Best NatureScot Podcasts (2025)

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Building natural capital in Southeast Asia with Geoffrey Seeto from New Forests 42:46

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2M ago42:46

42:46

Murray sits down with Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director at New Forests, to discuss the strategic side of nature-based solutions, focusing on forestry investment in Southeast Asia. Geoffrey shares how New Forests evaluates new project opportunities, why meaningful community engagement is essential, and how ecosystem services can be monetised.…

1
Zero Waste Scotland: how small changes create big wins for people and wildlife 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife. Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generatio…

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Scotland's Sea Eagles: Balancing Conservation and Farming 26:19

3M ago26:19

26:19

Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these magnificent birds and farming communities through conversation…

1
Beyond Hospital Walls: Green Spaces, Healing Places 33:39

5M ago33:39

33:39

Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community. Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive approach that treats nature as medicine. Assistant Direct…

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Science on the Solway - how geese are helping us better understand avian flu 24:02

5M ago24:02

24:02

Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan. The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more commonly known – and the impact it's having on the thousands…

1
Protecting the Amazon with Laura Albuquerque from Future Climate 22:46

5M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode we chat with Laura Albuquerque, Chief Climate Officer at Future Climate. Laura brings 20 years of experience in climate change, and gives us an inside look at some of the major forest carbon projects Future Climate is working on in Brazil, including mangrove restoration and jurisdictional REDD+ across Amazonas and Maranhão, and thei…

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Bogging Brilliant: The Power of Peatland Restoration 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

By NatureScot

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How Gen Z is shaping Indonesia’s green future with PT SEM 26:33

6M ago26:33

26:33

In the final episode of the Indonesian series, Murray Collins and Stuart Clenaghan chat with the team from PTSEM, an environmental consulting firm in Indonesia. Young entrepreneurs Muharam Angga Pratama and Sandi Bimasena share how Gen Z in Indonesia are promoting environmental sustainability, and the opportunities they see in this sector. They als…

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Scaling Indonesia’s carbon markets with Dr. Riza Suarga 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

Murray and Stuart are joined by Dr. Riza Suarga, Chairman of the Indonesian Carbon Trade Association to discuss carbon pricing, the role of the Indonesian carbon exchange and how the market can align to the international carbon standards like Verra. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, to carbon projects in Brazil and In…

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Restoring Indonesia's mangroves with Yani Septiani and Nunuk Widarsih 28:59

6M ago28:59

28:59

In the first episode of our three-part Indonesia special, Murray Collins and co-host Stuart Clenaghan speak with Yani Septiani and Nunuk Widarsih about how Indonesia can restore its vast natural resources while becoming a leading carbon credit supplier under Article 6. They explore the role of mangrove restoration, Japan-Indonesia trade, and the im…

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Named by nature: exploring the Gaelic roots of Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, with Roddy Maclean 24:12

7M ago24:12

24:12

Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world. Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited a lifelong passion for indigenous languages and thei…

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Our shared outdoors: Ramblers Scotland on 20 years of access rights and responsibilities 37:38

8M ago37:38

37:38

Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland. Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal wellbeing and local economies alike. We highlight th…

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What Article 6 means for voluntary carbon markets with prof. Ed Mitchard 25:38

8M ago25:38

25:38

Dr. Murray Collins is back hosting another season of the Nature-based Solutions Podcast! For the first episode of the year, we sit down with prof. Ed Mitchard, our Chief Scientist and Co-Founder to break down Article 6 and its potential impact on voluntary carbon markets in 2025. Ed delivers a clear and insightful overview of inter-country carbon t…

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Blood-sucking marvels: Scotland's mission to save the misunderstood medicinal leech 34:33

10M ago34:33

34:33

Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures, and why prote…

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Nature's warriors: stepping up to tackle Scotland's invasive species 33:45

11M ago33:45

33:45

Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into how a powerful collaboration of landowners, organisatio…

1
Helping our native wildlife thrive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative 27:17

11M ago27:17

27:17

Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum delves into the challenges these species cause and explai…

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From machair to meadows: exploring the vital role of grasslands with Plantlife 21:35

12M ago21:35

21:35

Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascinating range of grasslands and explains how these ecosystems are paramount for biodiversity, climate resilience, agriculture, and our mental and physical well-being. You'll also gain an insight into the uni…

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Life at Loch Leven: exploring work and wildlife on the nature reserve 24:22

