Nature In A Nutshell
Nature in a Nutshell breaks down the latest ecology news in the UK and Ireland, explaining its impact on nature, society, and professionals in the field. Each episode offers an easily digestible overview for aspiring ecologists and environmental managers. The podcast is produced by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), the leading professional body for ecologists in the UK and Ireland.
Episodes
38: Wales and Scotland Election Debrief On What This Means For Nature
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we look at a new report on nature and the economy, review the Welsh and Scottish election results and what they mean for the environment, and finish with some good news about a first-of-its-kind infrastructure project.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/We’d love your feedback on Nature In A Nutshell. This short survey will take 2-3 minutes to co
37: Biodiversity Net Gain Updates with Dr Julia Baker
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we’re joined by Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) expert, Dr Julia Baker from Mott MacDonald, to unpack the latest BNG developments and what they could mean for ecologists, planners, developers, and land managers across the sector.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/We’d love your feedback on Nature In A Nutshell. This short survey will take 2-3 m
36: New Approach to Bat Licensing & Upcoming Wales and Scotland Elections
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the new approach to bat licensing in England; an overview of the upcoming national elections in Wales and Scotland, which could potentially be pretty seismic; a short piece on Northern Ireland's Nature Recovery Strategy; we’ll cover the Westminster Government’s response to the Fingleton Review; and, as always, we’ll end with some positive news fr
35: Wales Environment Act and Habitats Regulations across the UK & Ireland
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we update you on the Wales Environment Act, the reports on implementation of Habitats Regulations across the UK and Ireland, a new national security and biodiversity report, an update on IPBES-12, and we finish with our usual good news.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/We’d love your feedback on Nature In A Nutshell. This short survey will take 2-3
34: Parenting and Ecology
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by special guests to talk honestly about life as a parent working in the ecology sector. From career paths and fieldwork realities to flexibility, support, and shared caregiving, we explore how becoming a parent can shape professional choices - and how the sector is (slowly) changing in response.Our guests share their experiences of juggling u
33: The State of the Sector: Reflecting on 2025, Preparing for 2026
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, CIEEM's Vice President for Scotland, Caroline McParland, and Chair of CIEEM's Strategic Policy Panel, Ben Kite, to review the ecology and environmental management news of 2025, and look ahead to 2026.2025 was a very busy year - the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, BNG, Scotland's Natural Environment Bill and Wales
32: OEP’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy Report and Government Response
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome Ellie Strike - Head of Regulatory Programmes - at the Office for Environmental Protection (the OEP) to talk about their report on Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS). The report came out in July but the Government have just responded.We also cover the first discussion of Stage 2 amendments to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and the la
31: Green Jobs for Nature and Scotland's Natural Environment Bill
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome our CIEEM colleagues Brian Heppenstall and Annie Robinson to talk about our Green Jobs for Nature project, which aims to encourage young people to consider pursuing a job in the environment sector.We also discuss the latest updates to the Natural Environmental Bill in Scotland and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in England.Visit our website:
30: Rebuilding Nature: Good Practice Principles on Ecological Restoration with James Hicks
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome James Hicks, Associate Director at RSK Wilding and founding member of the CIEEM Ecological Restoration Special Interest Group, on the podcast to discuss the recently published Rebuilding Nature: Good Practice Principles on Ecological Restoration.We also cover the Environment Link report on the UK's progress towards protecting 30% of land, freshwa
29: Planning and Infrastructure Bill Update & Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, and a member of CIEEM’s Strategic Policy Panel and Wales Policy Working Group, Craig Llewllyn to discuss where we are and what's happening next with England's Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We also cover the latest announcements on the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales, and the Environment (Principles, Governan
28: AI in Ecology with Dr Sam Reynolds, BNG and Planning & Infrastructure Bill Updates
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by Dr Sam Reynolds from the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge for a fascinating, in-depth discussion on how we can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the ecology and environment sector.We also discuss the new Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultation
27: Insects, Identification & Recording with Ashleigh Whiffin, and CIEEM State of the Profession Survey
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by Ashleigh Whiffin, Curator of Entomology at National Museums Scotland, who talks to us about the importance of insects and recording. We also have CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, on the pod who breaks down the key findings from our State of the Profession survey report. We also have a quick update on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and Scotla
26: Eco-Anxiety with Kath Allen and Planning & Infrastructure Bill Update
In this episode, we chat with Kath Allen about eco-anxiety and how to manage it. We also discuss an update to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the current Land Use Framework and finally, the first use of NatureScot's compulsory deer control power.In our positive news segment, we share that a family of beavers are thriving in their new woodland home in Worcestershire, and Orkney curlew numbers
25: Planning and Infrastructure Bill & Scotland's Natural Environment Bill
In this episode, we discuss the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in England and the Call for Evidence on Scotland's Natural Environment Bill.We also cover the Welsh Government's Good Practice Guidance for Dark Skies.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:CIEEM responds to Planning and Infrastructure BillResponding to the Call for evidence on Scotland’s Natural Environment Billhttps://www.
