Wildlife Matters

Join ecologists Steve Masters and Colleen Smith‑Moore as they take you behind the scenes of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s 42 nature reserves. From daily habitat management to monitoring rare species, long‑term conservation planning and the thrill of spring survey season, this podcast reveals the real work, challenges and joys of protecting Dorset’s most precious wild places.

In this episode of Wildlife Matters, we explore five years of beaver activity at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s enclosed project site. From the science behind their wetland engineering to the remarkable return of wildlife, we’ll uncover how these natural architects are reshaping habitats, boosting biodiversity and offering powerful insights into nature‑based solutions for Dorset’s future.

Discover Dorset’s precious heathlands and the incredible wildlife they support in this podcast. Wardens Anna Kenny and Phoebe Williams explore how humans have shaped these landscapes over thousands of years reveal how restoration and careful management help endangered plants, reptiles, birds, and insects thrive.

Explore the incredible wildlife and conservation work at The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre on Portland with Fay and Abi from Dorset Wildlife Trust. From rare birds and marine life to hands-on education and nature-friendly recreation, discover what makes Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon so special. Hear stories from the shore, tips for birdwatching, and how you can get involved in protecting this stunning stretch of the Jurassic Coast.

Nicki from Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities team teams up with volunteer coordinator Anna to explore how the Living Churchyards project has transformed churchyards into thriving wildlife havens. From creating wildflower meadows to hedgehog hideouts to inspiring stories of community action, biodiversity wins, and the challenges overcome. Learn how you can get involved and help turn these historic and sacred spaces into vibrant sanctuaries for nature and people alike.

Nick Gray from Dorset Wildlife Trust is joined by landowner Rob Powell to explore a ground breaking partnership at Hogchester Farm. Learn how local wildflower seed harvesting is reversing the loss of meadows, boosting biodiversity, and inspiring other landowners across West Dorset. From brush harvesters to a visit from Sir David Attenborough, this episode celebrates the power of collaboration, provenance, and passion in bringing wildflower-rich landscapes back to life

Join River Catchment Manager Amanda Broom and Assistant Conservation Officer Hannah Divine as they explore why rivers matter, the threats they face, and how we can all help protect them. From simple home habits to large-scale restoration projects like Dorset Wild Rivers, discover how small actions make a big impact. Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the change for Dorset’s waterways.

In this episode of Wildlife Matters, Rob Farrington and Seb Elwood explore the vital role of water in sustaining Dorset’s rich biodiversity, from chalk streams and wetlands to coastal habitats. They discuss the threats facing these ecosystems—pollution, habitat loss, and climate change—and highlight Dorset Wildlife Trust’s restoration efforts, including the Wild Woodbury success and the work taking place on Winfrith Heath.

With nature in crisis and the decline in many species especially pollinators, wildlife-friendly gardening in your garden, on your balcony, patio or local green space is a fantastic way for everyone to do something to help wildlife in their patch. Karen Stanberry and Mitch Perkins from the Wilder Communities team offer practical advice and inspiring examples to inspire us all to help wildlife on our doorstep. https://www.facebook.com/karenstanberrywildlife/

The story of a community coming together to make a difference to wildlife and people. From the churchyard and a rewilding project to the village nature reserve and many wildlife-friendly gardens in between, Bere Regis is a haven for wildlife. This podcast features an engaging conversation between Dorset Wildlife Trust's Wilder Community Manager, Nicki Brunt and ex Dorset Wildlife Trust President and current volunteer, Tony Bates about the Bere Regis community's wild journey.

In March 2024, Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired 827 acres of land at Lyscombe, north-east of Dorchester. It's the biggest land acquisition in Dorset Wildlife Trust's history and represents an incredible opportunity to make space for nature. So In this podcast, Steve Jones, Wilder Landscapes Officer and Lyscombe ranger, Ben Atkinson discuss why Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired this site, how it will make more space for nature and what happens next.

It's three years since Dorset Wildlife Trust acquired the 420-acre site at Wild Woodbury, just outside Bere Regis in Dorset. In that time, the incredible Wild Woodbury community rewilding project has seen a remarkable uplift in biodiversity and a transformation of the landscape. Find out about what's been happening on the site and what has been achieved so far.

Meet the Dorset Wildlife Trust rangers who manage the northern part of Brownsea island for wildlife in partnership with the National Trust and engage with visitors. For its size, Brownsea is one of the most biodiverse sites in England with a species list of 4,900 in total and over 300 bird species recorded. Find out about the birds which make Brownsea Lagoon their home, how Dorset Wildlife Trust manages the area to help wildlife thrive, and what makes the island such a special place for wildlife and people.

