Messages from the Wild

The Dipper

This Dipper is part of a series commissioned by
University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 
With many thanks to Mark Cocker, author and naturalist.
"I think it’s a fantastic quiet bit of politics because the central challenge of our entire species and our civilisation is to understand our dependence on the rest of life and this project allows those organisms, as close as possible, to speak for themselves about the issues that affect not only them but more centrally humans themselves and I think that’s the beauty of it.” Mark Cocker on Messages from the Wild
 
further info: annabel@annabelross.com 

The Mayfly

This Mayfly is part of a series commissioned by
University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 
With many thanks to Charles Foster, author and academic.
 
further info: annabel@annabelross.com 

The Water Vole

This Water Vole is part of a series commissioned by
University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 
With many thanks to Christine Gregory, writer, photographer and painter.
The Water Vole: The Story of One of Britain's Most Endangered Mammals
 
further info: annabel@annabelross.com 

The Fairy Shrimp

This episode is especially made to accompany the work of the painter and print maker, Frances Gynn, for her exhibition on Fairy Shrimps as part of her Public Erasures series. It's powerful stuff so please go along if you can.
Public Erasures at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol.
Featuring the Fairy Shrimp (Chirocephalus diaphanous)
Endangered translucent crustacean
Living in temporary ponds
Main source of food to many organisms
Important indicator of a healthy eco-system
 
With many thanks to Frances for inviting me along to open her Fairy Shrimp Public Erasure and for being such a great Fairy Shrimp herself.
 

The Earthworm

Earthworms are arguably our most vital animal. They're quite funny too. (This one has been added to the podcast for a second time to be used in Derby City as part of their Wildlife Festival.)
With many thanks to Nicky Scott, aka Dr Compost,
Food Waste Educator, Community Compost Expert
Dr Compost | Growing Devon Schools
"I may have trained as an agronomist but I learned something new about earthworms today - listen in!" John Meadley 
annabel@annabelross.com
www.messagesfromthewild.com 
 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 

The Wood Ant

Our largest ant species explains how vital ants are to our survival, despite his seemingly lazy life, he manages to make the effort.
With many thanks to Professor Adam Hart, Entomologist & Professor of Science Communication, University of Gloucestershire Adam Hart
And thank you to Gregory Ovenden for his ant recordings in this episode: http://www.thesoundfarmer.com
This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
annabel@annabelross.com
www.messagesfromthewild.com 
 
 

The Maggot

Vital to our existence and yet maggots have never been a very popular creature but, Dr Erica McAlister makes this particular maggot seem almost adorable.
With many thanks to Dr Erica McAlister, Entomologist, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, Author, Presenter  @ericamcalister
This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
annabel@messagesfromthewild.com
www.messagesfromthewild.com 
 
 

The Woodlouse

Curious creatures woodlice, well I think so. I'm so happy I finally got to talk to one, I'd always wondered if they actually did eat their own poo.
This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
With many thanks to Lucy Lapwing, Wildlife Presenter and Campainger @lucy_lapwing
www.messagesfromthewild.com 
annabel@messagesfromthewild.com
 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 

The Badger

After listening to this badger I think you'll realise that they don't deserve the bad press they seem to get. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
With many thanks to Steve Backshall, Naturalist, Presenter, Author, Campaigner www.stevebackshall.com 
www.messagesfromthewild.com 
annabel@messagesfromthewild.com
 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 

The Broad Bodied Chaser Dragonfly

Dragonflies are out and about in all their glory across Britain now so keep your eyes peeled for them. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.
With many thanks to Steve Jones, Author and Dragonfly expert @aparthenop on Instagram. 
If you want to hear the special bonus segment about their mating sequence, send us an email.
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Bluebell

Bluebells are at their peak across Britain now and they love to be admired but they really suffer as a whole if any of them are trampled on. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.
With many thanks to Nicola Bradley, Head Gardener at the Lost Gardens as she really brings these beautiful flowers to life. She's the perfect Bluebell.
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Oak Tree

An alternative to the traditional Christmas tree but perhaps more quintessentially British, The Oak. 
This Oak lives at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and comes from the collection I made for them last year: Voices from the Lost Gardens.
With many thanks to the wonderful Dame Judi Dench, who really could not have been a more perfect Oak.
 

