Ep 102 – Beavering away

Whilst many of us travel over the Liffey regularly, how often have you considered the life the river itself holds? Today we investigate the magic of the Liffey on a Currach. And connect through time with a man who grew up on its waters in the 60s and a family who now live on its banks at Islandbridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Ecolution we discuss why now is the perfect time for us to truly act on decarbonisation. We speak with Garry Walsh of Oxfam on the impacts felt on the ground and visit the Eco Unesco YEA’s to hear solutions being put forward by the students of Ireland. Plus, Dublin Bus on going electric. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney to discovering hidden adventures closer to home, Max and Sonny explore why spending time outdoors matters. Featuring outdoor photographer and videographer Tadhg O'Brien and Irish Adventures founder Noel O'Leary, this episode looks at how nature can boost our wellbeing and inspire us to protect the places we love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that Ireland has the lowest level of tree cover in the whole of Europe? Less than 10% of our landmass is covered in trees with less than one percent made up of native woodlands. This week on Ecolution we meet Hometree, a nature restoration charity working to restore resilient habitats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, on the 20th of May we take the time to celebrate one of the most important pollinators the world has. The humble bee. And this year we headed to a spot you wouldn’t immediately associate with bees; a Dublin Bus Garage in Phibsborough. There we met Irwin and Paul, two employees turned volunteer beekeepers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Ecolution looks into a really positive nature story; how one keystone species can have a wider impact on the broader Irish ecosystem. Dr Colin Lawton from University of Galway talks about how the resurgence of the pine martin over the past 50 years has led to a flourishing of red squirrels, once badly affected by the invasive greys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We woke before sunrise in Killarney National Park to experience the dawn chorus — nature’s incredible morning concert. Joined by ecologist Irene Sullivan, we discover why birds sing at dawn, how birds help biodiversity, and what birdsong can tell us about the health of our environmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we speak to the brilliant Emily Fairfax PHD, an Eco-hydrologist at the University of Minnesota, about her work documenting the lives of one of the most important ecosystem engineers in the world; the beaver. And how she came to help in the making of Pixar’s new film “Hoppers”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back for Season 6! And for the first episode we spent 2 days with this year’s Climate Ambassadors from the Irish Schools Sustainability Network. A hopeful story of taking climate action into your hands and making a difference where you live. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our hundredth episode Evie spoke with the unstoppable, inspirational and inimitable Liz Bonnin to hear all about her astounding career as a TV presenter and campaigner bringing the wonders of the natural world to our screens. And Liz answered questions from kids across Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.