Into The Wild

Ryan Dalton & Nadia Shaikh

You know that feeling you get when you care about the natural world & it’s future but there’s just so much going on & you can’t keep up? Well, enter Into The Wild, your new favourite wildlife & conservation podcast!

Each week (plus longer monthly shows that need more chat) hosts Ryan Dalton & Nadia Shaikh catch up on some nature news, sharing stories from the UK & around the world that have hit the main stream media & help unpack the madness.

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100 episodes
Updated April 15

Episodes100

Newest first

Mar 3, 2025 · 47 min
Journey Back to Namibia: When The Rain Stops
Nerds, it's time for episode 2 of Journey Back to Namibia, When The Rain Stops. In this episode Ryan & Nadia share the human element to the climate crisis & explore the extreme weather event of droughts. What they look like, how they take shape & what challenges they can bring to people. Monaliza Siebes, a farmer from Houtini Farm in the #Gaingu conservancy also shares her story & experience from living in this region & witnessing the environmental & social change she has seen over the last 3 decades. Guest appearances: Monaliza Siebes. Farmer from Houtini Farm in the #Gaingu conservancy. Show notes: Book mentioned: Earth Grief / NACSO Website Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird This episode has been funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government, however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK Government’s official policies.
Feb 26, 2025 · 24 min
Nature News - Week 6 - Grade A Mistake & Pet Pesticides
Ryan & Nadia may be thinking just within their bubble but surely we all would have loved to study natural history at GCSE? This week Nadia gives updates on this old Tory policy to welcome the new school topic at GCSE level in the UK that seems to keep being shelved & Ryan gives a run down on a recent article about song birds being affected by dog flea & tick treatment. Show notes: Find all the links to news here: Natural History GCSE / Dog Flea & Tick Article / River Action Nando Campaign Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Feb 19, 2025 · 22 min
Nature News - Week 5 - Who Let The Pigs Out & A Mountain with Rights!
Ryan & Nadia find themselves, once again, asking the question "who is releasing these animals?" as they take a look at the recent news story of 9 feral pigs wondering freely around the Cairngorms National Park just a few miles away from where the illegally released lynx were found just 5 weeks ago. Nadia then follows up with some inspiring news of a new piece of legislation passed in New Zealand that could pave the way for nature protection in other countries. Show notes: Find all the links to news here: Pigs in Scotland / Taranaki Mounga Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Feb 12, 2025 · 24 min
Nature News - Week 4 - Pesky Newts & Climate WIN!
Some good & some frustrating on this week's Nature News. Nadia unpacks some rather silly words that the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Racheal Reeves said about housing & bats & newts (what a combo). Ryan then gives a rundown on a recent win for the anti fossil fuel campaign with the courts ruling in favour of Rosebank & Jackdaw being unlawful! Show notes: Find all the links to news here: Rosebank/Jackdaw & Rachel Reeves Comment Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Feb 3, 2025 · 37 min
Journey Back to Namibia: The Story Begins
Welcome to Into The Wild's new mini series, Journey Back to Namibia. Across 4 episodes, Ryan & Nadia will explore the impacts of the climate crisis in rural Namibia & share words, experiences & stories from those most affected. We start at the beginning. Fires, floods, storms & hurricanes. Severe weather patterns & events, brought on or exacerbated by the climate crisis often make headline news, but there is one that is missed. It's subtle but intense. It impacts people hugely, but slower. Droughts. In episode 1, as the title suggests, Ryan & Nadia guide you through Namibia & give context to this incredible country to help set the scene for the journey. Guest appearances: Maxi Louis (Director of NACSO - Namibian Association for Community Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations) Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird This episode has been funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government, however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK Government’s official policies.
Jan 29, 2025 · 23 min
Nature News - Week 3 - Ergh Trump & Driven Me Mad
Ergh, he's back & we WISH we meant Voldemort. This week's dose of Nature News, Ryan & Nadia unpack what Trumps first 48 hours in office has looked like & how we truly feel about it. Nadia also shares Labour's plan (or rather, no plan) on driven grouse shooting in the UK BUT it's not all bad news, the Marine Conservation Society announce the return of the deposit return scheme in England for 2026. Guest Appearance: Caroline Lucas Show notes: Find all links to news/petitions here: Wild Justice's Gov Petition & Deposit Return Scheme Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Jan 22, 2025 · 26 min
Nature News - Week 2 - LABOURing On & Green Light Beavers!
Nerds, it's time for your weekly Nature News catch up & here's what to expect from week 2! This week we have a focus on the UK government & it's performance on pledges & commitments for a better, greener & ultimately "safer" future, but how are they doing? Then beavers were in the news with some rumours that Labour might scrap the Tories plans to "green light" the release of this habitat creators back in our rivers........could that be true? Show notes: Read more on the OEP's Report & Beavers Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Jan 15, 2025 · 24 min
