20+ wildlife and nature podcasts, and how to listen to them

By Leoma Williams

Published: Friday, 07 January 2022 at 12:00 am

There’s such a huge variety of podcasts out there it can be difficult to find specific ones. We’ve collated the reviews of wildlife and natural history podcasts from BBC Wildlife Magazine to make it easier for you to find and listen to them.

If you’re new to podcasts, we’ve also put together a guide on how to listen to them at the end of this article.

You can read plenty more reviews on our website, including gifts for nature lovers, wildlife-themed games, books on insects and invertebrates, on marine and coastal wildlife, and books for children.

BBC Countryfile Magazine

In each episode, the BBC Countryfile Magazine team take listeners along whilst they explore the countryside, look for wildlife, and discover fascinating historical sites. They often meet interesting rural people along the way, and discuss the big issues facing the countryside.

They also regularly have a famous guest or guest-host on the show. Past guests include bush craft expert Ray Mears, sheep-farming opera singer Gwawr Edwards, and comedian Paul Whitehouse.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

BBC Science Focus Magazine

The podcast arm of the BBC Science Focus magazine, this series covers all sorts of science topics, from the workings of the human brain to how to tackle climate change. In each episode the team talk to experts in science, technology, and health about the latest ideas, news, and breakthroughs.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

BBC Earth

This ‘podcast the size of a planet’ covers nature, science, and the human experience. Each week there is a new theme. Previous themes include weather, beauty in nature, and family. It is known for being both educational and philosophical, and for its rich, immersive sounds.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

30 Animals That Made Us Smarter

This 30-part BBC World Service series hosted by acclaimed natural history presenter Patrick Ayree chronicles the amazing things we have learnt from animals, discussing species that have inspired us in one way or another when it comes to designing new technologies.

This includes how the kingfisher influenced the design of the Japanese bullet train, how the idea behind a pain free surgical needle came from the mouthparts of the mosquito, and how albatrosses inspired drone design.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Galwad Cynnar

For Welsh-speaking listeners out there, there is Radio Cymru’s weekly nature and wildlife discussion, Galwad Cynnar. Hosted by TV presenter Gerallt Pennant, it has also featured well known welsh naturalists such as Iolo Williams as guest hosts. Recent episodes have covered hay meadows in Pembrokeshire, a dedicated tower for swallows in Cardiff, and the Celtic Rainforest.

For even more great podcasts from the BBC, including The Life Scientific, Ramblings, Costing The Earth and Inside Science, head to the BBC Science and Nature Podcasts page.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

The War on Wildlife

This straight-talking, impassioned podcast poses the question, ‘Is there a war on wildlife?’ For co-presenters Charlie Moores, a birdwatcher, and Ruth Peacey, a wildlife filmmaker, the answer is a resounding yes. But through the twelve-part series they invite activists, researchers and campaigners to share their opinions too.

Autumn marks the opening of shooting seasons across the UK. Fittingly, episode one launches head-first into the plight of the Highland grouse and the 50 million pheasants and partridges imported to our countryside every year. From satellite-tagging to snaring and ‘general licences’, Charlie and Ruth clearly explain the terms, unpick the statistics and expose the ecological damage surrounding the industry.

At just under an hour long, you will need to dedicate time to these podcasts – the pace is gentle – but it is an illuminating and worthwhile listening.

Reviewed by Catherine Smalley, nature writer

Trees a Crowd

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This gentle but inspirational podcast by David Oakes (profiled in the September 2019 issue) is billed as ‘A podcast for those curious about the world around us’. It started as a series of informal conversations with artists, scientists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The episodes explore how the countryside has shaped and inspired their careers. Guests include Dr Fay Clark, animal welfare scientist at Bristol Zoo, and Mark Frith, BAFTA-winning documentary maker and Artist.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

No Such Thing as A Fish

Perhaps the best known of all science and nature podcasts, this award-winning and chart-topping mash-up of comedy and fascinating facts comes from the brains behind the hit TV series QI. Every episode each of the researchers (known as “The QI Elves”), present their favourite fact that they have discovered that week.

It has become so popular and well-loved that the hosts now perform live-shows on stages around the world, and release a book each year about some of that year’s events.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Species

If you want an in-depth exploration of different animal species, this is the podcast for you. Each episode focuses on a particular species, taking a deep dive into its biology, behaviour and ecology, and presenting all sorts of fun facts and anecdotes.

Having now surpassed its 100^th episode, you have plenty of species to choose from, including the Humboldt squid, the snow leopard, and the blobfish and many, many more.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Animalia

Animalia is a science podcast about ‘the weird and interesting things that animals do’. Previous episodes include ‘My Favourite Parasite’ which covered mind-controlling viruses, vampire fish and crab-castrating barnacles, and ‘Sleep’ where the presenters explored the different and fascinating ways in which animals slumber.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

Ologies

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Ologies is a comedic science podcast, where the host Alie Ward (an award-winning science correspondent) “asks smart people stupid questions”. Episodes include ‘Potterology’ where Alie talks to a electrochemist about the science of the wizarding world, and ‘Cucurbitology’ where she discusses the folklore, planting, care, and cooking of pumpkins with author Anne Copeland.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Nature’s Voice by the RSPB

This award-winning podcast from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) presents features, interviews, and news about birds and other wildlife, tackling big issues such as the climate strikes, and Brexit related environmental policies, as well as giving you fascinating facts about birds from around the world.

They also sometimes interview special guests, such as Bill Oddie and Kate Humble, who talk about their love for wildlife.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Songbirding

If you want to improve your bird identification skills then this is the podcast for you. This immersive series hopes to teach the art of ‘birding by ear’, as bird guide Rob Porter takes the listener out in the field with him to listen to and learn bird song. With its in-the-field birdsong recordings taken in the Great Lakes region of Canada it takes you as close as you can be to the field without leaving your sofa.

It is a new series (as of October 2019), so there are not yet many episodes to listen to, but new instalments will be released weekly, and the first episode which features red-eyed vireos, American redstarts and common yellowthroats is a relaxing and inspiring introduction.

It is also available as “Songbirding Under 5kHz” for those with high-frequency hearing loss.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

Life, death, and taxonomy

Each episode of this family friendly podcast focuses on one particular animal species and the amazing abilities and hidden talents it has. Every episode begins with an explanation of where this species fits into the animal kingdom tree – that’s the taxonomy part.

Examples of animals covers include the red-lipped batfish and his ridiculously rouged pout, the Emei Mustache Toad and his fabulous facial accessories, and the strange, stubby nosed, tapir.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

The Matthew Maran Podcast

Award-winning wildlife photographer, Matthew Maran chats to the creative people at the intersection between the visual arts and wildlife – including designers, photographers and conservationists. Laidback and friendly but full of useful advice and tips for photographers (as well as anyone interested in creating visual content and protecting wildlife), this podcast really feels like the place to go to learn from the leaders in their field.

Reviewed by Leoma Williams, primatologist and BBC Wildlife editorial intern August 2019

UK Wildlife Podcast

In each episode of this new podcast, photographers Victoria Hillman and Neil Phillips discuss their sightings, the latest wildlife news, and examine a topic or two in detail, such as migratory animals, and engaging adults with nature.

Listening to them feels like being in a cafe, gossiping about wildlife with friends, along with the occasional tangents and rants that naturally come with such a chat. It’s very easy to listen to, though occasionally, complete beginners may struggle to follow when species’ names are shortened.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

The Stubborn Lights of Things

Join nature writer Melissa Harrison on her countryside walks during lockdown. Living in rural Suffolk, Melissa records her encounters with the local wildlife and plant life. There’s an almost constant backing track of birdsong – some of which Melissa picks out and reveals how to recognise the avian vocalists in question.

There are even special guests (recorded separately, due to COVID-19), including authors and poets who share their work. Listening to Melissa’s soothing narration is likely to be a real tonic for those who can’t access nature first-hand at the moment.

Reviewed by Angharad Moran, production editor, BBC Wildlife

The Bearded Tit’s Podcast

Following the COVID-19 lockdown, wildlife photographer Jack Perks decided to take advantage of his new-found abundance of free time by starting a podcast, to “give me something to do and stop me murdering my family,” he jests. With his peers dialling in for a chat, Jack covers an eclectic mix of topics and issues, such as underwater and eco photography, rewilding and the reasons why everyone should love frogs, to name a few.

Conversations contain details of personal experiences and wildlife encounters (as well as some colourful language unsuitable for younger ears), and provide plenty of interesting insights and professional tips for those with a passion for photography.

