Announcing the launch of a new monthly video podcast on wildlife and conservation issues, hosted by conservationist Ajay Tegala
We’re delighted to reveal that today, 1st September 2026, marks the launch of Nature Newscast, a topical wildlife and conservation podcast, dealing with a range of environmental issues from the UK and beyond.
Each month presenter Ajay Tegala, best known for his TV appearances, books and conservation work as a countryside ranger, will host the 30-minute episode from the WWT’s Welney Wetland Centre in Norfolk.
Every episode will be available at the start of each month on our YouTube channel. Watch the very first show here, featuring Welney Site Manager Lizzie Bruce, Butterfly Conservation’s Emma Butler and Thames21 Engagement Manager Stephanie Fernandez.
The long dry summer presents challenges for Welney Wetlands..
Welney Site Manager Lizzie Bruce discusses the challenges of managing a wetland reserve during one of the hottest, driest UK summers on record.
“We are like an oasis in this landscape for migrating birds. We act as a ‘motorway service station’ for birds that may have bred in Scandinavia, and use Welney as a stopover in their migration route to Spain, the Mediterranean or even further, into West or Southern Africa.”
She tells Ajay about the changing seasons and the highlights in different months, such as the Common Cranes, and the vast numbers of wildfowl in November.
..but butterflies have fared better this year
In the podcast, Emma Butler from Butterfly Conservation tells Ajay that the UK has been having a ‘Painted Lady Summer’, something that only happens once every 10 years or so.
“Painted Ladies are having a really good year. They are a migratory species that come all the way from sub-Saharan Africa, and they complete this huge migration over several generations.”
We also learn from Emma that climate change is causing some previously migratory species like Red Admiral to become resident.
Improving the Thames tributary rivers with Thames21
Thames21 is a river restoration charity that works on all the rivers that flow into the Thames basin. Engagement Manager Stephanie Fernandez tells Ajay about the project to restore the River Roding, which runs from near Stanstead airport into the Thames.
The charity works with local community groups and farmers to encourage action to improve the condition and health of the rivers. They also offer community grants for clean-up and restoration work, which encourages people to take pride in their stretch of river.
Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel today so you’ll be the first to know about each new episode?