31. Fencing out the invaders to bring back threatened species | Katherine Tuft and Nathan Manders

Should nature itself have rights? What would this look like in South Australia?

Gardens come in many different shapes and sizes. From formal gardens that favor symmetry and straight lines, to edible herb gardens that provide fresh produce for the dining table, gardening is a vast and varied pastime for many around the world. Yet, despite their differences, many gardens grow amongst an undertone of cleanliness and control. Jon Davies and Steve Williams are two self-described ‘punk urban gardeners’ whose approach to our natural world challenges the confines of both traditional and modern gardening. Together, they run Wild City Studio, a platform for creating places, sharing ideas and building connections that strengthen the connection between people and the urban environment. In this episode, Jon and Steve join Professor Andy Lowe in the ecoFuturists studio for a virtual conversation from their home in North London. Together, they dig deep into what it means to be a punk urban gardener, unpack Jon and Steve’s new book “Wild City” and explore how true appreciation of our environment sometimes requires working with nature, rather than against it. Want to read the full book by Wild City Studio? Visit their website: https://wildcitystudio.com Join the discussion! Like, comment and subscribe to our podcast and unlock your inner ‘ecoFuturist’. Have a question or would like more information? Connect with us at [email protected]

In March of 2025, dead marine creatures began to wash up on the shores of South Australia, sparking concern amongst communities, governments and scientists alike. The cause? A harmful algal bloom. In the months that followed, the bloom spread across much of South Australia’s coast, decimating shellfish reefs, impacting iconic populations like the Giant Australian Cuttlefish, and leaving lasting effects on community mental wellbeing. But despite the undeniable devastation that it wreaked on our marine environment, the bloom has largely disappeared from everyday discussion, leaving an important question unanswered: What happens next? In this episode of ecoFuturists, Professor Andy Lowe is joined by eminent marine scientists Zoe Doubleday and Dominic McAfee as they dive beneath the surface of the HAB to uncover what happened and how we can help our marine ecosystems recover.

H5N1 bird flu is now on mainland Australia. With a deadly track record around the globe, we know the dangers that this virus poses to our wildlife and precious ecosystems. But what can we do about it? In the first ecoFuturists episode of 2026, host Professor Andy Lowe chats with wildlife veterinarian Wayne Boardman and Chair of Green Adelaide and science communicator extraordinaire Chris Daniels to explore what bird flu is, what we can expect to see in the future, and how communities can help to protect our iconic wildlife during this panzootic. With H5 bird flu cases increasing in Australia, it is important to follow current advice to help communities and wildlife stay safe. Visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu for the latest advice and updates; Avoid contact with sick wildlife, Record the location, type and number of animals, and Report any potential signs of bird flu to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make an impact in the rapidly worsening biodiversity crisis, then this episode is a must-watch. In this episode of eco Futurists, host Prof Andy Lowe is joined by John Scanlon, a global conservation leader who’s dedicated his career to protecting wildlife and ecosystems. From combating the illegal ivory trade to influencing international conservation policies, John’s work shows that one person truly can make a difference. But to turn the tide, we need more people like him. In many ways this is a ‘how to’ episode on a life devoted to biodiversity conservation.