The Podcast for nature nuts from wildlife cameraman Jack Perks. Jack interviews celebrities, artists, scientists and conservationists giving a light hearted look into their specialisms, stories and backgrounds seeing what drives people to become so utterly fascinated by the natural world.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
In this weeks podcast I’m speaking to fellow East Midlander Jack Baddams. He’s worked as a bird ringer, volunteered at sherwood forest and currently works on Springwatch as researcher. So we discuss a bit about Jacks career but also look are all non native species bad? Are we at the point of no return with some alien species and discuss a new type of conservation gaining momentum compassionate conservation where you don’t kill any thing.
Jack's Insta - https://www.instagram.com/jabaddams/
Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
Today I’m talking to a childhood hero of mine I remember growing up in the 90’s and watching all the wildlife programmes on animal planet and two people really stood out to me the late great Steve Irwin and todays guest mark o’shea who hosted o’shes big adventure where he’s go around catching dangerous reptiles to collect data, venom and help people understand them. He’s now taken up the role of Professor of Herpetology at the University of Wolverhampton and previous to that was working with reptiles at the west midland safari park for 33 years not to mention all the other tv work he’s done.
We talk about his fascination with snakes, what it's like to be bitten by a venomous snake and how o’sheas big adventure started.
Mark's Website - http://www.markoshea.info/home.php
Britains Hidden Fishes -
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
This week I have Megan McCubbin who is a zoologist, conservationist, photographer and recent addition to the Springwatch presenting team we talk about what it was like joining the watches, going uncover in Asia to expose the bear bile industry and setting up the self isolation bird club. We also talk about what its like being Chris Packhams step daughter and if theres a feeling of stepping out of his shadow or not?
Megan's Insta - www.instagram.com/megan_mccubbinphoto
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418#/
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
In todays podcast I’m going down the rabbit hole of podcasting and talking to fellow wildlife podcaster Ryan dalton who runs the successful podcast into the wild. We talk about what prompts people to start podcasts, how we pick guests, are pet hates in podcasting and tips for making one here’s the chat. Ryan is a stand up comedian, self confessed eco freak and of course podcaster.
Ryan's Podcast - https://intothewild.podbean.com/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418#/
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
This week I’m chatting to legendary tv angler Jeremy wade, This the last in of a series of podcasts this month talking to influential and celebrity anglers. I’m also working on a crowd funder this month Britains hidden fishes which I’m aiming to make a 1 hour long film on British fish, think blue planet but a much smaller budget and coincidentally Jeremy is narrating that film, there’s a link to that in the description.
I remember watching Jeremy in jungle hooks a few years before he blew up on river monsters and it was such breath of fresh air seeing all these weird and wonderful fish being caught by someone who was engaging and clearly invested in these animals. Jeremy has spent nearly 40 years trailing around the world catching fish and has since written books and started in many tv shows like river monsters, dark waters and mighty rivers.
We talk about about the monsters that eluded him, his break into television and a catfish that swims up your penis along with loads of other adventures he’s been on.
Jeremy's Website - https://jeremywade.co.uk/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418?create_edit=true#/
Tuesday Mar 02, 2021
Tuesday Mar 02, 2021
In todays show I’m talking to ace fly angler Marina Gibson and this is part of a series of podcasts all month talking to influential and celebrity anglers. I’m also working on a crowd funder this month Britains hidden fishes which I’m aiming to make a 1 hour long on british fish, think blue planet but a much smaller budget and there’s a link to that in the description.
Marina has got to be the most well known female angler in the country. she runs on the northern fishing school which helps people of all ages connect with fishing. She’s appeared on multiple tv shows, YouTube videos and magazine articles not to mention being a brand ambassador for Orvis fishing company.
We chat about what drives people to go fishing, how women anglers are perceived in the sport and if women are indeed better anglers along with quick fire questions at the end like favourite fish, venue and methods.
Marina's Website - https://marinagibsonfishing.com/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418?create_edit=true#/
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
I chat to TV angling star Matt Hayes who is one the most recognised names in British angling having been on TV for more than 20 years and appeared in over 200 programmes. Whether he’s on his solo adventures or paired up with Mick Brown he’s programs are widely regarded as some of the best angling tv programmes made with the great rod race, lake escapes and total fishing being highlights. I speak Matt about his start in angling tv, how its changed over the years and how salmon fishing has taken up a lot of his time in recent years along with quick fire questions at the end like favourite fish, venue and methods.