Nature News - Week 1 - Rogue Lynx & City of Flames
Nerds welcome to our first of many! It's our new weekly show, Nature News. Each week Ryan & Nadia will unpack some recent stories or events from around the world that impact the natural world. This week its the wildfires in LA that has been dominating the news. With lives lost & homes destroyed, the symptoms of the climate crisis are being felt hard in this US city. Jumping back to the UK & 4 cats have been all the talk in the nature community due to some lynx being illegally released in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. Show notes: Read more on the LA fires & Scotland's Lynx Support us: If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support us with running costs, you can make a one off donation or sign up for a monthly tip on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod Chat with us: We're on Instagram & BlueSky or you can chuck us an email at intothewildpod@mail.com. To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Dec 16, 2024 · 1 hr 25 min
S2E10: Into The Wild's Christmas Party: T'is The Season To Get Nerdy!
Before the episode begins, Nadia & Ryan would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has listened, shared or been a part of Into The Wild in 2024. Secondly, a massive hug & thank you to the Royal Entomological Society, for supporting us this year! Nerds, grab a bottle, put the Christmas jumper on & order an Uber because you're all invited to Ryan & Nadia's for the annual Christmas party! Joining the festive fun this year is Megan McCubbin, Indy Greene, Sophie Pavelle & Emma Brisdion where, as well as a good 'ol merry catch up, they are tested against their nature knowledge with Into The Wild chaotic quiz! All RES news & events can be found here: Events / News This year Into The Wild is proudly supported by the Royal Entomological Society. A fabulous society dedicated to insect science. To read more about joining the RES's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Dec 11, 2024 · 46 min
Bonus Episode: Nature Room 101 LIVE at Global Birdfair
Nerds, the vault is back! Our next live show that we recorded at Global Birdfair back in summer 2024 is now ready for your ears. Featuring Mya Bambrick, Nick Acheson & Elle Kaye, Ryan & Nadia return to the stage with the travel vault of Nature Room 101 to what things our guests & audience put forward to be locked away for good! If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Nov 27, 2024 · 47 min
Bonus Episode: Raising Hare with Chloe Dalton
Nature books come in all kinds of different stories & sometimes, it's the ones of direct experience & unique life storytelling that get you hooked the most. This was certainly the case for us when we read Chloe Dalton's debut book, Raising Hare. For this bonus episode, Ryan was invited to interview Chloe at a wonderful independent bookshop, Word on the Street in Ashtead, Surrey, where he asked more about what life was like during the COVID pandemic for Chloe raising a hare whilst everyone else was raising banana bread. To grab a copy of this wonderful new page turner, click here! If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Nov 13, 2024 · 43 min
Bonus Episode: The Starling: A Biography with Stephen Moss
It's about this time of yeah in the UK that many gather just like the starlings however our purpose is to admire the starling murmurations & hopefully not get eaten......unlike potentially one of the starlings. BUT let's focus more on the individual bird & not just on this incredible yet brief nature event. To help us do that I was invited to Hatchards Piccadilly to interview author, birder & presenter Stephen Moss about his new book in his biography series, The Starling. To grab a copy of this wonderful new page turner, click here! If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Oct 28, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
S2E9: Autumn: Get Cosy Round The Fire with Ryan & Nadia
Light the fire (or put the YouTube fire TV on), grab a bowl of soup, put your slippers on & take a generic photo of you holding an orange oak leaf for the gram because IT'S AUTUMN! This episode, Ryan & Nadia jump into the pile of leaves of autumn to explore why leaves turn brown, ask "do insects hibernate?" & learn a bit about the world of bats! Guest appearances by Ash Whiffin & Mel Parker. RES Links: - Insects & Rhino Poaching - Large Blue Butterfly Research - Grasshopper Event 6th November - Sustainable Agriculture 8th November This year Into The Wild is proudly supported by the Royal Entomological Society. A fabulous society dedicated to insect science. To read more about joining the RES's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Sep 30, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
S2E8: Nature Room 101 LIVE at Global Birdfair!
Nerds get ready for some nature chaos with the first of 2 live shows recorded at 2024's Global Birdfair. Featuring Nick Baker, Lucy Lapwing & Hannah Bourne-Taylor, Ryan & Nadia return to the stage with the travel vault of Nature Room 101 to what things our guests & audience put forward to be locked away for good! This year Into The Wild is proudly supported by the Royal Entomological Society. A fabulous society dedicated to insect science. To read more about joining the RES's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Aug 27, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
S2E7: Wildlife Tourism: Exploration or Exploitation?
