Exploring the Mysteries of Men's Nature Reserve: A Journey Through Time

Wildlife Matters The Podcast

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 twelve bat species recorded in the ancient woodlands.

We have also been inspired to create an episode on wood meadows—the Men’s is truly an inspirational and wild place.

If you can visit the site, you will have a fantastic day full of inspiration and learning. You can find out more by visiting the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.

We hope you have enjoyed this podcast; please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. It helps other people discover our humble little podcast.

Wildlife Matters will return in two weeks with our Storytelling for Christmas special, a bonus episode where I will share nature-based folklore stories.

We have saved a seat for you around the firepit deep in the heart of the dark woods on this crisp winter’s evening.

As always, thank you for taking the time to listen today.

Stay curious, wild ones! I have been your host, Nigel Palmer, and this is Wildlife Matters signing off.

The latest episode of Wildlife Matters engages listeners with a rich tapestry of wildlife stories, expert insights, and practical conservation tips. Host Nigel Palmer opens up with a contemplative note as December approaches, reflecting on the need for vigilance in wildlife care during the harsh winter months. The episode prominently features the concerning news surrounding the deaths of swans and other water birds along the Grand Union Canal. Palmer details the investigative efforts of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who are diligently working to determine the cause of these fatalities. Initially suspected to be avian influenza, the narrative evolves as testing indicates that environmental toxins, particularly botulism, may be responsible. This development highlights the delicate balance of ecosystem health and the potential dangers posed by human activity, urging listeners to report any sightings of dead birds to aid in the investigation.

Shifting gears, the episode provides valuable guidance on how listeners can support hedgehogs during their winter hibernation. Palmer shares essential tips for creating hedgehog-friendly gardens, emphasizing the significance of providing adequate food and safe nesting spots. The segment is characterized by its accessibility and practicality, encouraging listeners to take simple yet effective actions to aid these creatures. By fostering a nurturing environment, individuals can play a crucial role in preserving local wildlife, making the conversation both personal and actionable.

The episode culminates in a picturesque exploration of the Men’s Nature Reserve, where Palmer invites listeners to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of ancient woodlands. Through evocative descriptions of the landscape and its historical significance, the narrative fosters a deeper connection to nature. This journey through the reserve serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to appreciate and protect the natural world. By weaving together urgent wildlife news, practical conservation advice, and a reflective exploration of nature, this episode captivates and inspires, motivating listeners to engage actively with their environment.

Takeaways:

• Wildlife Matters emphasizes the importance of monitoring wild bird populations for signs of disease.
• Avian botulism is a significant threat to water birds, particularly in urban environments.
• Providing a hedgehog-friendly garden can significantly help these creatures survive winter hibernation.
• Charcoal production from ancient woodlands played a vital role in British history.
• The Men's Nature Reserve is home to diverse wildlife and rich historical significance.
• Maintaining good biosecurity is critical for poultry keepers to prevent avian influenza outbreaks.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.helpanimals.co.uk