Learn more about the wildlife and wild places in Kent and beyond.
Join Rob Smith as he walks around Scotney Castle and Gardens learning how the team here are managing the land for nature whilst welcoming 180,000 visitors a year. Scotney manages 788 acres of land with 30 acres just dedicated to formal gardens and 300 acres designated as a SSSI.
In episode 9 of Talk on the Wild Side, Rob Smith speaks to Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet and Deputy Speaker, about why the National Grid need to Rethink Sea Link. If we don't hold them to account, he warns, we would be "failing our future generations."
Join Rob in this Talk on the Wild Side interview with James Clarke, director at Rothamsted Research. They talk all things nature-friendly farming, and explore how their work is paving the way for more sustainable food production in the UK.
In the 9th episode of Talk on the Wild Side, Rob Smith talks to Emma Loder-Symonds about Nonington Farm (near Canterbury) and their regenerative approach to farming. They have managed to cut costs AND fertilisers and pesticides, while keeping yields high. Rob also talks to Liz Milne, the Natural Environment and Coast Manager for Kent County Council about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Kent.
In episode 8 of Talk on the Wild Side, Rob Smith interviews George Cooper - a Thanet local with a passion for wildlife, who has been heavily involved in bird recording and ringing at Minster Marshes for many years. They talk about why Minster Marshes is so important for bird-life, the damage National Grid's Sea Link project will do to the area, and why he started the Save Minster Marshes campaign.
In episode 8 of Talk on the Wild Side, Rob Smith spoke to Bella Sabin-Dawson - Education & Wellbeing Apprentice - about her experiences with eco-anxiety, and to Sam Maddison about his studies of biodiversity as a Wildlife Conservation student at the University of Kent.
Join Gareth Fulton, Estate Manager at Elmley Nature Reserve to discover the incredible journey of farm to wildlife haven this private estate has taken. This interview looks at their journey and the importance of using eco-tourism to pay for conservation.
Right, break time's over. Come on, you lot. Time to go back to school. One particular school, in fact – Goat Lees Primary School, which is in Kennington, near Ashford in Kent.
