This episode focuses on the nature and wildlife that you may encounter as you walk along the Path, how nature can adapt to changing landscapes caused by climate change, and highlights the beauty and ruggedness of the coastal environment that the South West Coast Path traverses. We speak with 3 guests: 

Sue Sayer MBE, Founder and Director of the Seal Research Trust

Sue is an internationally renowned researcher and author, and to Sue, there is no such thing as an average seal. Each one looks different, and has an individual personality, range of habits and migration route around the Celtic Sea! Sue founded the Seal Research Trust (est. Cornwall 2000) – a multi award-winning, evidence-based conservation charity. Sue’s philosophy is inspired by the Ecozoic and is all about ‘sharing our seas successfully’. Sue’s MBE is for services to Wildlife Protection and Conservation.

Tom Munro, Manager, Dorset AONB

Tom has worked for the Dorset AONB Partnership for 17 years; leading the team for 15 and helping the team and wider partnership deliver on nature recovery, regenerative agriculture, heritage conservation, enabling people’s connection to nature and place, local food and access to landscape for health and wellbeing.

Charlotte Wray, Ranger, Exmoor National Park

Charlotte has worked as Ranger for Exmoor National Park for a few years and has an interest in nature, conservation and working to ensure equal access to natural spaces.

Sue shares some amazing facts about the seals in Cornwall from their range of habits to their migration route around the Celtic Sea and talks of her renowned marine conservation work; Tom discusses nature recovery and the resilience of the coastline when impacted by erosion and highlights some of the unique Dorset wildlife including a small population of puffins; and Charlotte takes us on a journey through stunning Exmoor that includes lichen colonies living on the Exmoor sea cliffs and the infamous Exmoor Mile, plus much more.