From trial to transformation: Knapdale with Oly Armstrong

We’re heading to Knapdale with wildlife ranger and co-founder of the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation, Oly Armstrong 🦫 Home to Scotland’s first official beaver reintroduction trial, Knapdale has become a cornerstone of beaver recovery in Britain and a place where people travel from across the world to see these animals shaping the landscape. In this episode, Oly shares what makes Knapdale so special and explores: 🦫 How beavers are transforming former plantation forests 🦫 The story behind Scotland’s longest-running legal beaver population 🦫 Why conservation is shifting from preserving landscapes to embracing change 🦫 The surprising behaviours (and personalities) of beavers living in Knapdale Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

We’re kicking off Series 8 of The Lodge Cast with Tom Bowser, author of two brilliant books and owner of Argaty Red Kites. The first private landowner in Scottish history to legally release beavers into the wild, Tom shares how life on the farm has transformed since the animals were released in 2021. He also steps into the judge's seat for our first 'fact-off' of the series, but does our new co-host, Alana, manage to secure a win? In this episode, we explore: 🌱 The "oasis in the desert": How beavers seem to have provided an answer for every climate extreme thrown at the farm, from record-breaking heatwaves to relentless wet winters. 🌱 Reversing shifting baselines syndrome and normalising reintroduced species and wildness for the next generation 🌱 How beaver-engineered "lag time" has saved the farm thousands of pounds in flood repairs by protecting vital tracks and infrastructure. We also discuss the pioneering riparian tree-planting trial taking place on the farm, if tree planting can take place in the presence of this returned native herbivore, and how many of the 56,000 trees planted beavers have claimed. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Emily Bowen and Alana Skilbeck, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

For this episode, Eva and Emily are joined by Billy Heaney, zoologist and wildlife guide, to learn more about the relationship between beavers and birds, from the river margins and beaver ponds up to the tree canopy and beyond. Birds are key indicators of environmental health, and changes in their populations can often signal wider shifts happening in an ecosystem. In this episode, you can find out more about: 🪶 What opportunities and challenges beaver-engineered wetlands create for bird species 🪶 Why birds respond so quickly to beaver activity, and what that tells us about ecosystem recovery 🪶 What role humorous storytelling can play in connecting people to nature and conservation Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

We’re joined by Professor Nigel Willby and Patrick Cook, an ecologist and PhD student, from the University of Stirling, to explore the species group at the base of any food chain: plants 🌱 Nigel and Patrick help us unpack: 🌿 What long-term research from Bamff reveals about how beaver activity boosts plant diversity, including a 46% increase in species richness and dramatic rises in habitat “messiness”. 🌿 How beavers create dynamic, ever-changing landscapes through felling, browsing, digging and even dredging hidden seed banks. 🌿 The pollinator plants that thrive in beaver wetlands, from water mint to creeping thistle. 🌿 How the risk of beaver activity compares to human influence on the spread of invasive and non-native plant species. We also look at the willow–beaver “partnership”, the curious items tucked into beaver dams and Patrick’s research, which found nutrient-rich, decaying plant materials in beaver canals create a 119% increase in hoverflies. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

This week, we chat with Anne Goodenough, Professor of Applied Ecology at the University of Gloucestershire, about the fascinating relationship between beavers and bats.  In this episode, we explore:  🦇 How beaver wetlands act as an "all you can eat buffet" or an "all-inclusive resort" for insectivorous bats. 🦇 Bat species in Britain, and which benefit the most from beaver activities. 🦇 Why bats are a crucial indicator of a healthy ecosystem. We also discuss the findings of her recent research with Claire Graham, which found 200% higher species richness and 800% higher abundance of aquatic macro-invertebrates in beaver-modified environments.  Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

