Mysterious, fierce, and teetering on the edge of extinction — the Scottish Wildcat is one of the UK’s rarest and most elusive mammals.

Nicknamed the Highland Tiger, this striking predator once prowled across much of the UK. But today, it's hanging on by a thread.

In this episode, we take a closer look at what makes this cat so special — from its huge personality and charismatic scowl to its deep roots in Scottish culture and folklore. We explore the threats it faces, uncover the reasons behind its decline, and shine a light on the passionate conservationists working to bring this iconic species back from the brink.

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links:

European wildcat | RZSS

Wildcat conservation in Scotland | Saving Wildcats | Saving Wildcats

Wildcat Haven

Wildcats | NatureScot

Wildcats released in Scottish Highlands in effort to prevent extinction in UK | Rewilding | The Guardian

https://treesforlife.org.uk/

Everyone can play a role in conservation, from protecting wildlife to contributing to real scientific research. Volunteering—and its powerful branch, citizen science—is making a real difference for the environment.

In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of these efforts across the UK. From bird counts and river monitoring to tree planting and habitat restoration, passionate people are tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and shaping environmental policy.

We also discuss how volunteering benefits individuals and communities—and share our own experiences with these initiatives.

By the end, you’ll probably guess that we’re big fans of volunteering!

We hope you enjoy the episode and would love to hear about your own experiences or projects you’re passionate about.

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links:

The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust

Home - Earthwatch Europe

Take part in a project | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do

Join the Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain Tidy

Big Butterfly Count

From farm to forest: the volunteers planting 100,000 trees in Somerset | Trees and forests | The Guardian

Nature's Calendar - Woodland Trust

The Conservation Volunteers

How are the UK's animals really doing? In this episode, we dive into the IUCN Red List—the world’s most comprehensive assessment of species at risk of extinction—to uncover which of our birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, and more are struggling.

Some of the findings won't come as a surprise, but others might shock you, as a few of our most familiar and commonly seen birds are in fact on the Red list.

Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode takes a step back to reveal the bigger picture of wildlife decline in the UK. But it’s not all bad news! We also highlight conservation success stories, celebrating species that are making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts.

Join us as we uncover the challenges, surprises, and inspiring efforts to turn the tide for the UK’s wildlife.

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links:

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Peoples Trust for Endangered Species

UK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The Guardian

Vendace and powan | NatureScot

Endangered UK crayfish released into the wild at secret river site in Hampshire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

The State Of Britain's Moths | Butterfly Conservation