Published by Beaver Trust
A brand new podcast brought to you by Beaver Trust, as we welcome beavers back to our rivers and explore the state of nature in Britain. Hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner.
Listen on Apple PodcastsFor this episode of The Lodge Cast, we’re heading to Kent with Ben Morris and James Dilnott 🦫 Working at the intersection of conservation and water management, Ben and James are navigating wild beaver populations expanding across highly managed, low-lying catchments. In this episode, they explore what makes Kent so unique and discuss: 🦫 Why Southeast England’s waterways are far from natural 🦫 How beavers are adapting to lowland, human-shaped landscapes 🦫 The realities of managing burrowing, flooding and infrastructure risk 🦫 The tools and innovations helping people and beavers share space Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
For this episode of The Lodge Cast, we’re heading to the River Avon with Bevis Watts and Jen Robertson 🦫 From early, low-profile sightings during lockdown to a nationally recognised population, Bevis and Jen have been closely involved in documenting the return of wild beavers to one of England’s busier river catchments. In this episode, they explore key themes emerging from the Avon population: 🦫 The transition from off the books to national recognition 🦫 Approaches to coexistence, including landowner engagement and mitigation 🦫 The role of citizen science and community perspectives 🦫 Ecological impacts in large river systems where dam-building is limited Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
We’re heading to Knapdale with wildlife ranger and co-founder of the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation, Oly Armstrong 🦫 Home to Scotland’s first official beaver reintroduction trial, Knapdale has become a cornerstone of beaver recovery in Britain and a place where people travel from across the world to see these animals shaping the landscape. In this episode, Oly shares what makes Knapdale so special and explores: 🦫 How beavers are transforming former plantation forests 🦫 The story behind Scotland’s longest-running legal beaver population 🦫 Why conservation is shifting from preserving landscapes to embracing change 🦫 The surprising behaviours (and personalities) of beavers living in Knapdale Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
We’re kicking off Series 8 of The Lodge Cast with Tom Bowser, author of two brilliant books and owner of Argaty Red Kites. The first private landowner in Scottish history to legally release beavers into the wild, Tom shares how life on the farm has transformed since the animals were released in 2021. He also steps into the judge's seat for our first 'fact-off' of the series, but does our new co-host, Alana, manage to secure a win? In this episode, we explore: 🌱 The "oasis in the desert": How beavers seem to have provided an answer for every climate extreme thrown at the farm, from record-breaking heatwaves to relentless wet winters. 🌱 Reversing shifting baselines syndrome and normalising reintroduced species and wildness for the next generation 🌱 How beaver-engineered "lag time" has saved the farm thousands of pounds in flood repairs by protecting vital tracks and infrastructure. We also discuss the pioneering riparian tree-planting trial taking place on the farm, if tree planting can take place in the presence of this returned native herbivore, and how many of the 56,000 trees planted beavers have claimed. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
For this episode, Eva and Emily are joined by Billy Heaney, zoologist and wildlife guide, to learn more about the relationship between beavers and birds, from the river margins and beaver ponds up to the tree canopy and beyond. Birds are key indicators of environmental health, and changes in their populations can often signal wider shifts happening in an ecosystem. In this episode, you can find out more about: 🪶 What opportunities and challenges beaver-engineered wetlands create for bird species 🪶 Why birds respond so quickly to beaver activity, and what that tells us about ecosystem recovery 🪶 What role humorous storytelling can play in connecting people to nature and conservation Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
We’re joined by Professor Nigel Willby and Patrick Cook, an ecologist and PhD student, from the University of Stirling, to explore the species group at the base of any food chain: plants 🌱 Nigel and Patrick help us unpack: 🌿 What long-term research from Bamff reveals about how beaver activity boosts plant diversity, including a 46% increase in species richness and dramatic rises in habitat “messiness”. 🌿 How beavers create dynamic, ever-changing landscapes through felling, browsing, digging and even dredging hidden seed banks. 🌿 The pollinator plants that thrive in beaver wetlands, from water mint to creeping thistle. 🌿 How the risk of beaver activity compares to human influence on the spread of invasive and non-native plant species. We also look at the willow–beaver “partnership”, the curious items tucked into beaver dams and Patrick’s research, which found nutrient-rich, decaying plant materials in beaver canals create a 119% increase in hoverflies. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
This week, we chat with Anne Goodenough, Professor of Applied Ecology at the University of Gloucestershire, about the fascinating relationship between beavers and bats. In this episode, we explore: 🦇 How beaver wetlands act as an "all you can eat buffet" or an "all-inclusive resort" for insectivorous bats. 🦇 Bat species in Britain, and which benefit the most from beaver activities. 🦇 Why bats are a crucial indicator of a healthy ecosystem. We also discuss the findings of her recent research with Claire Graham, which found 200% higher species richness and 800% higher abundance of aquatic macro-invertebrates in beaver-modified environments. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
We’re kicking off Series 8 by championing the underbug with Dr Alan Law, lecturer in nature-based solutions at the University of Stirling 🪲 An expert in aquatic invertebrates and freshwater ecology in beaver habitats, Alan helps us explore the influence beavers have on these small yet mighty creatures and brings his own brilliant beaver fact to the fact-off. The question is, does it take the win? In this episode, we explore: 🪲 Why these often overlooked creatures underpin a complex web of life. 🪲 The insect “football team”: how functional groups like shredders and collectors are like having distinct yet important players in a cohesive team. 🪲 How beaver-dug canals create distinct hotspots for predatory aquatic invertebrates. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
