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...