Reviewed by Angharad Moran, production editor, BBC Wildlife

Women Birds: Happy Hour

In this new podcast, Hannah Buschert from the Hannah and Erik Go Birding podcast interviews a range of women birders, to highlight the amazing things they are doing, and to inspire others. Guests so far include fellow birding podcasters and ornithologists.

For each episode, Hannah takes one of the birds mentioned by her guest and adapts a drink recipe to suit the species, such as a limonana for a lammergeier and a Texas prairie fire shot for a black-capped vireo. Talking over the internet to each other, there’s a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere – ideal for the ‘happy hour’ vibe that Hannah is aiming for.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

Will and Ben The Wildlife Men

Scientists Ben Porter and Will Hawkes first met while studying in Cornwall and now they’ve got together to make a podcast. Each short episode brims with infectious enthusiasm as the friends bring to light ‘those species we often overlook or don’t even notice’.

They take it in turns to focus on a subject of personal fascination, all of which are described in lyrical detail, delving into a mix of scientific observations and folklore. I enjoyed the wildlife chit-chat and sharing of stories that bookends the episodes. This is not a super slick production but it’s pleasingly authentic, and you can’t help but warm to this very likeable pair of young naturalists.

Reviewed by Catherine Smalley, nature writer

What Planet Are We On?

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Environmental podcasts have experienced a surge in popularity over the past few months. What Planet Are We On? (BBC Radio 5 Live) leads listeners through some of the most contentious climate-based conversations – offering tangible solutions when we need them most. Wildlife presenter and broadcaster Liz Bonnin chairs a dynamic trio of hosts, including BBC Environment Correspondent Matt McGrath and Science Correspondent Victoria Gill, who guide us through the (at times) intimidating waters of the climate crisis with fantastic pace and comradery.

The impressive array of guests, from celebrities to journalists, world business leaders and leading academics, serves to emphasise the all-encompassing nature of climate change – helping listeners to feel included and part of the solution. Sir David Attenborough kickstarts the series by emphasising the connectivity between the climate, the planet and our own health – a key message repeated throughout the podcast.

The lively discussion lacks the classic ‘doom and gloom’ felt in other climate-based content. It encourages listeners of all backgrounds to be more mindful consumers and to nurture a healthier relationship with themselves and the natural world. The colourful edit and friendly tone of the presenters leaves you feeling empowered, informed and confident that simple adjustments to daily decision-making really can make a meaningful difference to the state of the planet.

Reviewed by Sophie Pavelle, zoologist and author

The Knepp Wildland Podcast

If you have read and enjoyed Isabella Tree’s ‘Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm’ – an account of the rewilding project happening at Knepp Estate in West Sussex – then now is the time to delve a little deeper into the stories of fascinating fauna that live there. Ecologist Penny Green expertly does so in her Knepp Wildland podcast, in which she speaks onsite to staff, specialists and volunteers on the topics of nightingales, dung beetles, bees, reptiles and more, to reveal how and why these creatures have thrived at Knepp.

Each episode is between 30 minutes to an hour in length, and is therefore ideal for an educational time-out to learn more about this unique project and its curious inhabitants. The episodes on the successful white stork breeding programme (with landowner Charlie Burrell) and the feisty purple emperor butterfly (with the eloquent and hilarious Matthew Oates) are particularly recommended.

Reviewed by Chloé Valerie Harmsworth, nature writer and artist

The Plight of the Pangolin

Student Jack Baker created this podcast series for his MSc in Conservation Studies at the University of St Andrews. Each episode looks at a different element of the unique creatures, from behaviour to conservation – even their links with Covid 19. Jack imparts his knowledge and boosts it with interviews featuring a global collection of specialists who bring insights from the field, alongside academic and personal perspectives.

Some of the interviews are a little dry in places, like an overheard conversation between faculty members, but they are balanced out with livelier exchanges with Jack’s closer contacts. It lacks the high-end production values and slick editing of more professional fare, but for fans of the scaly creatures and those looking to learn more, it is packed with facts. I was really impressed by Jack’s efforts to include a variety of voices to paint a more nuanced portrait of the pangolin’s plight.

