Billy Weir MSci Environmental Science joins us again for his episode, this time on his Masters research project "Assessing the impact of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction on fish populations in Plymouth, England".

Abstract - Rewilding has become an aim for conservation across the globe, and a crucial aspect of that is species reintroductions. Ecosystem engineers such as Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) are an excellent example of a species that can return to nature-deprived countries, such as the UK, and increase biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. The return of Eurasian beavers across Europe and the UK represents a conservation success story, despite some controversies surrounding localised flooding.

This study investigated the impact Eurasian Beavers have on fish populations at a reintroduction project at Poole Farm, Plymouth, England. Seine netting sampling was conducted and eDNA samples were collected across three sites at Poole Farm. This data was compared to a fish population survey that occurred in October 2021 and supplemented with land imagery of the enclosure to assess beaver impact.

The data suggests that Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) dominate the stream at all sites, and that the beaver dam provides Brown trout (Salmo trutta) with a large obstacle that they cannot pass to upstream areas, despite other literature finding otherwise.

We suggest it’s crucial to continue monitoring the fish population at Poole Farm, and at beaver reintroduction projects across the country, as beavers become more established.

Episode guest: Billy Weir MSci Environmental Science

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode producer and editor: Libby Kale

Nurulhuda Gumay Riswandi BA Philosophy and Politics joins us to discuss their research project "How can we explore and compare health infrastructures and delivery of healthcare services of two regions affected by conflict and political instability?".

This research explores and compares the health infrastructures and healthcare delivery systems of four post-conflict countries: Rwanda and Liberia in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq and Kuwait in the Middle East. By using a comparative case study methodology, the research investigates how conflict and political instability shape healthcare recovery. It focuses on governance capacity, international aid and gender equity to evaluate factors that support or hinder long-term health system resilience and inclusivity. The research directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by analysing how conflict-affected states rebuild healthcare services to promote universal health coverage and improve health outcomes. It also supports SDG 5: Gender Equality, through its gender-sensitive analysis of health governance and the inclusion of women in post-conflict healthcare delivery. Additionally, the study engages with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by evaluating how institutional coherence and governance reform contribute to equitable and sustainable recovery in fragile contexts.

Episode guest: Nurulhuda Gumay Riswandi BA Philosophy and Politics

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

Joelle Foster BSc Psychology joins us to discuss her research project titled "An investigation into music engagement in adults in the UK and its relationship with general levels of nostalgia and mental well-being".

Research on music listening is vast in showing the mental health benefits of such a practice. Nostalgia has also shown great effect in eliciting positive emotions. Emerging research looks at music-evoked nostalgia but not much research has been conducted on music composers in this area. This research project investigated this population with regards to general levels of nostalgia and well-being, important for tackling SDG3 'Good Health and Well-being'.

Episode guest: Joelle Foster, BSc Psychology

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp

Episode producer and editor: Jack Dinham