Why are people so opposed to the term "rewilding" when it can inspire action for nature restoration? How can we communicate conservation issues without alienating the very people we need to reach? And what happens when a creative professional decides to transform four fields in Wicklow into a biodiversity haven while documenting every step for others to follow?

In this outdoor episode, we sit down with Jack Morley in his rewilding project in Wicklow to explore these questions and more. Jack brings a fresh perspective to nature communication, drawing on his background in advertising and film to reach audiences beyond the usual conservation choir. He's passionate about positive messaging, believing that doom and gloom narratives only preach to the converted whilst switching off those who could become tomorrow's nature champions. His approach focuses on inspiration rather than education, using enthusiasm and accessible language to engage people who might not even realise they care about Irish wildlife.

Jack's land showcases remarkable habitat diversity across just five acres - from native woodland plantations using both traditional and Miyawaki methods, to wildflower meadows that proved more challenging than expected. He's creating wetlands, managing microhabitats with log piles and standing deadwood, and dealing with the realities of river water quality changes. The conversation reveals the practical challenges of habitat creation, from Yorkshire fog domination in meadows to the ongoing debate about active management versus natural regeneration. Jack's documentation of "Ireland's Nature Heroes" on social media highlights the groundswell of conservation work happening across the country, work that often goes unnoticed but deserves celebration.

Further reading:

• Rewilding an old Irish farm | FULL TOUR

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How does a wealthy animal welfare organisation, funded by well-meaning donors from Europe and North America, end up relocating hundreds of elephants to an area where some of the world's poorest people live? What happens when two people are killed within 24 hours of the first four elephants arriving, yet the organisation presses on with moving another 259 elephants in just 30 days? Why are over 12,500 people now living in terror whilst those responsible show nothing but arrogance when approached for help?

This episode examines a conservation crisis unfolding in Malawi and Zambia, where the International Fund for Animal Welfare's elephant translocation project has gone catastrophically wrong. Journalist Jens Ulrik Høgh returns from his recent trip to the region, where he documented the devastating impact on local communities who had never seen elephants before 2022. Twelve people have been killed, thousands have lost their crops and livelihoods, and children can no longer safely walk to school. Meanwhile, the elephants themselves are being killed in retaliation, making this a disaster for both wildlife and people.

The conversation explores uncomfortable questions about conservation imperialism, the business models of large NGOs, and the stark inequality between wealthy Western donors and the African communities bearing the consequences. Jens reveals how a project that cost less than $2 million has destroyed lives whilst the organisation continues to raise over $100 million annually. This isn't just about elephants - it's about power, money, and the ongoing legacy of colonial attitudes in modern conservation. The episode serves as a crucial reminder that conservation projects are doomed to fail without local acceptance, often with tragic consequences for all involved.

Further reading:

• In Rural Malawi, a Western NGO Imported Elephants. Chaos Ensued.

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Is TB in deer a growing concern for Irish hunters? What happens when you shoot a deer infected with TB, and what are the realities from a hunter's perspective? In this episode of the Conservation and Science podcast, we dive into the contentious topic of bovine tuberculosis in deer - an issue I've attempted to cover for over a year. While scientists seemed reluctant to discuss it publicly, this episode brings boots-on-the-ground truth from expert hunter Ashley Glover, who shares his firsthand experiences with TB-infected deer in Wicklow.

Ashley explains how hunters can identify signs of tuberculosis when field dressing deer, noting that whilst most hunters may never encounter an infected animal, he found four TB-positive deer among his first twelve harvests in North Wicklow this season. We discuss the practical challenges hunters face when discovering a TB-infected carcass - from the unclear notification protocols to the costly disposal options. Despite bovine TB being classified as a "notifiable disease" with supposedly free testing and licensed disposal, Ashley's experience reveals a different reality, including a €100 fee for fallen animal services to remove a single carcass.

The conversation tackles the disconnect between what hunters are taught during training versus the realities in the field, particularly when shooting deer late on a Friday with limited options for proper disposal. We explore the localised nature of TB in deer populations, which appears concentrated in certain areas of Wicklow rather than nationwide. This episode provides essential knowledge for hunters on identifying TB in deer and navigating the practical challenges of responsible carcass management, while highlighting the need for improved protocols within Ireland's wildlife and TB eradication programmes.

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.