Matt's Website - https://www.matthayes.tv/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418?create_edit=true#/
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
In this Podcast I speak to John Bailey who has written more books then I can count on angling and been writing for anglers mail for 45 years which sadly stoped publishing last year. He’s traveled all over the world catching fish and is an avid river conservationist. He’s also appeared on many fishing tv programmes including mr crabtree goes fishing which is where I know John from as I was a cameraman on that and recently he’s become the angling consultant for the smash hit series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
John's Website - https://www.baileyandfishing.com/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418?create_edit=true#/
Tuesday Feb 09, 2021
Tuesday Feb 09, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to wildlife filmmaking legend Hugh Miles as I met up with him in September. We discuss his many adventures across the globe filming for Life on Earth, Trials of Life and many other programmes. His technique of getting to know his subjects and a few hair raising moments like a polar bear smelling his soup!
We of course also chat abut Passion for Angling which is widely considered to be the best angling series ever and a few listeners questions.
Hugh's Blog - https://hughmiles9.blogspot.com/
Britains Hidden Fishes - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/britain-s-hidden-fishes/x/15889418?create_edit=true#/
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to Nick Baker a wildlife tv presenter having been on many programmes such as Weird Creatures ,The Really Wild Show & Springwatch Unsprung to name a few. Here's also a incredibly passionate and knowledgable naturalist with a interest in the creepy crawlies.
We talk about his start in wildlife presenting, what ticks him off in the industry, how presenting has changed and many other topics!
Nick's Website - www.nickbaker.tv
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to Charlie Hamilton James a professional wildlife cameraman, presenter and award winning photographer. We talk about how he started his career with kingfishers and otters, what really pisses him off in wildlife photography and that time he bought a rainforest in the amazon.
Charlies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chamiltonjames
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
I enjoy another little rant in this podcast as I go why some people give away images for free and read out a few examples of people asking me for free images and my responses!
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to James Harding-Morris of Back From The Brink which is a collection of nature groups trying to bring back 20 or so species that are near to extinction in the UK. We talk about how they choose which species to save, how covid has affected the work and there success stories.
Back From The Brink - https://naturebftb.co.uk/
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to Dr Steve Simpson who lecturer at the university of Exeter and worked on Blue Planet 2 studying the vocalisations of fish and thats the main subject of todays chat. Fish that talk!
Steves Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrSteveSimpson
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
In this Podcast I chat to Matt Brierley, we talk about his film Sharks: In Deep Water which explores the over fishing of sharks in British and European waters, how shark fin soup is still legal in Britain and why the demand for shark meat is rising.
Matts Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattbrierley
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Indy Greene who is a Nottinghamshire bird watcher and young naturalist. We talk about the difference between birders and twitchers, the beareded vulture that turned up this summer and what makes birders tick.
Indys Twitter - https://twitter.com/greeneindy
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Monday Dec 21, 2020
Monday Dec 21, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Gary Moore who has worked on multiple wildlife programmes as a sound recordist. We talk about why its shunned by many wanting to work in wildlife film making and the difficulties of the job delving into Garys dyslexia and his sons interest in fishing which Gary isn't sure whether to is a good thing or not.
Garys Twitter - https://twitter.com/mooresounds
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Sophie Pavelle who along with being the Communications Lead for the beaver trust is also an ambassador for the wildlife trusts and general social media whizz kid. We chat about how social media effects young naturalists, her upcoming book, what species she'd most like to see and of course beavers get a mention.
News: Beavers Move To Derbyshire For The First Time in 800 Years
Sophies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sophiepavs/?hl=en
Top 5 Autumnal Nature Spectacles
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Robert E Fuller who is a renowned wildlife artist well known for his elaborate garden set ups. We talk about wildlife art, tips on starting out and his famous weasels
News: Aquatic Beetle That Can Survive Being Eaten By Frogs
Roberts Website - https://www.robertefuller.com/
Top 5 Ways To Encourage Wildlife Into Your Garden
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Dec 01, 2020
Tuesday Dec 01, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Harvey Tweets & Tom Whitehurst who together form Celtic Reptile & Amphibians. We talk about some of the lost herptiles we had in the UK and how some european species can be easily kept in UK gardens.
News: Oil Spill of Mauritius Threatens Rare Lizards
CRA Website - http://celticreptileamphibian.co.uk/
Top 5 Heprtiles To Keep Outdoors
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Nov 24, 2020
Tuesday Nov 24, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Sarah Roberts who has written the book Somebodies Swallowed Stanley following the journey of a plastic bag in the ocean as well as talking about working with large predators and how a shark bit her arm!
News: Parrots Moved From Zoo For Swearing To Much
Sarahs Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahsrealjob/
Top 5 Ways To Reduce Your Plastic Use
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Adrian Shine who has dedicated his life to uncovering the mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster and other lake legends. He's also a naturalist and we speak about what could be living down there and some of the creatures that call the Loch home.
News: Orcas Attacking Boats off Spain
Adrians Website - https://www.lochnessproject.org/
Top 5 Items Every Photographer/Bird Watcher Needs in There Car
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Nov 10, 2020
Tuesday Nov 10, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to punk rock legend Feargal Sharkey (The Undertones) about how he's gone from the music industry to fighting for britains chalkstreams and rivers.
News: Delayed Release of rare butterflies due to lockdown!
Feargals Twitter - https://twitter.com/Feargal_Sharkey
Top 5 Freshwater Charities
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Nov 03, 2020
Tuesday Nov 03, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to BAFTA awarding winning camera operator Lindsay McCrae about his start in the Natural History Unit and his 11 month stay in Antarctica for Dynasties.
News: Pheasants wiping adders in the UK in the next 12 years.
Lindsay's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/badgerboy05/?hl=en
Top 5 Things to Have in Your Camera Bag
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Patrick Barkham about a whole range of subjects from finding all of the UK's butterflies to controversy of the badger cull.
In the News I talk about why animals eat jellyfish when they have such little calorific content.
Patricks's Twitter - https://twitter.com/patrick_barkham
Nature Reserve of the Week: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Friday Oct 23, 2020
Friday Oct 23, 2020
This week I do a different Podcast each day to celebrate World Fish Migration Day on the 24th October with my special guest Dr Adrian Pinder of The Masheer Trust chatting about this iconic fish of Asia being one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
WFMD Website - https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/
Masheer Trusts Website - https://www.mahseertrust.org/
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
In this Podcast guest host Polly Pullar chats to Jack Perks talking about how his career started, his work with freshwater fish and the other wildlife he's worked with over years being a professional wildlife photographer . In the news Polly talks about some unusual arrivals like a bearded vulture in Derbyshire and some very lost moths in the Hebrides.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Loch Gruinart & The Mull of Oa
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
This week I do a different Podcast each day to celebrate World Fish Migration Day on the 24th October with my special guest Matthew Wright a TV presenter from The Wright Stuff, This Morning and I'm a celebrity get me out of here but he's also a passionate river conservationist and vice president of The Wild Trout Trust so we have a good natter about trout.
WFMD Website - https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/
Matthews Website - http://www.matthewwrightofficial.com
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
This week I do a different Podcast each day to celebrate World Fish Migration Day on the 24th October with my special guest Emily Cooper of The River Trust chatting about UK rivers, the threats they face and what can be done to help them.
WFMD Website - https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/
River Trusts Website - https://www.theriverstrust.org/
Emily Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ohdeeremily/
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Monday Oct 19, 2020
Monday Oct 19, 2020
This week I do a different Podcast each day to celebrate World Fish Migration Day on the 24th October with my special guest Andrew Kerr of the Sustainable Eel Group as we delve into the mysterious world of the European eel!
WFMD Website - https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/
SEG Website - https://www.sustainableeelgroup.org/
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
I take a look back at my archive to a visit to regents park looking for the UK's only non native snake, the aesculapian snake and chat to will atkins about them.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Walthamstow Wetlands
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
Slightly different in this weeks podcast as I venture outdoors and breath in the spring air during a trip to the peak district and take the opportunity to talk about internet trolls and how to beat them.
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to David Lindo AKA The Urban Birder who has featured on multiple wildlife programmes as well as organising the national bird vote. He's international known for his work engaging the public with wildlife in cities. In the news I look at the giant Asian Hornet AKA murder hornets and if they are coming to Britain.
David's Website - https://theurbanbirder.com/
Nature Reserve of the Week: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Sep 22, 2020
Tuesday Sep 22, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Lizzie Daly a wildlife broadcaster and wildlife biologist based in Wales. We talk about if she always wanted to be a TV presenter, how its good to work on personal projects and her encounter with a huge barrel jellyfish among other topics. In the news I look at rising numbers of endangered black rhinos
Nature Reserve of the Week: Cors Caron National Nature Reserve
Lizzies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lizziedalywild/
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
This week I'm joined by Lucy Hodson who works for the RSPB as a communcaitons officer while also doing lots of work in her personal time to connect people with nature. In the News I talk about a new species of snake named after a harry potter character!
Nature Reserve of the Week - RSPB Sandwell
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Ben Andrew who works for the RSPB Picture Library about the current state of stock photography, what a photo stock agency is looking for and how it's changed. In the news I talk about the white storks that have bred in the UK, the first since the 1400s.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Chanonry Point
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Nina Constable about her career and how she takes on multiple roles in filmmaking. In the news I look at the raw sewage thats been allowed to flow into the olympic wildlife haven.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Stanage Edge
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Aug 25, 2020
Tuesday Aug 25, 2020
This week I'm joined by Tom Horton a PHD student at the University of Exeter who is working on Thunnas UK a project to study bluefin tuna of the british coastline. In the News I talk about the rise in global seas and rivers is spelling doom for over 700 fish species.
Nature Reserve of the Week - AK Wildlife Cruises
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Billy Heaney a wildlife broadcaster and zoologist with love for seals and cetaceans. We talk about studying at Exeter University (even though its at Falmouth) and his experiances using camera traps for conservation. In the news I talk about Boris's bullshit about the "Newt Crisis"
Nature Reserve of the Week: Bass Rock
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Sunday Aug 16, 2020
Sunday Aug 16, 2020
In this podcast I have a slight rant about cats that enjoy a crap in my garden and kill anything that moves!
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Rick Minter of Big Cat Conversations about the sitings and evidence behind big cats on the loose in Britain.
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Alan McFayden, owner of scottish photography hides as we chat about baiting wildlife, trying to get images that stand out in hides and where it all started for him. In the news I talk about the huge numbers of elvers to the river severn.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Alans Photo Hides
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
I'm joined by David McMahon the director of photography on the MSC Biological Photography & Imaging course at the University of Nottingham as we discuss the masters degree and what it entails but also is it necessary for people to have a degree to make it as a wildlife photographer.
News - Badger cull update
Nature reserve of the week - Highfields Park (University of Nottingham)
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
This week I'm joined by Fiona McKenna of the British Dragonfly Society as we talk all things damsel & dragon. In the News I talk about the rise in rod license sales which is a boost for rivers.
Nature Reserve of the Week - Whisby Nature Park
Tuesday Jul 14, 2020
Tuesday Jul 14, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Matt Doogue who is a incredibly talented macro photographer but also has struggled with mental health over the years and explains how photography can be the perfect tonic to combat inner demons. In the news I look at the how lockdown has resulted in multiple birds of prey being illegally shot.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Red Hill Coronation Meadow
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Monday Jul 06, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Isla Hodgson who has a PHD in Wildlife Conflict having worked with both sides of the game shooting and conservationist groups. She also works for basking shark Scotland so get to mention those a the end. In the news I look at the Spinosarus and how a new fossil find has changed the way we look at these dinosaurs.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Rutland Water
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Jun 30, 2020
Tuesday Jun 30, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Polly Pullar who is a nature writer, conservationist and wildlife rehabilitator to name a few. We talk about her passion for pine martens and red squirrels. I leave out the news in this episode and talk about my set up for podcasts.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Lochindorb
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to David Fielding who is a enthusiastic amateur pond fancier. He's created sereral ponds in his south london garden which are brimming with wildlife he shares how he's done it and whats turned up. In the news I talk about the recent extinction of the Chinese paddlefish a 7 metre behemoth.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Idle Valley Nature Reserve
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Will Millard who is a BBC Presenter having featured on My Year With The Tribe, Hideen Wales, Hunters of The South Seas & Go Fish. We talk about his passion for angling and how to get into being a TV presenter. In the news I talk look at the recent influx of basking sharks to Cornwall and how they travel in family groups.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Skomer Island
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Jun 09, 2020
Tuesday Jun 09, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Kate MacRae AKA WildlifeKate who has littered her garden with a network of cameras and shares her insight and tips into filming garden wildlife. In the news I talk about the rise of horny hedgehogs!
Nature Reserve of the Week: My Back Garden
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
In this Podcast I chat to Joesph Gray who worked for various conservation groups like Back from the brink and project seagrass. He also mentions life after university and the skills needed.In the news I talk about the white storks that have bred in the UK, the first since the 1400s.
Nature Reserve of the Week: Kennall Vale
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
I'm joined by Nick Gates, a broadcaster, writer and vlogger who has worked on many wildlife programmes. We talk about how to encourage and nurture wildlife into your garden and those unsung heroes the plants!
News - Lockdown Helps Plants!
Nature reserve of the week - RSPB Minsmere
Monday May 18, 2020
Monday May 18, 2020
I'm joined by Neil philips aka pondman as he shares his passion for pond photography giving tips on the subject and buildling a wildlife pond.
News - Grey Squirrels No Longer to be released
Nature reserve of the week - RSPB Rainham Marsh
© www.jackperksphotography.com
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
I'm joined by professional macro photography and frog lover victoria hillman as she shares her passion for the amphibians and we talk about macro set ups and her start in photography.
News - Golden age of amphibian discovery
Nature reserve of the week - London Wetland Centre
© www.jackperksphotography.com