Welcome to our March MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.

In this episode we're joined by Dave Slater, Regional Director for Natural England for the South West of England, and we explore...

1. Whether beavers are a force for good after the news that the UK Government has announced its commitment to reintroducing beavers into the wild.
2. The creation of the Western Forest – the first new national forest in 30 years.
3. How we ensure nature has an enduring impact and changes – like the ones above – aren’t forced on people.

Planet Possible is grateful to Atkins Réalis for supporting the podcast.

Want to find out more about the topics in the show? Click the links below...

https://connectingtheculm.com/

https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/our-conservation-work/on-land/penwith-landscape-partnership

https://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-forest

https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/beaver-wild-release-a-milestone-for-nature-recovery-in-england/

https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2024/06/PWS-statsnotice-20jun24-FINAL.pdf

Credits

Presented & Produced by Niki Roach

Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited

With thanks to Alastair Chisholm

Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland