With so much bad news in our daily feeds, it’s easy to forget that people around the world are working tirelessly to protect nature, wildlife, and the environment.

So, before 2025 fades completely in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking one final look back at the year’s good news for the planet. From species making remarkable recoveries and long-lost wildlife being rediscovered, to major habitat protections and hard-won environmental policies, there’s far more hope than the headlines often suggest.

Join us for a relaxed and chatty episode featuring some brilliant wins for nature, many mispronounced place names, and a hopeful start to 2026.

Our annual positive news roundup is always one of our favourite episodes to research and record, we hope you enjoy listening.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Thermal Cameras and AI Help Protect Rhinos in Kenya | World Wildlife Fund

Nepal Reports Stable Snow Leopard Population | World Wildlife Fund

Devon pine marten kits born in 'historic moment' on Dartmoor - BBC News

Smallest otter in the world rediscovered in Nepal after 185-year absence | Discover Wildlife

Gorongosa Conservation Progress and Success 2025

Rediscovered in a Forgotten Park: The Elusive Upemba Lechwe - African Conservation Foundation

Mountain Gorillas: Rising From the Brink of Extinction | World Wildlife Fund

Seal Greece: 1,000 Miles for the 1,000 Mediterranean Monk Seals Left on the Planet - Seal Greece

We've mentioned them a lot but now it is time they get their very own episode.

They're ecosystem engineers, climate change protectors, master builders, and have a tail with more functions than you'd think. You can't help but love them.

So, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of beavers. From their unrivalled ability to shape landscapes and support entire ecosystems, to their extinction in the UK and the inspiring efforts to bring them back, we cover it all in this deep dive into one of our favourite animals.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers

https://beavertrust.org/beaver-basics/beaver-impacts/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/beavers-save-czech-taxpayers-by-flooding-ex-army-training-site

https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/cornwall-beaver-project

https://www.norfolkriverstrust.org/case-studies/returning-beavers-to-the-glaven

https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beaver-benefits/

https://news.westernu.ca/2020/08/ancient-beavers-cut-trees-for-food-first-not-to-build-dams/

Beavers: How and why they build dams - YouTube

If you’ve been listening to the pod for a while, you’ll know we have a real soft spot for curlews. They were even the topic of our second ever episode back in September 2022!

Since then, lots has happened in the world of curlews. There’s been some sad news about the slender-billed curlew, but also lots to celebrate, with some great conservation projects underway. And on The Birdy Bug Pod front, Steve has a very exciting curlew update of his own.

So, grab a drink and join us as we explore the latest curlew developments and chat about Steve’s new curlew venture.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Curlew Action – Action Now for Curlews Tomorrow

HOME - Curlew LIFE

Slender-Billed Curlew: The Latest Bird Extinction Explained

Resources | Curlew Recovery Partnership

Man treks 53 miles in bird costume costume to raise awareness about endangered Eurasian Curlew | New York Post