Join Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Managers, Luke and Neil, as they discuss why nature reserves are important and how they provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Find out about the conservation work carried out by our dedicated staff and volunteers to maintain and enhance the habitat to enable so many species to thrive. Dorset’s wildlife depends on our nature reserves. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please donate to the Nature Reserves Fund - your donation will directly enhance and expand habitats for Dorset's most vulnerable wildlife species.

The Urban Green project aimed to empower local people to improve their green spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities Officer, Anona Dawson talks to Tessa Nesbit, the rector of St Peter’s Church in Hamworthy to share the story of the transformation of the Bluebell Community Woodland at St Michael’s Church, Hamworthy. Their conversation gives an insight into the project’s incredible impact on this beautiful woodland, its wildlife and the community of neighbours, volunteers and parishioners. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE URBAN GREEN PROJECT https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/connecting-people-with-nature/urban-green BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop With Thanks to Anona Dawson, Tessa Nesbit Production: Dani Wilson

What is the power of peat? Peatland is such an important and amazing habitat - it can store carbon, help to tackle climate change, reduce flooding and provides the right conditions for a variety of wildlife. Join Tilly Hudsmith, master's student at Exeter University in conversation with Grace Herve, project manager for the Dorset Peat Partnership about the environmental impact and significance of this collaborative peat project happening right here in Dorset. SUPPORT THE DORSET PEAT PARTNERSHIP https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/conservation-work-land/dorset-peat-partnership BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop With Thanks to Grace Herve, Tilly Hudsmith Production: Dani Wilson

Allowing nature to take the lead is the ethos underpinning the rewilding project at Wild Woodbury. Reversing the system of deep ditches built to drain the land was a key part of the vision to rewet the land to create habitat for wildlife and to slow the flow to reduce flood risk - find out how and why Dorset Wildlife Trust has renaturalised the headwaters of the River Sherford across the land and the difference it has made for wildlife and people. SUPPORT WILD WOODBURY https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/conservation-work-land/wild-woodbury BECOME A MEMBER Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop With Thanks to Rob Farrington, Seb Haggett Production: Dani Wilson

Meet our President, Dr George McGavin An engaging and entertaining conversation between Dorset Wildlife Trust’s President, Dr George McGavin and Assistant Warden, James Cartwright. The two of them talk career paths, the importance of slowing down on a walk, a day in the life of a reserve warden, the role of nature reserves, and exchange views on verge cutting, seed banks, forest bathing and the perennial question of the importance of ivy and its effect on trees. With Thanks Dr George McGavin and James Cartwright Producer: Dani Wilson Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust

In this episode we join Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher and award-winning videographer Doug Anderson as they chat about his remarkable career as one of the world’s top underwater cameramen. Doug shares some of the highs and lows of his fascinating career which spans more than 20 years as well as sharing his views on the damage he has witnessed to our seabeds and marine wildlife. You can read more about Doug’s extensive portfolio of work and awards here: https://www.doug-anderson.com/ Dorset Wildlife Trust have launched an urgent appeal for you to support If we don’t act now, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. Can you imagine a sea so full of plastic that every fish and every seabird has plastic in its stomach? A world where there is more plastic in the sea than fish? If we don't act now, this could become reality for Dorset's coast and marine wildlife. Donate to our urgent appeal and you will be supporting work to stop plastic destroying our seas and the wonderful wildlife living there. Your donation could provide equipment to help remove deadly litter from our coast, or fund essential camera equipment to monitor the effects of pollution on seals and more wildlife. Your donation will help our seas survive, and our marine wildlife thrive. SAVE OUR WILD SEAS Click here to make your donation: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/save-our-wild-seas THANK YOU! With Thanks to Julie Hatcher, Doug Anderson and Hazel Ormrod Producer: Dani Wilson Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature's greatest symphony. This year we want to bring the dulcet tones of Dorset's diverse birds to you. Sit back and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant sounds of birdsong from the Dorset Beaver Project site and reconnect with nature. SUPPORT US Make a donation to Dorset Wildlife Trust https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/donate Become a member and protect wild spaces in Dorset https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member STAY CONNECTED Join our mailing list https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/emailsignup FIND US Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dorsetwildlife/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DorsetWildlife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsetwildlife/ Watch our videos on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/DorsetWildlifeTrust GIVE A WILDLIFE GIFT Shop for membership gifts and adoptions https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop With Thanks to Stephen Oliver. Production: Jack Clarke