Reviewed by Ella Davies, nature writer

Coffee with Conservationists

Now in its second series, this bi-monthly podcast covers diverse topics from climate justice and urban greening, to raptor persecution and the role of visual media in wildlife conservation. Hosted by George Steedman Jones, a student of Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, the podcast features ecologists, activists and wildlife filmmakers, exploring how their love of the natural world began and how their interests influence their work.

The guests, many of whom are towards the beginning of their careers, discuss complex and often contentious issues with knowledge, dedication and a positivity that is truly inspiring. Previous guests include intersectional climate activist and mental health advocate Tori Tsui, zoologist and presenter Megan McCubbin and conservationist and ranger James Mwenda.

Each episode ends with the story of a sustainable and ethical coffee that George has been enjoying during the interview, championing independent producers and indigenous coffee-growing communities.

Reviewed by Nic Wilson, nature writer

Women in Ecology and Evolution

This new podcast explores the lives and research of women working in ecology and evolution. The first guest on each episode is interviewed about their overall career path, while the second goes into detail about a recent publication, covering subjects as diverse as wallabies, poison frogs and Madagascan mongooses!

The conversations have the gentle, chatty feel of getting to know a new friend, or asking a colleague what they have been working on recently. They give an insight into other people’s working lives, and are sure to inspire women who are just starting a career in science. Finally, more guests are brought in for a group discussion, covering topics such as mentorship, starting a family in academia, and non-academic career paths.

The guests are drawn from a range of backgrounds and nationalities, and subjects such as race, disability, and, of course, the issues facing working women are covered, through exploring people’s personal experiences.

Reviewed by Kate Risely, ornithologist

Golden Grenades

For a podcast that pivots around the central theme of an environmental apocalypse, Golden Grenades remains remarkably upbeat. The premise is simple: each week a bird lover chooses five birds which they would like to save from this impending disaster, and at the end of the show, one of their birds must go head to head with presenter Kit’s favourite – the Peregrine Falcon. But, as epic as this showdown may be, the real joy of Golden Grenades is found in the heart-warming, fascinating and at times truly bizarre stories of the chosen birds, and why they mean so much to the guests.

From sky burials to vomiting fairies, once in a lifetime sightings to garden regulars, Golden Grenades covers them all. Kit is a natural presenter, and his friendly approach fills this roughly 40-minute podcast with bags of charm, helped along with music and sound effects by Will Rose. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kerrie-Ann Gardner, artist and writer

Wild Crimes

Sadly the murky world of wildlife crime is big business, and is worth $23 billion every year. This ten-part podcast series from the Natural History Museum, London, is hosted by evolutionary biologist Tori Herridge and science communicator Khalil Thirlaway, and features a range of including other scientists at the museum as well as guests from other institutions and wildlife charities.

Each episode focusses on a species or a group, starting with the pangolin – the world’s most trafficked mammal, with all eight species facing extinction due to the illegal trade in their scales. Other topics including bird of prey persecution, reptile and eel smuggling, the ivory trade, and the harvesting of orchids.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

Going Wild with Dr Rae Wynn-Grant

Teaming up with broadcaster PBS, carnivore ecologist and science communicator Rae Wynn-Grant discusses her career as a wildlife biologist. She’s tracked lemurs in Madagascar, had her tent circled by a lioness in Kenya and given CPR to a bear. The National Geographic explorer also reveals some of the obstacles she’s faced and how she’s overcome her fears to get where she is today.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

Get Birding

Hosted by birder and conservationist Mya-Rose Craig (AKA BirdGirl) in the first season, and then by wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin in the second season, this podcast sprung into life during the pandemic lockdowns. It aims to “help everyone, anywhere” get into birding and nature, and features a range of special guests including Chris Packham, Susan Calman and Amir Khan.

Reviewed by Megan Shersby, editorial & digital co-ordinator, BBC Wildlife

What is a podcast?

A podcast is essentially a non-live radio show that you can listen to on the internet. There are podcasts out there on just about any topic you can think of, including wildlife, history, TV, economics, and true crime. Radio stations will often make their regular series available as podcasts, such as BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Ramblings, or even turn a short radio programme into a longer podcast.

All you need to listen to them is a device with an internet connection to either download and listen to later, or stream (to listen without downloading).

Once downloaded onto a phone or tablet, they can be listened to anywhere, whether you’re on public transport, driving in a car, going for a walk or run, or just in the comfort of your own home.