24: Grasslands with Plantlife's Jo Riggall, Land & Planning in England, & Net Benefits for Biodiversity Wales
In line with the theme of the March edition of In Practice, we speak to Jo Riggall from Plantlife about the value of grasslands and Plantlife's Grassland Strategy. We also discuss the latest updates to land and planning in England, and also Net Benefits for Nature in Wales.We also talk about species new to science being discovered in the Congo and Humpback Whales bouncing back in UK waters.Nature
23: Planning Reforms in England, Nature Ambitions in Wales and Small Sites Biodiversity Net Gain
In this episode, we talk about planning reforms in England, nature ambitions in Wales and Small Sites BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain).Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad.Visit
22: 2024 Environmental Policy Roundup and 2025 Predictions
In this episode, we share our 2024 environmental policy highlights from BNG to the new UK Government, and we also look ahead to what the ecology sector can expect in 2025.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental mana
21: CIEEM Has a New President, UK Budget & COP29
In this episode, we speak to Penny Lewns (CIEEM's new President) and Richard Handley (CIEEM's now past President) about CIEEM's achievements over the past three years and ambitions for the next three years. We also discuss what's in the UK's Budget for nature, COP16 and COP29, the controversial £100m bat shed on the HS2 railway route and a new governing body in Northern Ireland.Nature In A Nutshel
20: Biodiversity Net Gain in England with Defra's Helen Fearnley
In this episode, we get your questions about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) answered by Helen Fearnley who works in Defra's BNG team. We also cover BNG in Ireland and the Nature COP or COP16 in Colombia. Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporti
19: Net Benefits for Biodiversity in Wales with Craig Llewellyn
In this episode, we speak to Craig Llewellyn who's been working on a set of criteria for Net Benefits for Biodiversity in Wales as part of the Working Group.We also cover the Natural Environment Bill in Scottish Programme for Government and the Environment Improvement Plan in Northern Ireland Programme for Government.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology
18: The Disconnect Between Nature Restoration and Resourcing
In this episode, we discuss the disconnect between nature restoration and resourcing in England, Scotland and Wales. We also discuss the unauthorised release of beavers in England, a new ecology apprenticeship and rewilding in Europe.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body rep
17: Our 7 Recommendations for the New UK Government
We have a new UK Government! In this episode, we review our seven recommendations for the new UK Government and discuss the resignation of the First Minister for Wales, Vaugn Gething. We also discuss fascinating evidence that diversionary feeding is reducing the predation impact of Pine Marterns on Capercaillie in RSPB Abernethy and the Flow Country getting World Heritage Status.Nature In A Nutshe
16: General Election Special
It's General Election season! In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell we discuss what each political party's manifesto says about nature restoration and climate change.We also cover the new EU Nature Restoration Law and the #RestoreNatureNow demonstration.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading profe
15: Invasive Non-Native Species in Scotland and Conservation Actions are Improving Biodiversity
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell we discuss a new report on how to tackle Invasive Non-Native Species in Scotland, a new study that has found conservation actions are working for biodiversity, and an update on the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales.We also cover how leaving your grass to grow long in your garden can boost butterfly numbers by almost double and the Scottish Government's com
14: Golden Eagles, Climate Justice and Scottish Government Ditch Emissions Target
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell we discuss new research on Golden Eagles, climate justice news in Switzerland and the not-so-good news from the Scottish Government who have recently announced they're ditching their greenhouse gas emission targets. We also look at the environmental priorities of the new First Minister for Wales and the recent discovery that the Javan Tiger 'still exists'.Na
13: Neurodiversity Special
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome Helen Musgroves from Lexxic and Lea Nightingale, CIEEM's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer to discuss all things neurodiversity in the environment sector and how managers can foster a culture of neuro-inclusivity within their teams.We also discuss the EU's Restoration Law and how it's facing collapse and the joint legal challenge from the
12: Ecological Restoration, BNG, New Northern Ireland Government & New Marine Protections
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome James Hicks and Tim Graham from CIEEM's Ecological Restoration and Habitat Creation Special Interest Group to talk about the recently published Good Practice Guidance for Ecological Restoration, to help ecologists and environmental managers to design and deliver robust ecological restoration projects.We also discuss Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) go
Episode 11: OEP’s Report, New National Park for Scotland & Biodiversity Net Gain