We’re kicking off Series 8 by championing the underbug with Dr Alan Law, lecturer in nature-based solutions at the University of Stirling 🪲   An expert in aquatic invertebrates and freshwater ecology in beaver habitats, Alan helps us explore the influence beavers have on these small yet mighty creatures and brings his own brilliant beaver fact to the fact-off. The question is, does it take the win?   In this episode, we explore: 🪲 Why these often overlooked creatures underpin a complex web of life. 🪲 The insect “football team”: how functional groups like shredders and collectors are like having distinct yet important players in a cohesive team. 🪲 How beaver-dug canals create distinct hotspots for predatory aquatic invertebrates.   Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust.   Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears.   The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for a fascinating double interview in this final episode of the series, featuring Paul Martin, a leading wildlife education professional and author of the natural literacy model, and Holly Usher, a primary teacher with 15 years of experience turned Senior Education Officer at Beaver Trust.  Together, they provide invaluable insights into the critical role of education in fostering a stronger connection between people and nature, particularly in the context of beaver reintroduction. In this episode, you will hear about: The impact of beavers on children's engagement with nature: Hear how beavers capture the imagination of children and act as a gateway to ecologically-minded action, fostering a sense of ownership and agency. The Beaver Trust's education program: Learn about the aims of the program, co-designed by Paul, to build a head, heart, and hands connection to nature in children.  Why beavers are the perfect ‘gateway species’ for engaging children in conservation. Strategies for integrating nature into the existing curriculum: Hear practical advice for teachers on how to weave nature into lessons and utilise school grounds to foster nature connection. Also coming up: Find out who wins the highly anticipated fact off, judged first by Paul and then by Holly! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brien, and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Derek Gow, world-renowned conservationist, author and owner of Rewilding Coombeshead, a pioneering species recovery centre in North Devon. A key figure in UK rewilding, Derek shares his vast knowledge and experience on the historical, cultural and ecological significance of beavers. In this episode, we delve into: A history of beavers in Britain: Uncover fascinating details about their presence from prehistoric times, their exploitation for various purposes and their eventual decline. The cultural significance of beavers: Explore their role in Saxon times, their representation in place names and the diverse values placed upon them throughout history, from medicinal uses of castorium to the fur trade. The future of beavers in Britain: Hear Derek's vision for a fully restored beaver population, the challenges and societal views surrounding their return and the transformative impact they could have on our landscapes. Also coming up: Find out Derek's verdict as he judges this week's beaver fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Roger Auster, lecturer in environmental social science at the University of Exeter, as we delve into the social dimensions of beaver reintroduction and the human element of wildlife recovery and nature restoration.  In this episode, we will be exploring: The concept of renewed coexistence: Understand the meaning behind this term, coined by Roger and his colleagues, and why it is vital for the long-term success of species reintroductions. The importance of social and behavioural research: Why understanding public perceptions, addressing concerns, navigating diverse viewpoints and fostering constructive dialogue is essential for successful beaver reintroduction projects. The human need for control and the role of beavers: Explore how social science can help people understand the benefits of allowing beavers to contribute to natural processes, such as natural flood management, and the mindset shift required to share landscapes. Also coming up: Hear Dr. Auster's reaction as he judges this week's highly competitive fact off. Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Sean McCormack, vet, Beaver Trust ambassador, co-founder of Ealing Beaver Project and founder of Ealing Wildlife Group, as we explore beaver reintroductions in the heart of London. Sean sits at the intersection between community and wildlife reintroduction, and has done a huge amount for raising awareness about beavers and connecting people with their wetlands. In this episode, we will be finding out about: The Ealing Beaver project: Hear about the inspirations, challenges and successes of bringing beavers back to an urban environment. Community engagement: Learn about the importance of community buy-in, diverse perspectives and addressing misconceptions in rewilding projects. Lessons from beavers: Discover how beavers can teach us about self-willed landscapes, adaptive management and the benefits of stepping back and observing. Also coming up: Find out who wins the fact off, judged by Sean! Want to discuss anything from this episode or the series with our expert team? We want to hear from you: @BeaverTrust. Want more beaver? Please subscribe and leave us a review so we can bring the world of beavers to more ears. The Lodge Cast is a mixture of fact and opinion. It was hosted by Eva Bishop and Emily Bowen, produced and edited by Emma Brisdion and mixed by Mark Skinner for Beaver Trust.