

Words of the Wild
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Hear how Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is protecting and restoring wildlife across Scotland.
For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has been taking action to protect wildlife. Join hosts Ed and Rachel to hear about the breadth of work the Trust does, from practical action on its network of over 100 wildlife reserves to engaging with communities and campaigning for better protection of Scotland’s land and sea.
For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has been taking action to protect wildlife. Join hosts Ed and Rachel to hear about the breadth of work the Trust does, from practical action on its network of over 100 wildlife reserves to engaging with communities and campaigning for better protection of Scotland’s land and sea.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 58min
Simple steps to help save nature
In our final episode of season 2, we focus on things we can all do to help nature. Starting with a chat about the role citizen-science plays in the fight for Scotland's red squirrels, we then head to Ayrshire to hear how wildlife-friendly gardening can bring many benefits. We finish by talking to the wonderful Less Waste Laura, who tells her story of using the power of social media to make a difference for nature. Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media. Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Dec 4, 2025 • 29min
Boots on the Ground
Rachel joins Andy Cage to hear about the work of the Fife & Kinross Local Group, Ed catches up with some of our practical volunteers to find out what motivates them, and Habitats Ecologist, John McTague, talks about the importance of his work surveying the Trust's reserves. Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Nov 27, 2025 • 42min
Scotland’s Seas and the World of Politics
In this episode, we dive into the Sea the Connection project to find out about ocean literacy. Ed learns more about the Trust’s advocacy work ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election, and Rachel heads to the beach to chat to one of our Young Leaders.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Nov 20, 2025 • 44min
Red squirrels and Riverwoods
We explore some of the Trust's major projects that are working for wildlife across Scotland. Ed starts hears from the Riverwoods team and project partners from the Spey Catchment Initiative. Rachel takes a trip to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond to find out how Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels have been working to control grey squirrel populations on the islands there. Finally, we hear from Anne Campbell, Crofting Officer at the Trust, about her work to support local crofters on Ben Mor Coigach and the wider area. Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
Action for Nature
In this episode, Ed and Rachel find out about some of the community work happening across Scotland. Rachel chats to Harry Richards, Engagement Officer with the Action for Nature project in Ayrshire. Ed finds out more about the new phase of the Cumbernauld Living Landscape before a rainy visit to Bridge of Earn to chat to one of our fantastic Wildlife Watch leaders.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Nov 6, 2025 • 53min
Wild Highlands and Islands
Hosts Ed and Rachel are back for a second season of stories from the Scottish Wildlife Trust. In this episode, discover what life is like on Handa Island, hear from Reserves Manager Rab Potter, explore the wilds of Rahoy and hear about a significant acquisition from Trust Chief Executive, Jo Pike.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media. Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Sep 12, 2025 • 24min
Bonus episode 3: Stories from Carstramon Wood
Join our fantastic volunteers for a closer look at the history and wildlife of Carstramon Wood in Dumfries and Galloway.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Sep 12, 2025 • 19min
Bonus episode 1 : Stories from Montrose Basin
We head to Montrose Basin on a sunny June morning for a walk out to the mudflats.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell, with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Sep 12, 2025 • 19min
Bonus episode 2: Stories from the Falls of Clyde
Talk a walk at the Falls of Clyde as we wander to the waterfall of Corra Linn.Words of the Wild is a podcast from the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted by Ed Turpin and Rachel Faichnie, produced by Ed Turpin and Pete Haskell with editing support from Bespoken Media.Thanks to Phenotypic Recordings for the music in this podcast, which is taken from James Ross’ work entitled Landscape to Light. This music, as well as the full album by the same name, is available on all major streaming platforms.

12 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 42min
Invasive species, red squirrels and stories from Carstramon Wood
Hazel Forrest, a Species Advocacy Officer focused on invasive species, joins the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels team dedicated to conserving Scotland’s beloved red squirrels. They discuss the significant threats posed by invasive non-native species like Rhododendron ponticum and how community volunteers are crucial in monitoring and protecting red squirrels from grey squirrels and disease. The conversation also delves into the ecological balance in woodland habitats, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in conservation efforts across Scotland.


