Episodes

  • Dublin’s Rare Surviving Elms Offer New Hope Against Dutch Elm Disease

    Dublin’s Rare Surviving Elms Offer New Hope Against Dutch Elm Disease
    Mar 23 2026
    Trees are vital for biodiversity, yet many Irish species have declined, including the Wych Elm, devastated by Dutch elm disease. But four mature elms in Rathmines appear to have survived. Arboricultural Consultant Joe McConville is investigating whether their genetics could help restore elms across Ireland...
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Backyard Badgers And Flowerbed Foxes

    Backyard Badgers And Flowerbed Foxes
    Mar 23 2026
    Last August, we visited Martin in South Dublin, whose garden attracts nightly visits from local badgers and foxes—normally shy animals made bolder by his regular food offerings. In tonight’s programme, reporter Terry Flanagan returns to see how Martin and his nocturnal guests are getting on...
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Meet The Woodcock: The Wader That Doesn’t Wade

    Meet The Woodcock: The Wader That Doesn’t Wade
    Mar 23 2026
    The Woodcock is one of Ireland’s most elusive birds, its nocturnal habits and superb camouflage making it hard to study. Post-doctoral researcher James O’Neill of UCC has published new findings on its population and joins us to discuss how the species is faring and what can help it thrive - once even appearing on Ireland’s old 50p coin...
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Grey Squirrels In Ireland: How Did They Get Here?

    Grey Squirrels In Ireland: How Did They Get Here?
    Mar 2 2026
    Grey Squirrels, introduced to Ireland in the early 1900s, are now widespread and have impacted the population of native Red Squirrels. They are long believed to descend from a dozen released in Longford in 1911. Our panel discusses whether later deliberate or accidental introductions also added to their numbers and genetics...
    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • E-mails From Listeners

    E-mails From Listeners
    Mar 2 2026
    Tonight our experts respond to some of your e-mails and queries about ducks in California, Woodpeckers in Cavan, Buzzards in Waterford and the life span of garden birds, including Robins...
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Terry Goes On A Wild Goose Chase In Co. Wicklow

    Terry Goes On A Wild Goose Chase In Co. Wicklow
    Mar 2 2026
    Derek Mulrooney, greenkeeper at Druids Glen, Wicklow, reports a gaggle of Greylag Geese returning after food was put out for ducks. He wonders if they’re from the original flock and how they knew food was back. To investigate, Terry Flanagan visits the course as the panellists consider possible explanations...
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Keeping Track Of Ireland’s Squirrels And Pine Martens... And You Can Help!

    Keeping Track Of Ireland’s Squirrels And Pine Martens... And You Can Help!
    Mar 2 2026
    Grey Squirrels introduced in 1911 have impacted Ireland’s Red Squirrels, but the Reds are now rebounding due to increased Pine Marten numbers. The 2026 All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey has been launched, and Colin Lawton, Ecology Lecturer at the University of Galway, joins the programme to explain the project...
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • Looking Forward To Nature Nights Live On RTÉ Radio 1

    Looking Forward To Nature Nights Live On RTÉ Radio 1
    Mar 2 2026
    Nature Nights Live returns to RTÉ Radio 1 from March 9th–13th, at 10–11pm, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Week. The programme will share event updates, celebrate native trees and nocturnal wildlife, feature expert guests, and invite listeners to ask questions and share sightings.
    Show more Show less
    1 min