The Wild Cornwall Podcast

Episode #20: Nature-friendly farming in Cornwall

Nature-friendly farming in Cornwall
With farmland taking up three-quarters of all land in Cornwall, it will be impossible to halt the decline of wildlife, restore healthy ecosystems and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions without supporting farmers to play their part. There are numerous examples of local farmers reducing pesticide and artificial fertiliser use, restoring soil health and making space for wildlife.
In this episode we explore the importance of nature-friendly farming and hear from a Cornwall Wildlife Trust farm advisor and a farmer she works with.
Find out more about our farm advice work.
Learn about the Upstream Thinking Project.
Sign the open letter for nature.

Episode #19: Raising your voice for nature at the general election

The next general election is on the horizon. It’s going to be one of the most important moments for nature in a lifetime. The next government will be in power for much of the time between now and 2030, the date by which we want to see 30% of land and sea under good conservation management. With our supporters, Cornwall Wildlife Trust would like to make a difference to the narrative of this general election. We want to raise the profile of environmental issues with parliamentary candidates, showing how much so many people in Cornwall care about nature and the climate crisis.
Cheryl Marriott, Director of Nature and People, talks to The Wild Cornwall Podcast about why this is so important and our plans. 
Sign the open letter here.
Find a husting near you.
Get involved in campaigning.
Read about our election asks in more detail. 

Episode#18: Spotting humpback whales in Cornwall

This episode discusses the incredible humpback whales which - if you’re lucky - you can spot off the coast of Cornwall between November and March.
These amazing mammals are about the size of a bus and undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal. Humpback whales can be found in all of the oceans of the world, but in the last few years have been increasingly spotted in Cornwall.
Tom speaks with two Cornwall Wildlife Trust volunteers who are absolutely passionate about humpback whales. We find out all about these amazing animals, what it’s like to catch a glimpse of one, and where you might go to have the best chance of a sighting.
To find out more about humpback whales, how to spot them in Cornwall, and the ID project, check out our humpback blog. 
Discover more about Seaquest Southwest.

Episode #17: Protecting Cornwall’s dormice

Laura Snell, Conservation Officer, talks about her love of hazel dormice – and what we’re doing to monitor and protect them.
 
Since we recorded this episode, the State of Britain's Dormice 2023 report has been published, showing the population has actually fallen by 70% - you can read the full report here.
Find out more about the Rewilding Helman Tor Appeal.
Visit Helman Tor.
Download the Wilderness Trail leaflet.
Volunteer with one of our teams.
Become a member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Episode #16: Hopeful discoveries, challenging times and bold plans for nature in Cornwall: an interview with Matt Walpole

Matt Walpole, Chief Executive of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, reflects on his first year in post - and shares his excitement about our plans for the future.
Find out more about the plans for Helman Tor here.
Learn about our farm advice work here. 
Find out more about the seagrass beds in St. Austell Bay here.
Become a member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. 
 

Episode #15: Climate change and Cornwall’s seas

Matt Slater, Marine Conservation officer, returns to The Wild Cornwall Podcast to discuss recent news about rising sea temperatures and their impact on Cornwall. 
Find out more about Cornwall Wildlife Trust's marine conservation work. 
Discover the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide. 
Join Cornwall Wildlife Trust today.

Episode #14: Rewilding explored in the heart of Cornwall

We speak to our mid-Cornwall Reserves Manager, Andy Collins, about the plans for our largest nature reserve, Helman Tor. Andy tells us about how ponies and cattle grazing, beavers building dams, and pigs rootling around will help nature make a comeback.
Find out more about the Rewilding Helman Tor Appeal.
Visit Helman Tor.
Download the Wilderness Trail leaflet.
Volunteer with one of our teams.
Become a member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Special episode: Rewilding. Our last hope or a current craze?

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s panel discussion event, which took place on Wednesday 26th April 2023 at Heartlands, Pool to discuss "Rewilding. Our last hope or a current craze?"
The speakers on the panel were as follows:
• Cheryl Marriott - Head of Conservation, Cornwall Wildlife Trust
• Benedict Macdonald – Television Producer, Nature Writer and Conservationist
• Chris Jones - Organic Livestock Farmer, Woodland Valley Farm
• Dr Sarah Crowley – Senior Lecturer in Human and Animal Geography, University of Exeter.
Each speaker brings their own unique experiences and expertise in relation to the question.
The event was chaired by BBC Springwatch presenter and Wildlife Trust Vice President Gillian Burke.
To watch the Rewilding Helman Tor Appeal film, go to: https://youtu.be/YvwnJ1CEl1I
To find out more about the appeal, visit: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/rewilding-helman-tor-appeal
 
With huge thanks to SourceFM for the recording!

Episode #13: Recording marine strandings

Today’s episode focuses on the Marine Strandings Network, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For centuries, people around our coastline have recorded washed-up organisms on our beaches. While although they’re very sad, these events offer an extraordinary opportunity for marine biologists to glimpse into the lives of animals that live in the sea and are usually incredibly hard to study. We speak with Abby Crosby, Marine Conservation Officer, followed by Sharon, a marine strandings volunteer.
Find out more about the Marine Strandings Network.
Download the 2021 Report.
Learn about the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme.
MSN on Instagram and Facebook.

Episode #12: Wild ponies and conservation grazing

Find out all about the incredible habitat at Penhale Dunes from ranger, Jon Cripps. Jon tells us all about wild ponies and explains why their grazing activities are so good for wildlife.
Find out more about Penhale Dunes.
Learn all about the Dynamic Dunescapes project. 
Become a member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.