For many of us, there's a deep rooted feeling within us that gives us an urge to explore & travel the world & a part of that is built on wanting to see wildlife. Whether it's elephants in southern Africa, whales around the coast of Iceland or the many species of birds in Brazil. There's a pull that encourages us to spend money, travel & enjoy seeing these countries & their wildlife........but Is wildlife tourism actually helping biodiversity & the local communities? How can we trust where our money is going? And in the current events of the climate crisis, should we all be encouraged to fly around the world? There's a lot of questions here so join us as we dig into the topic of Wildlife Tourism. Guest appearances from Professor Adam Hart of Gloucester University & Chandika Jayarante of Jetwings Sri Lanka. To check out the points/events/news/roles at the RES mentioned in todays show, follow the links below: - All events - Photography Competition AND to read more about joining the Royal Entomological Society's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Jul 28, 2024 · 52 min
S2E6: UK's National Parks: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
"National Parks in the UK are the crumpets of the nature industry" - Ryan Dalton, 2024 It's a quote Ryan stands behind & claims it makes sense but those that don't follow let's explain. National Parks are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year in the UK & whilst we have all heard of the term, do many of us know what they are? How they were established? What was their purpose? And whether they are achieving their aim? Well nerds, don't worry, Into The Wild has your back! Strap yourselves in to learn all about the UK's National Parks from The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Guest appearances from Rose O'Neill from Campaign for National Parks & Laura Larkin from Bug Life. For the Campaign for National Parks Health Report Page, click here To check out the points/events/news/roles at the RES mentioned in todays show, follow the links below: - All events - RES Annual Insect Photography Winners AND to read more about joining the Royal Entomological Society's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Jun 24, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
S2E5: Nature Room 101 with Isla Hodgson & Rory Crawford
Ryan & Nadia have grabbed the keys, put their PPE on & told their guests to stand back as they carefully open the vault door of Nature Room 101 for a new round of applicants to be put forward to join ticks, pheasants, cave centipedes, wind, bogs, deer & Himalayan balsam. This round we welcome marine conservationist & Save Our Seas podcast host Isla Hodgson & CBeebies nature presenter Rory Crawford to ask them their Online Nature Gripes, Mundane Mammal & Worst Weather! To follow our guests on the 'ol socials, follow them at Isla Hodgson & Rory Crawford. To check out the points/events/news/roles at the RES mentioned in todays show, follow the links below: - All events - Leadership Roles - Small Grant (£3k) Application AND to read more about joining the Royal Entomological Society's Associate Membership, click here To learn more about upcoming Urban Bird Walks by Leica Sport Optics, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
May 28, 2024 · 57 min
S2E4: Insect Pollination: It's Not Just Bees!
In the last decade there has been a HUGE (& successful) push for people to appreciate bees & the work they do to pollinate not just flowers in the wild, but food crops to feed ourselves & it's not surprise why the bee was chosen. They are fluffy. They are cute. They are.....sexy, BUT... When it comes in insects that pollinate plants, again, including food crops, it's more than just bees & in some cases.....it's a lot more than just bees. Join Ryan & Nadia this month as they delve in to learn about some less sexy insects that are vital when it comes to keep flora alive. Guest appearances from Kate Borchardt & Juliana Rangel Posada Kate's Paper on Wasps Here Juliana's Paper on Blowflies Here AND to read more about joining the Royal Entomological Society's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
May 22, 2024 · 28 min
Bonus Episode: Wildling with Isabella Tree
A quick mid month treat for you nerds with a bonus episode of your favourite nature & conservation podcast! Knepp Estate is famous in the UK for showing how an intensive dairy farm can go from an empty landscape to a rich haven for wildlife & it's a location we have focused on before when we spoke with the head ecologist of Knepp, Penny Green (episode here). This time I got to speak with Knepp Estates owner & author Isabella Tree. Not only did we discuss the journey of Knepp but we spoke about the new upcoming film that would show the entire story. Wilding out June 14th All film listings found here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird
Apr 28, 2024 · 1 hr 33 min
S2E3: Killing for Conservation: How Do We Feel?
Throughout history, humans, especially those of the western world, have intentionally & unintentionally introduced species around the world where they may have never reached before & as a result, negative consequences have occurred. BUT, the big questions that we often avoid is, should we actually now be intervening again to try to remove the issues that have been created. Is lethal control of mammals, fish, reptiles, insects, birds & plants really the only option? And how do we feel about this? On this episode we explore this very topic & aim to have an honest discussion about how we feel about killing for conservation, whether or not the science tells us one way or another. Guest appearances from Hugh Warwick, Prof Sierian Sumner & Leif Bersweden RES Links: - Physiological Entomology Session - New Bee Research by ICAD - Ento 24 Deatils - Bug Hunting Kits Hugh's Book - Cull of the Wild AND to read more about joining the Royal Entomological Society's Associate Membership, click here If you'd like to say "cheers" to the Into The Wild team & help support the show, then you can do so on www.ko-fi.com/intothewildpod To follow the hosts of the show, Ryan & Nadia, follow them at @mrryanjdalton & @buteblackbird