The Berkshire Pig

A perfect winter warmer, this one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.
Jimmy Docherty really makes me laugh and he knows his stuff too - farmer, entomologist, television presenter and I would add comedian. 
Visit Jimmy’s Farm and support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
 

The Short Snouted Seahorse

This interview comes from a collection called Voices from the Ocean.
It is such an important series as we really know so little about the ocean. It comes to us with thanks to Gallifrey Foundation and Mission Blue, finding experts from all over the world to give us their time and energy so that we can be entertained whilst being educated.
“With knowing, comes caring, and with caring there’s hope, that we can find an enduring place for ourselves within the natural systems that support us. But first, we have to know.” Dr Sylvia Earle
And with many thanks to Marine Biologist, Lucy Woodall of Nekton 
How to respect and protect seahorses
Seahorses help protect seagrasses, seaweeds and coral reefs. They are important predators for bottom-dwelling organisms. But, they are often caught just to be sold as souvenir pets. Don’t buy seahorses. Don’t pollute the ocean with plastics and chemicals. Demand protection for seahorse habitats.
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Seasonal Message from The Hedgehog

This is not a good time of year for hedgehogs in Britain so please take a couple of minutes to listen to this public service announcement from one. And please pass it on as far and wide as possible. Thank you. 
With many thanks to Yvonne Cox, Founder of Hedgehog Rescue, South Gloucestershire www.hedgehogrescue.info
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Tardigrade

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author
www.georgemcgavin.com
@georgecmcgavin
 
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Peppered Moth Caterpillar

With many thanks to Matt Brierley, wildlife filmmaker
www.sharksindeepwater.com
@mattbrierley
 
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The House Spider

This is for Max, a Spider Ambassador, which we should all be really. Maybe once you've heard this fascinating House Spider, you may want to become one, it certainly changed my view of them. 
 
with many thanks to Peter Smithers, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
Entomologist, University of Plymouth
 
 
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Dandelion

Plants have a message too and as it's Spring, I thought it would be a good time to give the dandelion a voice.
A favourite of the Ashy Mining Bee.
 
with many thanks Alex Morss
Ecologist and Author
www.alexmorss.co.uk   @morss_alex 
 
Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Green Cellar Slug

Some slugs are useful.
And funny.
 
with many thanks to Dr Ben Rowson
Senior Curator: Invertebrate Biodiversity (Terrestrial Mollusca), National Museum Cardiff
https://museum.wales/cardiff/ 
 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

The Ashy Mining Bee

Messages from the Wild podcast has been hibernating (for good reason) but as spring has arrived in Europe now is the time to hear from the Ashy Mining Bee who will be out and about pollinating and building her nest in the ground in relative peace and quiet.
 
with many thanks to Rhian Rowson
Natural History Curator, Bristol Museum, Galleries and Archives
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
Feedback to: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

#024 The Highland Midge

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin,
Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author 
 
That ends the First Season of Messages from the Wild.
Please send any requests for animals you'd particularly like to hear from for the next season....coming soon.
And please send feedback.
Thank you for listening.
Happy Christmas.
Annabel 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Many thanks to Anna for her wonderful illustrations www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
  
 

#023 The Lesser Black Backed Gull

With many thanks to Peter Rock,
Urban Gull Expert, Research Associate, University of Bristol
 
Coming up next...The Highland Midge
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

#022 The Purse Web Spider

With thanks to Mark Pajak,
Spider Expert, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries   
Twitter: @markyspider
 
Coming up next...The Lesser Black Backed Gull
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 
 

#021 The Great Crested Newt

With many thanks to David Dewsbury,
Wildlife Enthusiast and Researcher, Forest of Dean
 
Coming up next...The Purse Web Spider
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 
 

#020 The Blow Fly

With many thanks to Dr Amoret Whitaker,
Senior Lecturer (University of Winchester)
Scientific Associate (Natural History Museum, London)
 
coming up next...The Great Crested Newt
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 
 

#019 The Greater Horseshoe Bat

With many thanks to David Brown,
Bat Specialist, Avon Bat Group
 
Coming up next...The Blow Fly
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl
 

#018 The Earwig

With thanks to Ray Barnett,
Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries
ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
 
Coming up next...The Greater Horseshoe Bat
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

#017 The Dung Beetle

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin,
Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author 
 
Coming up next...The Earwig
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

#016 The Hazel Dormouse

With many thanks to Gill Brown,
Dormouse Specialist Surveyor, Bristol Naturalists’ Society
 
Coming up next...The Dung Beetle
 
Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes
Feedback to annabel@annabelross.com 
Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl