A fascinating, hilarious and inspiring conversation with Derek Gow, an ecologist, reintroduction specialist, farmer and author of 'Bringing Back the Beaver'. Derek is well known for speaking out on the frustrations of our current systems and organisations in place to protect our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Or should that be to regulate our natural landscapes and attempts to restore biodiversity?
In this episode he packs no punches in critiquing the bureaucracy and inertia of our conservation organisations. He suggests that perhaps we need to be bolder and get cracking right now on restoring nature on a larger scale and restore lost species as a matter of urgency.
We discuss the psychology of humankind in historically conquering nature, obliterating species deemed harmful or indeed valuable to us, and reshaping the landscape in ways that have been immensely harmful to the natural world. We also explore Derek's varied career in farming, into global wildlife conservation, back to British wildlife conservation and most recently his pioneering role within the UK rewilding movement. Specifically his work from his Devon farm and collaborating with several other organisations in reintroducing threatened or extinct species, from water voles and harvest mice to beavers and white storks.
If you're offended by crude language and straight talk, be warned. Personally I found Derek's refreshingly honest and bold approach truly inspiring. It's a compelling and humorous chat from a non-traditional nature conservationist not afraid to take risks or rock the boat!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email drseanmccormack@gmail.com and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Magzter.
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