Show Notes
In this episode of the Wilder Lincolnshire podcast, we look to the skies to celebrate one of our most extraordinary summer visitors: swifts. Joined by Viv Rhodie, Chair of the Horncastle and Woodhall Spa Area Group, we uncover what makes swifts so special, the inspiring local swift box project helping them thrive, and how people across the county can get involved in practical conservation. We also shine a light on Lincolnshire’s Area Groups — the passionate, volunteer-led communities at the heart of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust — and how they’re making a real difference for wildlife on a local level. Whether you’re a swift superfan or curious about getting involved where you live, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and hope for nature. A visual version of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel. If you would like to purchase a swift box from Viv please email us at [email protected].
More from Wilder Lincolnshire Podcast
At this year's Lincolnshire Environment Awards, Melvyn caught up with Community Officer, Sue Fysh, who spoke about exciting plans for Whisby, including the new Whisby HUB (Helping Understand Biodiversity), set to be finished next year. This new space will be a thriving place for local community groups to come and share ideas with one another. Melvyn also spoke to Education Officer and Youth Lead, Sam Reast, who talked about what these building renovations mean for the Whisby Education programme going forward.
Learn all about the North Sea and our marine environment off of the Lincolnshire coast with Lauren Storer, our dedicated Marine Conservation Officer.To get involved with our brand new citizen science project Beached! Lincolnshire, please visit: lincstrust.org.uk/beached-lincolnshire
Around 85% of the world's chalk streams are found in England, and about 11% of those are found in Lincolnshire. The geological conditions needed to form chalk streams are rare, but the slightly alkaline water that forms them provides an ideal habitat for many of the UK's freshwater species. In this episode, we catch up with Will Bartle, a Monitoring Officer for Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, who has been working to restore one of Lincolnshire's rarest habitats since 2014.
The next episode in our 'a beginner's guide to' series with bird expert and Gibraltar Point Warden Richard Doan puts the spotlight on warblers. Learn the basics from calls and songs to easily identifiable characteristics of this group of birds. There are 13 species commonly found in Lincolnshire and 9 of those right here at Gibraltar Point where Melvyn and Richard explore different habitats on the look out for them.
This month we hear from Mid-Lincolnshire warden, Kevin James, on one of our wonderful meadows in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Red Hill. From a sea of yellow cowslips earlier in the year to a burst of purples in June and July, Red Hill is as important for wildlife as it is beautiful to visit. In the latest episode, find out all about the history of this chalk grassland, learn what a meadow even is and how this small but mighty reserve provides seeds for the wider landscape.