207: Land Access and Irish Trails with John Smyth

A directional sign for the Western Way (Slí an Iarthar) walking trail points left across a rugged Irish landscape of golden-brown moorland and rolling hills. Below it, a Galway County Council sign prohibits dogs from the area. The countryside stretches into the misty distance under an overcast sky, with patches of green grass in the foreground and traditional Irish stone walls visible amongst the heath.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/155i19XSryH8hPBTiiQ7NU Why are no trespassing signs appearing on Irish mountains that hikers have accessed for decades? Can walkers really sue farmers when they injure themselves on private land? What happens when busloads of tourists arrive at remote trailheads with no permission from landowners? Our guest John Smyth, a hiker with 20 years' experience in Connemara … Continue reading 207: Land Access and Irish Trails with John Smyth →

206: The Real Yellowstone

A group of five ranch hands on horseback gathered near a wooden fence in a pastoral setting. The riders, wearing traditional cowboy hats and work clothing, are mounted on brown and chestnut horses in what appears to be a working ranch environment. The scene is set against a backdrop of golden, dried grassland with a rustic wooden post-and-rail fence visible in the foreground. The lighting suggests either early morning or late afternoon, creating a warm, atmospheric quality typical of ranch life in rural countryside.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PRw63zHrbry4RaVX0UGc1 Why is the farming community so opposed to the American Prairie Foundation's rewilding vision? Can ranchers and conservationists find common ground when grizzly bears are eating cattle and wolves are reducing elk herds? What happens when well-meaning conservation efforts clash with rural communities who've worked the land for generations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MBo2Xrh1j4 To explore these contentious … Continue reading 206: The Real Yellowstone →

205: The Rewildlife with Jack Morley

This image shows a lush, verdant riverside scene with dense vegetation and mature trees. In the foreground, a small stream or river flows over rocks and stones, creating a natural waterway. The banks are thick with green foliage, including what appears to be large-leafed plants and various shrubs. Towering above are established trees with full canopies, creating a layered woodland environment. The scene has the characteristic emerald green appearance of Irish countryside, with the rich, saturated colours that come from frequent rainfall and mild temperatures. The lighting suggests either early morning or late afternoon, with soft natural light filtering through the tree canopy. The overall composition captures the wild, untamed beauty of Ireland's natural landscapes, where waterways wind through dense woodland and native vegetation flourishes.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ct1xX7JA00qrYzHcQ0Dln Why are people so opposed to the term "rewilding" when it can inspire action for nature restoration? How can we communicate conservation issues without alienating the very people we need to reach? And what happens when a creative professional decides to transform four fields in Wicklow into a biodiversity haven while documenting every step … Continue reading 205: The Rewildlife with Jack Morley →