Episode 27: SAM HANKS, Farmland Wildlife Adviser for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The Suffolk Pod Show

Sam Hanks grew up in a family of ecologists and has always been at one with nature. As a current Farmland Wildlife Adviser for The Suffolk Wildlife Trust – Sam’s work is critical for the eco-balance of wildlife.

Sam talks about The Wildlife Trust and the many layers to the trust today, compared to its small beginnings back in the early 60’s when a group of volunteers got together with the understanding of how important it is to protect our wildlife. He talks about how, as a country, we need to join up our wildlife conservation programmes, and build a compatible network across the country-side – with everyone working towards the same goal. The goal is a tall order – with the hope that 30% of the country will given back to wildlife – to rebuild the damage that in part is irreversible.

Sam is a prolific wildlife expert – his extraordinary knowledge of plant and animal life is obvious and he talks about pollination and how critical it is to the plant and animal kingdoms.

Sam, as a Farmland Adviser, works hard with farmers in Suffolk. He talks about the varying attitudes towards donating small parts of farmland back to wildlife. Sam talks about putting ponds into rural areas with some shrubland around, and within a short time how this generates a complete wild eco-system from algae to water birds. Sam tells us of his success with cluster farms and independent farms and his mission to develop more wildlife spaces across the county.

Suffolk wildlife, is in parts, doing well – Sam tells us about the success they have had with birds of prey in particularly with Buzzards, Red Kites and Barn Owls. He also talks about wild deer, and the need for sensitive conservation of large roaming herds. Sam mentions that wildlife needs to sustain its own food chain and that brings challenges with some species.

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust is dependent on its membership to continue and develop its important work. All membership funds go directly into the Trust and straight on to its staff and projects.

To find out more or become a member please visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
#suffolkwildlifetrust #suffolk #suffolkwildlife #suffolkfarming #wildlife #podcast #thesuffolkpodshow #podtalk #podcasting #podcastinglife #podcastcommunity #ecosystems #nature #protectwildlife #farmland #farmlandadviser #samhanks