Last year, the news that half of our butterfly species are in decline hit the headlines. Unpredictable seasons, habitat loss, and pollution our butterfly and moth populations face a lot of challenges, but it's not all bad news!

Join us as we look in on our lepidopterans and see how they are doing. From the pressures to the heartwarming number of fantastic projects going on to help them. Habitat restoration, citizen science initiatives, species reintroductions, it is an incredible reminder that there are always incredible people and organisations working to protect our wildlife.

It is great to be back after a bit of a hiatus (we explain where we've been), thank you to everyone who listens, we hope you enjoy this episode.

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://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-butterflies-and-moths

https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/the-state-of-britains-butterflies

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/work-to-save-rare-british-moth-from-extinction-in-england

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-moths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgo

https://www.royensoc.co.uk/news/large-blue-and-other-rare-insects-thriving-on-grasslands-restored-as-part-of-res-project/

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/moth-conservation/legal-protection-for-moths

https://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/conservation-projects/england/kents-magnificent-moths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84zlnwppzgo

The RSPB has recently advised people to temporarily remove many garden bird feeders to help slow the spread of Trichomonosis, a disease affecting some of our most familiar garden birds.

But what exactly is Trichomonosis? How does it spread, which species are most at risk, and why are bird feeders part of the problem?

In this episode, we explore the science behind the disease, its impact on bird populations, and the practical steps we can all take to help protect the birds visiting our gardens.

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

Trichomonosis | BTO

Finch trichomonosis transmission in gardens

The emergence and spread of finch trichomonosis in the British Isles - PMC

Protozoan | Definition, Parasites, Diseases, Characteristics, Size, Kingdom, & Facts | Britannica

We see it everywhere. Climbing trees, clinging to walls, and carpeting woodland floors. Ivy is one of the most familiar plants in our landscapes, but is it really the garden nuisance it is often made out to be, or is it in fact an unsung biodiversity haven?

Join us we take a closer look at ivy’s hidden world. From the surprising range of wildlife it supports to its deep-rooted cultural history, we explore why this resilient plant might deserve a little more respect.

And there is even a link between ivy and our recent hiatus from recording. It's brilliant to be back after a bit of a break, 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

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/43091/hedera-helix/details

https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/icad.12033

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/ivy-lifeline-for-autumn-moths

https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/learn-about-bumblebees/solitarybees/ivy-bee/