1y ago24:22

24:22

In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat. Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven a critical sanctuary for numerous species. With each …

1
Transforming lives and landscapes through nature volunteering 29:52

1y ago29:52

29:52

Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week. Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth project, which has empowered over 100,000 volunteers through more than 3,100 environmental initi…

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Plants with Purpose: discovering green solutions for urban challenges 36:37

1+ y ago36:37

36:37

Join us as we chat to Caitlyn Johnstone, a Nature Based Solutions Scientist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to explore how plants and ecosystems can transform our cities. Discover how integrating nature-based solutions can make monumental differences in tackling urban issues like flooding and heat. We hear about RBGE's Plants with P…

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Spring Clean Scotland: working together to Keep Scotland Beautiful 39:23

1+ y ago39:23

39:23

In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency. We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up and look after their local areas. She shares invaluable…

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Scotland’s outdoor classroom: enriching learning by heading outside 29:15

1+ y ago29:15

29:15

In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning. Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of outdoor learning in Scotland’s schools and nurseries has…

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Farming with nature: seven ways to boost biodiversity on farms 19:40

1+ y ago19:40

19:40

In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts. Rob also takes us through seven straightforward ways to increase natu…

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Nature's reset: using social media to get outdoors more, with digital creator Chris Lawlor 19:21

1+ y ago19:21

19:21

In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland. Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the outdoors, and tells us how they contribute to his never…

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Protecting forests globally with Dr Maren Pauly from Everland 25:26

1+ y ago25:26

25:26

Everland represents the largest portfolio of high impact REDD+ conservation projects in the world, marketing and selling the carbon credits into the voluntary carbon markets. Most of their projects are in Cambodia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a lot of work goes into determining whether they are of sufficiently high quality to jo…

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Mapping Scotland's habitats for NatureScot 22:50

2y ago22:50

22:50

From shingle shore, to coniferous forest, Space Intelligence has mapped every inch of Scotland's varied habitats. Philippa Vigano, Innovative Technologies Programme Manager at NatureScot, discusses the need for such maps and the importance of measuring the country's natural capital. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, t…

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Scotland's wildcats: bringing Highland tigers back from the brink 19:42

2y ago19:42

19:42

What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our rarest and most threatened mammals: the wildcat. We'll …

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Australia: Action, not targets, with Rob Waterworth from FlintPro 39:22

2y ago39:22

39:22

Dr Rob Waterworth, founder of FlintPRO, talks to Murray and Kim about the need for action and not just target-setting, in the fight to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees centrigrade. With 25 years in the sector and a successful tech company to his name, Rob shares the benefit of his knowledge and experience. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes…

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Carbonomics and GreenWISHING with Gordon Bennett of ICE 39:31

2y ago39:31

39:31

Gordon Bennett is the Managing Director - Utility Markets at ICE (Intercontinental Exchange). ICE is a financial data services and technology company, which owns and operates various exchanges around the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, In this week’s episode of the podcast, Murray and Kim talk to Gordon about the tools available to so…

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Two bogs, a swamp and some islands: revealing the hidden gems of Loch Lomond and beyond 26:55

2y ago26:55

26:55

In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey. They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserves, the three res…

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Tanzania, LiDAR and how to measure forests 17:56

2y ago17:56

17:56

How do you know how much carbon is contained in a forest? Three scientific experts from Space Intelligence share details of the technology and science used to accurately map forests both from the ground and from space. Dr Paula Nieto Quintano, Dr Thom Brade and Dr Harry Carstairs also share stories from the field and the incredible animal and human…

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Carbon markets explained, with Chris Stephenson 20:44

2y ago20:44

20:44

The carbon markets are maturing as technology becomes more sophisticated. In this week's episode expert Chris Stephenson explains their origins, how they work and his predictions for their growth as we head towards 2030. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, to carbon projects in Brazil and Indonesia, to Climate Week in N…

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Peru: Green Gold Forestry and Stuart Clenaghan 19:28

2y ago19:28

19:28

What if you took a logging concession and turned it into a conservation project? On this week's episode we talk to Stuart Clenaghan of Green Gold Forestry in Peru about the process of setting up a forest carbon project and bringing the local communities along with them. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, to carbon proj…

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Kenya and the impact of nature-based solutions 29:22

2y ago29:22

29:22

Kenya is famous for its large savannah animals and is a popular spot for tourists wanting to spot elephants, lions and giraffes while on safari. This week, Professor Ed Mitchard discusses the country's natural capital and the difficulties in mapping it, while Kenyans Joy Kimani and Joss Wardley share their stories of growing up in the country and t…

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Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and tackling the threat of Invasive Non-Native Species 31:29

2y ago31:29

31:29

In this episode we chat to Katie Berry from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in partnership with NatureScot and others, working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s native wildlife. Katie explains more about the work involved, the threat from the invasive non-native grey squirrel,…

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Live from New York Climate Week 16:58

2y ago16:58

16:58

New York Climate Week 2023 had a big focus on investing in nature, so three of the Space Intelligence team headed to the States. Murray dialed in from the Big Apple as he disembarked the New Jersey ferry en route to more Manhattan meetings, while Dr Alexis Moyer, Head of Business Development, shared some key moments from the variety of events she a…

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Explaining the underlying causes of the nature-climate crisis, and how we can all be part of the solution 37:02

2y ago37:02

37:02

In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these seemingly unrelated factors can have a significant impact …

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Brazil, Snakes and Killer Bees 23:08

2y ago23:08

23:08

Why are nature-based solutions to climate change so important? In the first episode we consider what's at stake and hear stories from the field about snakes, monkeys and killer bees. Featuring Professor Ed Mitchard, leading forest carbon scientist and Carol Blackwood, Chief Operating Officer of Space Intelligence. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast…

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Beavers in Scotland: learning to live with nature's engineers 26:10

2y ago26:10

26:10

In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again. Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land managers the skills to be self-sufficient and carry out effe…

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Exploring Scotland's outdoors responsibly: insights and inspiration, with filmmaker Calum Maclean 39:52

2y ago39:52

39:52

In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer. Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access. With the publication of his first book on outdoor swimming, Calum's passion for the outdoors shines…

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Unearthing the Past: Exploring Scotland's Fossil Code with Dr Elsa Panciroli 31:58

2y ago31:58

31:58

In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals. We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the importance of responsible fossil collecting and preservation.…

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The stories, people and projects behind the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund 44:27

2+ y ago44:27

44:27

In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot. The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands and Islands. The fund also aimed to benefit communitie…

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Making space for nature photography, with wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman 30:44

2+ y ago30:44

30:44

In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography. We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature campaign, as well as other projects keeping her busy, …

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Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda, with Donya Davidson 23:09

2+ y ago23:09

23:09

In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager. Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday. Further information: Developing a Landscape Scale Natural…

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Unlocking potential through apprenticeships, with Mark Williamson 18:25

2+ y ago18:25

18:25

In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation. He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes Space For Nature everyday. Skills Development Scotland …

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Connecting with the outdoors from the inside, with Anna Wood 28:10

2+ y ago28:10

28:10

In this episode we chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of watching and photographing birds in her garden. She explains how connecting with nature has affected her mental and physical health, and how her photographs have been turned into a book, inspiring others …

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Making Space For Nature with Less Waste Laura 38:10

2+ y ago38:10

38:10

In this episode we chat to Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Recently awarded Scottish Influencer of the Year (Inspiration) for her climate and environmental work, Laura regularly speaks in the media on the BBC, STV, and Sky News and is currently campaign…

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Understanding the increase in urban birds, with Simon Foster 18:53

3y ago18:53

18:53

In this episode we chat to Simon Foster, NatureScot’s Trends and Indicators Analysis Officer, about our latest research which reveals an increase in the number of birds in Scotland’s towns and cities. He explains the likely reasons for the increase, how climate change is affecting our birds, and what everyone can do to help. More information: News …

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Using Environmental DNA to prevent nature loss, with Brodie Thomas 11:38

3y ago11:38

11:38

Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how this non-invasive sampling technique can monitor wildlife and help build up a detailed image of what lives where. She explains the pros and cons of the technique, how it's being used to detect the presence o…

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Attracting young people to green jobs, with Ceara Webster and Amy Kidd 33:31

3y ago33:31

33:31

In this episode we hear about NatureScot’s Programme for Youth employment, a programme helping to develop nature based skills to support the fight against climate change and nature loss. Since 2021 we’ve offered around 40 jobs for younger employees including project and practical placements, apprenticeships, and trainee roles right across the organ…