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Nature Connects

Nature Connects

By: tamarvalleynationallandscape
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 Join us for an immersive walk and talk series that celebrates the stories and sounds from Tamar Valley National Landscape, on the Devon/Cornwall border. Become more connected and feel closer to Nature, and all that this special landscape has to offer, through our episodes that are released at the end of every month. ‘Nature Connects’ has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Beaver and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, part 2 - Butterflies

    Beaver and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, part 2 - Butterflies
    Jul 18 2025

    In the second part of the two-part summer episode, we head to Greenscombe Woods, a Duchy of Cornwall site near Luckett, where we meet Jenny Plackett from Butterfly Conservation. This beautiful woodland is home to the Heath Fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies and a flagship species in the Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan. Jenny shares the conservation story of this delicate species, the habitat work that supports it, and how citizen science through the Big Butterfly Count is helping monitor and protect butterfly populations. We also explore how butterflies can spark a deeper connection to nature and how local communities are playing a vital role in their recovery.

    From the engineering marvels of beavers to the fleeting beauty of butterflies, this two part summer episode celebrates the power of nature to restore, inspire, and connect us all.

    To learn more about the projects and organisations featured in part 2, visit the websites below. You can also take part in the Big Butterfly Count from the 18th July to 10th August and be part of a nationwide effort to track and protect these vital pollinators.

    Links

    Home page | Butterfly Conservation

    Big Butterfly Count

    Home | Duchy of Cornwall

    Your host

    Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported)

    Our guest

    Jenny Plackett – Butterfly Conservation, Conservation Manager (South West England)

    With thanks

    Thank you to Ross Sinclair and Jim Baldwin from Fotonow FOTONOW CIC - Fotonow CIC for their technical support.

    Production

    This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are;

    • A rare valley and water landscape
    • A landscape of high visual quality
    • A unique wildlife resource
    • A remarkable heritage
    • A landscape of artistic and public appeal

    The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape, that aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities, by creating opportunities and positive change through a programme of 10 exciting projects.

    Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/

    Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/

    Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/

    University of Derby

    • Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/
    • Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature.

    Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact bryony.james@cornwall.gov.uk for further details.

    Contact us

    Email: enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk

    Social media: @tamarvalleynl – find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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    36 mins
  • Beavers and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, Part 1 - Beavers

    Beavers and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, Part 1 - Beavers
    Jul 18 2025
    In this special two-part summer episode, we journey into the heart of West Devon and then travel back to East Cornwall exploring two remarkable species that are helping to shape our landscapes and inspire nature recovery efforts across the region. In part 1 we visit a Devon Wildlife Trust beaver trial site, where we’re joined by Matt Holden, the Trust’s Beaver Project Lead, and Mark Elliott, an ecological consultant with decades of experience in beaver reintroduction and management. Together, we explore what it means to be “beaver ready” as wild populations begin to return to our river catchments. We discuss the biodiversity and climate resilience benefits of beaver activity, the lessons learned from the Devon trial, and how these insights are influencing national policy. Along the way, we unpack common myths, shifting public perceptions, and how beavers can help us reconnect with the wild rhythms of nature. From the engineering marvels of beavers to the fleeting beauty of butterflies, this two part episode celebrates the power of nature to restore, inspire, and connect us all. To learn more about the projects and organisations featured in part 1 visit the websites below. Links Beavers | Devon Wildlife Trust Homepage - Beaver Trust Cornwall Beaver Project | Cornwall Wildlife Trust Wild release and management of beavers in England - GOV.UK Beaver wild release: a milestone for nature recovery in England – Natural England Your host Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Our guests Matt Holden – Devon Wildlife Trust Beaver Project Lead Mark Elliot – Ecological consultant specialising in beaver reintroduction and management With thanks Thank you to Ross Sinclair and Jim Baldwin from Fotonow FOTONOW CIC - Fotonow CIC for their technical support. Production This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are; A rare valley and water landscapeA landscape of high visual qualityA unique wildlife resourceA remarkable heritageA landscape of artistic and public appeal The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape, that aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities, by creating opportunities and positive change through a programme of 10 exciting projects. Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/ University of Derby Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature. Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact bryony.james@cornwall.gov.uk for further details. Contact us Email: enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk Social media: @tamarvalleynl – find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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    42 mins
  • Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Tamar's Migratory Story

    Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Tamar's Migratory Story
    Jun 2 2025
    In celebration of World Fish Migration Day (WFMD), this episode of Nature Connects explores the lives of two remarkable migratory fish species found in the River Tamar: the Atlantic Salmon and the Allis Shad. These species are not only vital to the river’s ecosystem but also represent the resilience and interconnectedness of nature. WFMD is a global biannual event; however, awareness and engagement around fish migration are promoted annually to keep the spotlight on these critical ecological journeys. Our guests are Angela Gall, Marine Senior Officer at Natural England and author of the children’s book Allis the Shad Who Wouldn't Give Up, and Dr. William Darwall, Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme Manager and past researcher with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Angela brings a unique perspective that blends science and storytelling, while Will shares insights from his work on the red listing of the Atlantic Salmon and the broader implications for freshwater biodiversity. We follow the epic journey of the Atlantic Salmon, from their freshwater beginnings to their oceanic travels and back again. These fish face numerous challenges, including habitat fragmentation and climate change, and conservation efforts are focused on improving connectivity and protecting genetic diversity. Will’s research has been instrumental in the recent IUCN red listing of the species, highlighting the urgent need for action. We also learn about the Allis Shad, a lesser known but equally fascinating species that migrates from the sea to spawn in freshwater. Angela’s book brings their story to life for younger audiences, and she shares how storytelling can inspire conservation. Efforts to protect the Allis Shad include monitoring populations, improving fish passage, and addressing threats like pollution and habitat loss. This episode is a celebration of migration, resilience, and the importance of healthy, free-flowing rivers. Angela and Will offer inspiring perspectives on how local and global conservation efforts are making a difference and how each of us can play a role in supporting these incredible species. To learn more, visit the World Fish Migration Day website, explore the IUCN Red List, or discover the work of the Tamara Landscape Partnership. You can also find Angela’s book through local booksellers and conservation groups. Your host Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Our guests Angela Gall, Marine Senior Officer and Author (Natural England)Dr William Darwall, Scheme Manager (Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (Tamar Valley National Landscape project, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund) With thanks Thank you to Ross Sinclair and Jim Baldwin from Fotonow FOTONOW CIC - Fotonow CIC for their technical support. Links Find out more… World Fish Migration Day – Connecting fish, rivers and people IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Natural England - GOV.UK Atlantic Salmon Trust - The Atlantic Salmon Trust Allis The Shad Who Wouldn’t Give Up - Westcountry Rivers Trust Ocean Conservation Trust | An Ocean Conservation Charity The Fading Away of Westcountry salmon - Westcountry Rivers Trust WRT Home - Westcountry Rivers Trust Habitat mapping and monitoring of allis shad on the River Tamar - NERR1947 Allis shad (Alosa alosa) - Special Areas of Conservation Tamar catchment research to aid increase in salmon smolt numbers - Westcountry Rivers Trust Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/ University of Derby Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature. Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact bryony.james@cornwall.gov.uk for further details. Production This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are; A rare valley and water landscapeA landscape of high visual qualityA unique wildlife resourceA remarkable heritageA landscape of artistic and public appeal The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund ...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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