Join us for a fascinating double interview in this final episode of the series, featuring Paul Martin, a leading wildlife education professional and author of the natural literacy model, and Holly Usher, a primary teacher with 15 years of experience turned Senior Education Officer at Beaver Trust. Together, they provide invaluable insights into the critical role of education in fostering a stronger connection between people and nature, particularly in the context of beaver reintroduction. In this episode, you will hear about: The impact of beavers on children's engagement with nature: Hear how beavers capture the imagination of children and act as a gateway to ecologically-minded action, fostering a sense of ownership and agency. The Beaver Trust's education program: Learn about the aims of the program, co-designed by Paul, to build a head, heart, and hands connection to nature in children. Why beavers are the perfect ‘gateway species’ for engaging children in conservation. Strategies for integrating nature into the existing curriculum: Hear practical advice for teachers on how to weave nature into lessons and utilise school grounds to foster nature connection. Also coming up: Find out who wins the highly anticipated fact off, judged first by Paul and then by Holly! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brien, and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
Join us for a captivating conversation with Derek Gow, world-renowned conservationist, author and owner of Rewilding Coombeshead, a pioneering species recovery centre in North Devon. A key figure in UK rewilding, Derek shares his vast knowledge and experience on the historical, cultural and ecological significance of beavers. In this episode, we delve into: A history of beavers in Britain: Uncover fascinating details about their presence from prehistoric times, their exploitation for various purposes and their eventual decline. The cultural significance of beavers: Explore their role in Saxon times, their representation in place names and the diverse values placed upon them throughout history, from medicinal uses of castorium to the fur trade. The future of beavers in Britain: Hear Derek's vision for a fully restored beaver population, the challenges and societal views surrounding their return and the transformative impact they could have on our landscapes. Also coming up: Find out Derek's verdict as he judges this week's beaver fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Roger Auster , lecturer in environmental social science at the University of Exeter, as we delve into the social dimensions of beaver reintroduction and the human element of wildlife recovery and nature restoration. In this episode, we will be exploring: The concept of renewed coexistence: Understand the meaning behind this term, coined by Roger and his colleagues, and why it is vital for the long-term success of species reintroductions. The importance of social and behavioural research: Why understanding public perceptions, addressing concerns, navigating diverse viewpoints and fostering constructive dialogue is essential for successful beaver reintroduction projects. The human need for control and the role of beavers: Explore how social science can help people understand the benefits of allowing beavers to contribute to natural processes, such as natural flood management, and the mindset shift required to share landscapes. Also coming up: Hear Dr. Auster's reaction as he judges this week's highly competitive fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Sean McCormack, vet, Beaver Trust ambassador, co-founder of Ealing Beaver Project and founder of Ealing Wildlife Group, as we explore beaver reintroductions in the heart of London. Sean sits at the intersection between community and wildlife reintroduction, and has done a huge amount for raising awareness about beavers and connecting people with their wetlands. In this episode, we will be finding out about: The Ealing Beaver project: Hear about the inspirations, challenges and successes of bringing beavers back to an urban environment. Community engagement: Learn about the importance of community buy-in, diverse perspectives and addressing misconceptions in rewilding projects. Lessons from beavers: Discover how beavers can teach us about self-willed landscapes, adaptive management and the benefits of stepping back and observing. Also coming up: Find out who wins the fact off, judged by Sean! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.
Who better to close the series than the one and only, Chris Packham CBE ? Chris is a world-renowned naturalist, campaigner, broadcaster and science communicator. He makes waves across the conservation sector for championing the natural world, and we couldn't think of a better guest to help us understand the big stuff: beavers, biodiversity, climate - and the road ahead. Also coming up: Producer Emma makes an appearance as judge to deliver overall series winners of the #FactOff and the QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.
This week we're joined by Professor Richard Brazier - a leading academic in Earth Surface Processes at the University of Exeter and an authority on how beavers interact with a changing landscape. Richard co-directs the University’s Centre for Resilience in Environment Water and Waste ( CREWW ), which pioneers research projects that find out how we can better protect the environment and live alongside it. Most notably, Richard was also a key figure in the research that led to the success of the River Otter Beaver Trial in 2020! Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge and Eva might be leaving Sophie in tears in the QUIZ... Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.
Following the news that 2023 was officially Earth's hottest year on record, Eva and Sophie want answers. This week, we return to ecohydrologist, assistant professor and science communicator, Dr Emily Fairfax - world-renowned beaver researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, and our go-to for all things beaver and wildfire. Emily is leading groundbreaking research in the States into how beaver wetlands can act as natural firebreaks, and mitigate against extreme climate-induced megafires. Since she came on The Lodge Cast back in Series 2, it's time for an update. What lessons can Britain learn from the States in enlisting beavers to help strengthen landscape resilience against the climate? How can beavers restore areas of habitat that were destroyed? And why does this matter? Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge and Sophie tests Eva's spark in the QUIZ... Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.
