A.J. Critch Wildlife
The Conservation Chronicles Podcast
Get inspired by our nature podcasts
Our podcasts are a great way to find out more about our projects, how to care for wildlife and about some of our dedicated staff. Our hosts are Lydia and Jenny, our Senior Communications Officers.
Simply click on one of the videos below to start listening.
Meet the hosts of The Conservation Chronicles
In this episode, our hosts Jenny and Lydia share their stories, what it’s like working at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and why they are passionate about telling these conversations.
From policy campaigns to peatland butterflies, they talk about the moments that shaped their careers and what excites them the most about bringing this podcast to life.
Bringing nature back to Lancashire: CEO Tom Burditt on the big picture of nature
Dr Tom Burditt, our CEO at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, shares his journey from dropping out of Cambridge to leading nature recovery across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
Hear about how we're working towards 30% of land in nature recovery by 2030, why Wigan is now England's greenest borough, and how wildlife belongs in cities, not just our countryside.
Lunt Meadows: Where nature, history & floods meet
In this episode we're joined by Cheryl Ashton and Molly Toal to reveal how Lunt Meadows is tackling climate change, attracting rare wildlife, and uncovering 9,000 years of history.
From barn owls and bitterns to conservation grazing, this site is unlike any other.
How 'green prescriptions' transform lives - nature and wellbeing
Spending time in nature can be lifechanging, and in this episode of The Conservation Chronicles, we discover why.
We're joined by Mike McDonnell (Nature & Wellbeing Officer) and Rachel Davies (Social Prescriber, Turrington Primary Care Network) to explore the power of green social prescribing and the Trust’s decade of work in nature and wellbeing.
Do we have red squirrels in the UK? | History of red and grey squirrels
Our native red squirrels are in trouble. Grey squirrels outcompete them and spread squirrelpox, and bark stripping harms young woodlands.
In this episode, our host Lydia speaks with Red Squirrel Officers Molly and Melissa about what recovery takes, from targeted grey control and volunteer monitoring to a new Red Squirrel Recovery Network trialling grey-only contraceptive feeders.
You will also meet Houdini, an orphaned kit on a soft-release journey.
Brockholes, Preston: From quarry to wildlife haven
Welcome to Brockholes nature reserve, where a former sand and gravel quarry has been transformed into one of Lancashire's most important wildlife sites.
In this episode, we sit down with Lorna, Senior Reserve Officer, and Tony, a dedicated volunteer with 15 years of service, to explore what makes this reserve so special.
Whether you're interested in conservation, volunteering, or just love nature, this conversation reveals the dedication required to manage a modern nature reserve.
How sand dunes are fighting climate change
The Fylde Sand Dunes are more than just piles of sand. They're living ecosystems protecting our coastline while providing habitat for rare species found nowhere else on earth.
With 80% of our sand dunes lost in 150 years, the Fylde Sand Dunes Project project shows how nature-based solutions can protect communities while restoring biodiversity.
Can we find wildlife in our cities?
Urban nature is all around us, from robins in our gardens to peregrine falcons diving in city centres.
In this episode of The Conservation Chronicles, host Jenny sits down with Rory (Greater Manchester Nature Recovery Manager) and Jenni (Community Engagement Manager) to explore how nature thrives in towns and cities, why it matters for our health and wellbeing, and how you can take simple actions to help.
Business and nature: Partnerships that make a difference
When we think of The Wildlife Trusts we imagine nature reserves, wildlife and conservation work. But much of it happens because of businesses stepping up as partners.
This episode explores how collaboration with businesses is more than donations, it’s long-term partnerships, shared values, and bold action for the climate. Featuring Partnerships Manager Matthew and Simon Owen, our first Ambassador, on why partnerships matter now more than ever.
Are peatlands nature’s secret weapon against climate change?
This episode uncovers the vital role of bogs and mosslands in fighting climate change and protecting wildlife.
Our host Jenny speaks with Sarah (Head of Peatland Nature Recovery) and Helen (Peatlands Programme Project Manager) about the unique species that thrive on peat, the carbon-storing power of sphagnum moss, and the transformation of sites like Little Woolden Moss from barren extraction pits into thriving habitats.
The conversation also highlights innovative wetter farming projects that show how conservation and farming can work together to protect these precious landscapes for future generations.