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the Office for Environmental Protection's (OEP) report on the Government being off track to meeting environmental targets, a new national park for Scotland, and the latest on Biodiversity Net Gain,We also cover the positive news that pine martens have returned to South England in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire.Nature In A Nutshell is bro
Episode 10: Reflecting on 2023 Environment News and Our 2024 Predictions
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, Sophie, Jason and Doug are joined by CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, as we discuss the top news stories affecting people and nature during 2023 and share some of our environmental policy predictions for 2024.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership
Episode 9: World Soil Day with Bruce Lascelles, COP28 & Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the importance of soils in light of World Soils Day on 5th December with guest speaker Bruce Lascelles, the launch of COP28 and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy consultation.We also cover the positive news that seabird numbers are soaring in Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of
Episode 8: River Wye Pollution, Offshore Wind in Scotland & OEP's Report on Environmental Assessments
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the case against the Environment Agency over its failure to protect the River Wye from agricultural pollution, new developments in offshore wind in Scotland, and the OEP's report stating that environmental assessment processes aren't working as they should.We also cover Planet Earth 3 and the new plan for a 100,000 ha wildlife reserve in Romania,
Episode 7: Delay to Biodiversity Net Gain, State of Nature Report & Nutrient Neutrality
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the delay to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), the 2023 State of Nature Report which shows a worrying decline in our wildlife and the UK Government's attempt to ditch nutrient neutrality.We also cover the golden eagle numbers soaring in southern Scotland thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project and a species of small holly tree l
Episode 6: Biodiversity Net Gain with Dr Julia Baker, NAP3 & A Voice for Nature
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss all things Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) with Dr Julia Baker CEnv MCIEEM who has had a huge input into BNG. We also touch on the third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3), which sets out a five-year plan aimed at boosting resilience and protecting people, homes, businesses and cultural heritage against risks caused by climate change, such as flood
Episode 5: Nature Markets, Global Heatwave & Nature 2030 Campaign
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we break down the findings in the Nature Markets 2023 review, the global heatwave we're currently experiencing, and the Wildlife and Countryside Link's Nature 2030 campaign, which calls on what it wants to see the political parties pledging to do for nature in their manifestos ahead of the next UK General Election. We also touch on reports that deforestatio
Episode 4: Eco-anxiety, Marine Heatwave & Secretary of State Speech at Wildlife Trusts Event
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we invite CIEEM's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Engagement Officer (Lea Nightingale) on to discuss eco-anxiety and how we can combat these feelings. We also discuss the current marine heatwave we're experiencing across the North Sea and North Atlantic, and the Secretary of State's speech at a recent Wildlife Trusts Event.Nature In A Nutshell is brought
Episode 3: Scotland Species on the Edge Programme Launch, Update on the REUL Bill & Global Temperatures Set to Break Records
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we break down the Scotland Species on the Edge Programme launch, an update on the REUL Bill and how global temperatures are set to break records during the next 5 years, and what this means for people and nature. We also touch on Birmingham City Council's green plans, the Ivory ban extension and Irish President, Michale D. Higgins' speech condemning the obs
Episode 2: Biodiversity Net Gain Update, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) & G7 Climate and Environment Communique
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we break down the latest updates on Biodiversity Net Gain in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, the name change of the Brecon Beacons, and the G7 Climate and Environment Communique. We also touch on the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in the Scottish Highlands and the pristine coral reef just discovered in the Galápagos Islands.Nature In A Nutshell is brough
Episode 1: GB Invasives Strategy, IPCC Report & UN High Seas Treaty
In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we break down the Great Britain Invasives Strategy, the IPCC Report, and the UN High Seas Treaty and what this means for people and nature. We also touch on Sir David Attenborough's latest series, Wild Isles, and Ireland's first Hope Spot on the Greater Skellig Coast.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmen
Welcome to Nature In A Nutshell
Welcome to the Nature In A Nutshell podcast, brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). In this podcast, we'll be sitting down and chatting about the latest ecology and environmental news, and what this actually means for people and nature. We'll be launching our podcast this Spring so make to subscribe wherever you're listening to this so you don't