Greetings fair listeners! And welcome back to a brand new, shiny series of Beaver Trust's The Lodge Cast! In our sixth series join us on an international journey of discovery, where, with the help of leading experts we navigate the global crisis of climate change, how it is playing out locally here in Britain and where beavers fit into the conversation. It’s a highly complex subject, so in this series we hope to illuminate why that is. To start us off, we welcome none other than Bob Ward - Policy and Communications Director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics. As the Deputy Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership, and he’s spoken out on beavers being brought back to Britain, saying that there is a clear need for them to help manage the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, drought and wildfire. Also coming up: the return of the iconic #FactOff challenge and Eva puts Sophie's climate change knowledge to the test in the QUIZ... Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! This episode is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Sophie Pavelle, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion, and mixed by Mark Skinner, for Beaver Trust.
Who better to close the fifth series of #TheLodgeCast than the man, the myth, the legend - Gerhard Schwab ?! Regarded by many as the ‘Beaver Godfather’ of Europe, with a lifetime of dedication to beaver reintroduction and human/wildlife coexistence gaining him major prominence in the beaver restoration movement across Europe. In 1988 Gerhard began what started as a four-year review of Bavarian beavers. And ever since then he has been involved in reintroduction programmes across Europe. He’s designed and implemented a beaver management system for Bavaria, and a training system attended by over 700 local beaver consultants. Safe to say - Gehard has enormous respect across the reintroduction sector - and without further ado, we invite you to sit comfortably and tune into this frank, pragmatic and provoking conversation! Also coming up: the FINAL #FactOff of the series, a QUIZ, and a special visit from marvellous Producer Emma, who will give the final scores of the series! Hold onto your (non-beaver) hats! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode or the rest of Series 5 with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop . Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion .
In this episode, we are joined by two key voices in the beaver management world. To help us better understand the Scottish lived experience with beavers, and to unpack the opportunities presented by the landmark Scottish Beaver Strategy, we speak to Dr Jenny Bryce a Wildlife Ecologist for NatureScot . We then pull on our boots, and hit the ground running in a conversation with Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer - Beaver Trust’s Head of Restoration and the Lodge Cast’s debut returning guest! Roisin offers a reality check on the management of beavers on the field, and reminds us of the hierarchy of mitigation techniques. No situation is the same - it’s catchment dependent - and coexistence often calls for a complex blend of the human and the ecological. Both women deliver a fascinating conversation into where Britain is at with beaver reintroduction, and what lessons one nation can learn from another - and how a well-managed, supported future alongside beavers is something we must expect and hope for. Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge gets hot and Eva tests Sophie to the limits in the QUIZ... Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop . Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion
We were thrilled to be able to speak with Dr Jitka Uhlíková, - a zoologist who works for the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic - the expert body of their Ministry of Environment Agency. Based at the headquarters in Prague in the division where action plans for endangered animal species and management plans for conflict species are implemented, Jitka is the coordinator of the Beaver Management Plan . Jitka tells us, 'beavers taught me humility.' This conversation is an invaluable exploration of the scenario-led approach to beaver management, and Jitka’s experience provides much-needed insight and reassurance for us in Britain. We learn about the ‘5 Pillars’ of beaver management Jitka and her team operate within, and how mitigation decisions can make or break coexistence, and the importance of being proactive - not reactive. Also coming up: the #FactOff challenge continues and Eva sits in the hot seat during Sophie’s QUIZ. Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop . Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion .
Greetings fair listeners! And welcome back to a brand new, shiny series of Beaver Trust's The Lodge Cast! In our fifth series, join us on an international journey of discovery, where, with the help of leading experts we navigate the complexities of beaver mitigation and management - among the most topical discussions surrounding beaver restoration in Britain today. To kick-off Series 5 with a bang, we are joined by Mike Callahan. Based on the east coast of the United States, Mike’s career and experience is as varied as a thriving beaver wetland. A background in human medicine equipped him with the insight and bedside manner to tackle healing of a greener kind. Fast-forward several years and he is the founder of an organisation called ‘ Beaver Solutions ’, which specialises in effective beaver management and resolving human-beaver conflicts. He also founded the non-profit The Beaver Institute - of which he is now President. Beavers are a native, keystone species. So what are we mitigating for? Mike’s organisations have created flow devices, learning resources, and delivered training to help professionals or communities interested in dealing with beavers when they present problems, across North America and Europe. Safe to say, speaking with Mike was a joy, and from it we have many pertinent lessons to consider when it comes to human/beaver coexistence. Also coming up: the return of the iconic #FactOff challenge and Sophie puts Eva's crime scene knowledge to the test in the QUIZ... Need we say more? Dive on in! Would you like to discuss anything from this episode with our expert team? We want to hear from you: Beaver Trust . Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a lovely little review, so we can bring the joy of beavers to more ears! Hosted by Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop . Produced and edited by Emma Brisdion .