Episode 95: How to Coexist Happily With The Bugs in Your Garden

This week, I’m speaking to esteemed entomologist Dr Ian Bedford about accepting the insects in your garden and learning to accept their vital role in the wider ecosystem. We talk about the how gardens can work alongside public spaces to provide habitats for beleaguered bugs, how we can reconcile growing food with welcoming bugs and whether reports of Insectageddon are justified. About Dr Ian Bedford: “I have been fascinated by insects and other invertebrates for most of my life. Starting out as an Amateur Entomologist, studying and conserving butterflies on the South Downs, I went on to pursue a professional career as a Research Entomologist and ran the Entomology Department at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, until my recent retirement after 42 years. I can now follow my passion for all things Entomological at a more leisurely pace.  Following retirement I am continuing to visit Garden and Horticultural Societies to give talks on various insect - related subjects. In addition, I'm attending event days for Garden Centres, giving talks and arranging a Plant Pest Clinic for visitors and customers. I'm also invited to talk at a number of Garden Shows around the country. I also speak on a number of radio shows and currently have the great honour of being the resident 'Go To' Entomologist for BBC Radio Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. I also record a bug-related story each week for Toby Buckland's Sunday morning  show on BBC Radio Devon 'An Entomologist Entertains’.  I've also featured on BBC Gardeners Question Time and appeared on TV shows such as BBC Gardeners' World, Inside Out, Tonight, Horizon, BBC Breakfast, A to Z of TV Gardening, The Great British Garden Revival and even  Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule!”.  What We Discuss: The species that most need our help at the moment Some of the best and worst habits us gardeners have that either help or hinder insects Plants that are fairly common but do little or nothing to provide a food source or habitat  Public and private landowners collaborating in order to establish a network of habitats The ecosystems of our gardens and our region-specific species Are all pesticides a no-no? How can we reconcile the need for wilder areas in our gardens and landscapes with the desire to grow food plants? Insectageddon - exaggerated or as bad as reported?  Links: Dr Ian Bedford’s Website  Get in touch: Email [email protected]  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon   Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe