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Nature Magic

Nature Magic

Written by: Mary Bermingham
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 A positive voice for nature, from Ireland.Copyright Mary Bermingham Biological Sciences Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • 80 Dr Debbie Saunders fights biodiversity loss with tech

    80 Dr Debbie Saunders fights biodiversity loss with tech
    Jan 23 2026
    Dr Debbie Saunders is a Conservation Ecologist & Nature-Tech Innovation Dr Debbie Saunders has a PhD in Conservation Ecology from the Australian National University and over 20 years experience translating biodiversity conservation research into innovative nature-tech and large-scale ecosystem restoration projects. Dr Saunders is the co-founder and CEO of two innovative conservation technology companies (NatureHelm and Wildlife Drones) with a focus on scaling up biodiversity conservation and monitoring wildlife and ecosystems globally in ways that were not previously possible. She has experience across the environment sector, working as a private environmental consultant, government threatened species manager and a researcher and conservation project manager within academia, as well as collaborating extensively with environmental NGOs. Her extensive research has focused on improving conservation of migratory species and their habitats across vast landscapes, providing the inspiration for establishing innovative technology to help address knowledge and capability gaps. Over the past nine years she has led the development and deployment of some of the world’s most advanced conservation technologies for enhancing the monitoring and management of ecosystems and species across 15 countries. She has also led her business to win multiple business sustainability and innovation awards for her creative solutions for challenging ecosystem conservation problems, including Australia’s National Telstra Best of Business Award for Promoting Sustainability.Welcome to Nature Magic It is lovely to kick off 2026 with this fascinating conversation with Dr Debbie Saunders showing how tech can create solutions for solving complex questions in nature conservation. Debbie is is co founder of Nature Helm and Wild life drones used globally to assess ecosystems over vast habitats and down to the smallest species. Her innovations have won many major awards including Australias National Telstra best of business award for Sustainability. She explains how tech is the answer to reversing the biodiversity emergency by visualising the reality in a way that humans can understand instantly to release funds to create actual positive change.
    debbie@naturehelm.com
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    33 mins
  • 79 Jim and Mark are birds of a feather

    79 Jim and Mark are birds of a feather
    Jun 14 2024
    The Birds of Ireland, Jim Wilson with photography by Mark Carmody –

    Today Mary is talking to Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody.
    Jim Wilson in a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader and former chairman of Birdwatch Ireland.

    Mark Carmody has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European Patent Attorney. He is an award winning wildlife photographer.


    They have published a brand-new edition of this birdwatching field guide by leading experts (and uncle-nephew duo!) Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody at the end of March. It’s the only photographic identification guide of its kind in Ireland and has been updated to include climate and habitat changes, 1600 photos and a list of birds of birds of conservation concern also. Their driving force behind the book was to increase awareness of Ireland’s national heritage and landscape. Its publication date falls around springtime when the days are getting longer, and people are keen to explore nature around them. This book is the perfect companion!
    Buy the book
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    40 mins
  • 78 Anna Murphy is requesting legal rights for nature

    78 Anna Murphy is requesting legal rights for nature
    Apr 17 2024
    Today Mary is talking to Anna Murphy. Anna moved to Kinvara in 2001 and raised her three children here, and works in the village. Her main passion is environmental activism, and she has been involved in Plastic Free Kinvara, Kinvara Climate Action, the Ballindereen Kinvara Tree gang and now Rights of Nature Galway. Activism gives me hope and can help with eco anxiety. " We need to re-imagine our relationship with Nature, and protect it for this and future generations to head off a looming sixth mass extinction"

    rightsofnaturegalway@gmail.com
    www.ejni.net/rights-of-nature
    Kinvara and Ballindereen tree gang
    www.facebook.com/KBtreegang/

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    23 mins
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