprints, and take only memories and pictures.

So now, if you're ready, join me in the woodland for this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

A fungi forage in springtime.

Foraging for mushrooms is a popular topic and I frequently receive questions about it.

And while it can be an exciting activity, I always approach it with some caution.

Over time I have developed my understanding of wild mushrooms, but I'm no expert, and I only consume those that I can confidently identify.

An accurate identification is crucial considering There are over 15,000 species of fungi in Britain.

So what exactly are fungi?

They are eukaryotes that digest food externally and absorb nutrients directly through their cell walls, making them unique in the biological world.

Most fungi reproduce by spores and have a phallus composed of microscopic tubular cells called hyphae.

Fungi, like animals, are heterotrophs, obtaining their carbon and energy from other organisms.

Some fungi, known as biotrophs, feed on living hosts, while others, such as saprotrophs, feed on dead and decaying plants and animals.

There are also fungi that infect a host and kill host cells to obtain their nutrients, and these are known as necrotrophs.

Fungi were once considered primitive members of the plant kingdom, only slightly more advanced than bacteria.

We now know that fungi are not primitive at all.

Recent taxonomic treatments show that fungi and animals belong to Opisthoconta.

While fungi may not be your next of kin, they are more closely related to animals than they are to plants.

Scientists now recognize that organisms traditionally studied as fungi belong to three unrelated groups, the true fungi in kingdom or Umicota, the Umassites and the slime moult.

Spring is animal Excellent time to find fabulous fungi when you're walking in nature or sometimes in your own garden.

We are at one of our favorite.

Spots today hoping to find some fabulous spring fungi.

Some of these mushrooms are edible, while others are not, but all are worth searching for from April through to May.

As we walk along the track lined with beautiful old hedgerows, I spot the first mushroom of the day.

Since it's late April and We've recently celebrated St.

George's Day here in England, the name of the first mushroom we've found today is the St.

George's mushroom.

The Latin name is Colocybe gamboa and I can confidently identify is a relatively sizable all white mushroom with a distinctive smell that some say is reminiscent of cucumber.

There are very few large all white mushrooms around in the springtime and this along with their habit of growing in rings and the distinctive smell make them relatively easy to identify.

They are edible and they can be used wherever a store bought white mushroom could be used.

They don't have a strong flavour so use them in a Bolognese or a lasagna type meal with a tasty sauce.

I will be putting some of these into my foraging sack today.

The next mushroom is one of the top three or so finds for all wild foodies.

The not so common Morel Mushroom the common morel mushroom season runs from March to around May, with most being found in the late spring.

Morel mushrooms can often be found after rain as they must have moisture to start fruiting.

The morel doesn't look like a typical mushroom.

Its cap looks like a pitted sponge or a honeycomb that is not separable from the stalk at the base.

The cap is commonly a yellowish brown to grey brown color, however, that can vary from black right the way through to yellow.

The cap is rounded, oval or sometimes even conical in shape.

It sits on a whitish, stout, creamy stem that quickly becomes hollow.

The common morel mushroom can range from about 3 to 20 cm in height, although a typical mushroom is around middle of that at about 10 cm tall.

In their natural habitat, morels can be found in woodland or under copses or broadleaved trees.

They have their favourite trees and are.

Often seen around decaying elm, ash, poplar and apple trees.

Other areas where morels are likely to be found include south facing slopes, burnt ground and woodland areas disturbed by felling or clearing.

I always check the woodland edges and hedgerows for the best chance of finding them here.

These mushrooms are highly desired ingredients among professional chefs and food enthusiasts.

Still, we aren't the only creatures that consider this mushroom a gourmet one, and many insects do as well.

So if you are lucky enough to find some, make sure to gently shake out anything living in there and dust off any soil or dust that might be clinging to the base.

Please try to avoid washing them.

Morels have an earthy, nutty flavor and a really meaty texture.

They are high in antioxidants, low in calories and high in fiber and protein.

You must always cook morels as they contain small amounts of hydrazine, a poisonous inorganic compound, and they could damage your liver or even worse.

But cooking removes the toxin and most people will cook at a high heat for a short period, serving simply with herbs and a good olive oil.

There are many types of morels that can be found in Britain.

Most of them are located in woods, particularly beside woodland tracks, and found during the springtime.

Another morel you may see at this time of year is the black morel.

It's another delicious morel found throughout southern England for many years.

But here is one of my best foraging tips.

Especially if you live in an urban area, keep your eyes peeled when you are in gardens, parks or anywhere.

Bark mulch has been applied to minimize the need for weeding.

You see, black morels sometimes appear in large numbers on bark or wood chips.

However, their presence in one year does not guarantee that they will return in the following years.

This Ascomicetos mushroom is relatively common in South Wales.

It's rare in the north of England and Scotland though.

However, a pale violet variety, Morchella illata avar purple ascens, has been found in Scotland.

The generic name morcella is believed to derive from moschel, an old German word meaning mushroom.

At the same time, the specific epiphat elata is Latin and means tall, elongated, or perhaps that should just be elated.

Like the common morels, though, black morels must always be cooked and thoroughly, otherwise they can cause severe stomach pains and sickness.

Understanding the significance of accurate identification in foraging is crucial.

Before picking and definitely before consuming any mushroom or wild plant you find, you must be confident about what you found.

This caution is key to a safe and enjoyable foraging experience.

There is a mushroom known as the false morel and it resembles the edible variety but features a jelly like cap lacking the honeycomb structure and is typically a more reddish brown overall.

