Mooney Goes Wild

Returning to the subject of invasive alien species, it is hard to imagine that some of these species might still be found for sale in some local garden centres around Ireland, but they are according to Noeleen Smyth, Assistant Professor in Environmental and Sustainable Horticulture at UCD.

Duration:00:11:02

Birds and humans join forces to exploit beehives: the remarkable tale of the honeyguide

One of the most striking examples of intelligence, manipulation and cooperation in the avian world concerns the Greater Honeyguide, a species native to Africa that feeds on beeswax. Sanele Nhlabatsi, a researcher from the University of Eswatini, recently led a study about how the species enlist human hunters to help it find food.

Duration:00:16:34

Investigating avian intelligence

The term “birdbrain” should not be seen as an insult. Many bird species exhibit remarkable intelligence and problem-solving skills. The New Caledonian Crow, for example, fashions hooks from twigs and uses these to extract beetle larvae from wood. We examine impressive skills from some of our feathered friends.

Duration:00:06:53

The threat posed by alien invasive species: don’t bring plants home from your holidays!

When you are abroad and you see a beautiful plant, you might be tempted to uproot it or collect some seeds, and bring it back to your garden. We have one simple word: DON'T! Éanna Ní Lamhna explains the huge risks of introducing a non-native plant to the ecosystem.

Duration:00:13:31

Edelweiss - may you bloom and grow forever

One of the most memorable songs in the wonderful musical 'The Sound of Music' – released a shocking 60 years ago! – is about the beautiful Edelweiss flower. It happens to be one of Derek’s favourite songs, but why does he start tonight’s programme by playing it? Keep listening and all will become clear.

Duration:00:03:14

The Mayfly

9/22/2025

Tonight, we hear a repeat of Dr. Ken Whelan's documentary on the Mayfly. Something strange is happening with mayfly populations. In this Nature On One special, fisheries scientist Dr Ken Whelan sets out to uncover the truth.

Duration:00:53:26

The Sustainable Futures Forum

9/15/2025

The Sustainable Futures Forum brought together experts in biodiversity, climate action, and education. Terry Flanagan explores Ireland's nature crisis with Seán Ronayne, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, and meets voices from the EPA, Creative Ireland, and UCC students working across science, policy, and the arts for a sustainable future.

Duration:00:55:04

Friendship is an important factor in gorillas, not just humans

9/8/2025

In the human world, we know that friendships are important. But a recent report in 'Proceedings of the Royal Society B', show that friendship is an important bond for gorillas studied in Rwanda. One of its authors, Victoire Martignac, tells us more.

Duration:00:13:19

Crockery Mountain

9/8/2025

Last month, the town of Dungarvan celebrated the unveiling of Crockery Mountain, a 45 foot wide mosaic made from donated cups, plates, bowls and mugs. It was created to encourage sustainability and avoid waste. Terry Flanagan had to pay a visit and he speaks to the artist, Sean Corcoran.

Duration:00:25:17

The different ways we can identify animals

9/8/2025

Derek and Niall discuss how we can identify different species through their distinctive features and calls, and we answer some of your questions.

Duration:00:06:10

Rambling Along the Royal Canal

Ireland’s historic Royal Canal, originally built in the late 1700s, is now home to the longest Greenway in the country which extends from Dublin to Longford. Author Tom Dredge speaks to Éanna Ní Lamhna about his new book about the waterway, 'Rambling Along the Royal Canal: A Journey into the Heart of Ireland.'

Duration:00:11:01

Wings and Bird Detectives: we take a look at BirdWatch Ireland’s membership magazines

BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland’s largest wildlife conservation charity, with a nationwide membership of over 15,000. Those members all receive Wings, the NGO’s main membership magazine, and the children's edition, Bird Detectives. Niall Hatch takes us through the key issues in both magazines this summer.

Duration:00:12:36

Global Action Plan: helping people to reconnect with nature

Global Action Plan is an environmental charity that guides people on a journey of discovery to reconnect us with nature and with one another. Terry Flanagan, met with Hans Zomer, CEO of GAP, and Niamh Ní Iceadha, the charity’s Education Officer, in the organisation’s Ballymun GLAS gardens, where they outlined some of their initiatives.

Duration:00:07:24

Are butterflies finally flying high again this year?

Over the course of the summer, we received lots of positive emails from listeners about improved butterfly numbers. Terry Flanagan met lepidopterist Jesmond Harding of Butterfly Conservation Ireland to find out whether our optimism this year is justified.

Duration:00:21:16

Ancient Music in the Forest

Brendan Fitzpatrick sent a voice note to tell us about an interesting music festival. This summer, Co. Wicklow is alive with the sound of Ancient Music in the Forest, a festival celebrating ancient, traditional and early music in the natural forest amphitheatre at Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow.

Duration:00:00:49

Noisy Sparrowhawks

Ornithologist, author and regular contributor Eric Dempsey has had Sparrowhawks on his mind too. In recent days, a newly fledged hawk has taken up residence close to his house in Co. Wicklow and has literally been screaming loudly for its parents to bring it food.

Duration:00:03:06

Urban wildlife goes off the rails in Dublin!

Two of the most popular urban-dwelling creatures you may encounter at home or during your commute are the Red Fox and the Sparrowhawk. These two species just so happen to be the subjects of one of Ireland's largest street art projects at the Aviva Stadium. Terry, Richard and Niall decided to take a DART to the area to investigate.

Duration:00:40:02

Wild Dublin – second edition is on the way!