In Your Nature
The In Your Nature Podcast brings you conversations about birds & wildlife, wild places, the work of BirdWatch Ireland and wildlife conservationists. The podcast features Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland with regular expert guests. BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland's largest independent conservation organisation. Episodes are released in seasons (three per year) with six episodes in each, dropping weekly (Monday mornings) in spring, summer, and autumn. Topics discussed vary, with birds and wider biodiversity at the heart of it all, each episode finishes with the "Bird of the Week" feature in homage to this wonderful group of animals. To give feedback, suggest topics or ask a question you can email us at info@birdwatchireland.ie .
The series is supported by Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and the Heritage Council.
The series is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.
In Your Nature
In Your Nature Ep 60 - Dark Skies
In Your Nature returns with a luminous new episode exploring the theme of Dark Skies, featuring a guest interview with Kerem Asfuroglu of Dark Source (lighting design consultancy) and Dark Skies Ireland. As artificial light increasingly disrupts ecosystems and obscures our view of the stars, this episode sheds light on the growing movement to preserve natural darkness for the benefit of wildlife, human health, and cultural heritage.
Kerem shares his unique perspective as a lighting designer and advocate for sustainable lighting practices, discussing how thoughtful design can reduce light pollution without compromising safety or functionality. The conversation highlights how excessive artificial light affects nocturnal species, including birds and insects, and explores the broader ecological consequences of a sky that never truly gets dark.
Ricky, Niall and Kerem also delve into the emotional and philosophical dimensions of darkness—how reconnecting with the night sky can foster a deeper sense of place, wonder, and environmental stewardship. The episode emphasises the importance of community engagement, policy change, and interdisciplinary collaboration in protecting Ireland’s remaining dark sky areas.
The Robin is Bird of the Week, a familiar and beloved garden resident. Robins can be disproportionately impacted by light pollution due to their year-round territoriality, sometimes causing them to sing all night and throughout the year.
In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council.
More Info
Dark Skies Ireland - Environmentally Friendly Lighting Guide
BirdWatch Ireland - Robin
For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.