The false morel, scientifically known as Gyrometra esculenta, is a mushroom species that closely resembles the edible morel, but it is a toxic and potentially lethal if it is consumed in quantity.

False morels typically will fruit in the same locations and around the same time of the year as morels, but in contrast to the true morels, the fruit bodies of false morels are wrinkled rather than honeycomb.

There are three distinct differences between false morels and true morels and they are one.

The cap of the false morels features lobes, folds, flaps or wrinkles, whereas true morels have caps with pits and ridges.

The caps of false morels bulge outward instead of being inwardly pitted.

The second one is the bottom edge of the cap in a false morel hangs freely away from the stem, but in true morels the bottom edge of the cap is attached to the stem and the third and easiest way to distinguish between the two is by cutting them in half lengthways.

False morels will show a solid mass inside, whilst true morels are hollow.

Although false morels are relatively rare, it is important to be cautious since their fruiting season does overlap with that of the true morel.

One of the best ways to find some species of fungi is to know which types grow together and the season in which they fruit.

One example is Ceps or Botulus edulis, associated with the Miller mushroom.

Knowing this is Always good while you're out and about as it will help you to find more of what you want.

2 Fascinating Cup Type mushrooms that often grow in the same habitat as morels are the bleach cup and the vinegar cup, Helvella accutabulum.

Both are found in the soil of sheltered woodland areas such as beech woodlands during springtime.

Personally, I avoid these cup fungi for my pot as there are conflicting reports from various sources.

Some claim they are edible, while others say they are inedible and even suggest that they are mildly toxic.

As you will hear me continually saying when foraging for fungi, always leave some mushrooms on the ground and never eat anything.

You cannot be sure of its identity, so we will be giving both of these cup fungi and miss them.

I wanted to search for a particular type of cup fungi though as they look and smell so different.

The bleach cup's common name derives from the smell of a fresh specimen.

You won't catch the scent on the breeze, but if you open the mushroom with your knife and take a deep sniff, you'll instantly recognize the chemical like odor of bleach.

If De Mestos made mushrooms then this would be what they smelt like.

They smell clean.

The vinegar cup is a very goblet like in shape, featuring distinctive veiny ribs around the tan colored cup.

This is best described as a cabbage like, hence its common name cabbage leaf Helvella.

It's not uncommon for the same mushroom or plant to have multiple names, often varying regionally.

In Britain, for example, the vinegar cup is the brown ribbed elfin cup.

In the Southwest, depending on the season or time of year and the habitat, you can find a variety of mushrooms plants.

It's all about what comes together to create biodiversity within your specific habitat.

Knowing that these cut mushrooms would be in the same habitat, finding and picturing them was fun and exciting.

The main reason I was at the edge of a woodland in May was to find one of my favorite and tastiest treats for a wild foodie, the wonderful morel.

There is no better way to end this forage than by setting a small fire, placing my iron grid over it and filling my kettle for a brew.

I've given the insects time to escape from the morels, but I still give them an extra shake just to be sure, and then slice them into halves or quarters.

My pan has a little good olive oil.

Once it's almost smoking, I add the morels and cook on a high heat for four or five minutes before adding fresh sage and thyme.

Although other herbs could be used and seasoned with salt and black pepper.

A rich dark coffee accompanies a wild and seasonal brunch that would satisfy the most ardent of wild foodies.

Before wiping the pan with the crust of my bread, after I clear away my plate, cup and pan and ensuring that the embers of the fire are covered with the dark, rich smelling forest soil, I glance back never forgetting to leave no trace.

Days like today create a rich diversity.

Of experiences, nurturing our minds and bodies and allowing us to feel truly sustained and fulfilled by living close to nature and in tune with the seasons of the natural world.

I hope you've enjoyed our wild fungal foray this springtime on this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our wild food foray through woodland adjacent to a historic common and meadows.

The exploring a wonderful kaleidoscope of habitats and species is always a journey of discovery and adventure.

We hope you enjoy looking for wild foods in your patch.

We recommend you join a local forager and walk with them.

I've always enjoyed and benefited from doing this.

It is where I got the confidence to eat some of the wild food I found and could be sure what it was.

We would love to hear about your own wildlife walks and adventures, so if you have any audio of wildlife or nature that you feel others will enjoy.

In our mindful moments, then please do send us an audio file.

Please only send original audio you have recorded or you have permission to use and we will always credit the content creator.

Thank you.

While we were between series we shared a few of our most popular back episodes and the response from some of our new listeners has been so good to receive.

We hope our new listeners enjoy exploring our bat catalogue.

Our Fox is Dangerous is a constant favorite and it has introduced us to audiences around the world.

More recently though, our introduction to British bats and the two part series introduction to the Corvids of the UK have been incredibly popular and are now right up there in our top five most downloaded episodes ever.

We hope you will enjoy the new and diverse range of wildlife and nature content as Wildlife Matters develops and evolves.

Our new Series 6 is our strongest yet.

A big thank you to those who.

Have sent us messages and shares, shared comments.

Thank you for taking the time to join us today.

We hope there is something that you can take away and share with others for this and every episode that we make.

Wildlife Matters will return in two weeks and we will be looking into one of the most loved amphibians, the common frog.

Of course, we will be spending time in nature with mindful moments and sharing the latest stories from the world of wildlife and nature in Wildlife Matters.

Nature News.

So until then, stay curious, wild ones.

This is Wildlife Matters signing off.