In this episode, Tim and Ryan head to meet Rupert Brewer, Game and Wildlife Ranger at Bisterne Estate, for a deep dive into wader conservation in lowland England.

Rupert shares the story of a ten-year lapwing and redshank recovery project that has transformed breeding success across the estate. We explore how habitat management, targeted predator control and long‑term monitoring have driven measurable results, including increased fledging rates, growing redshank numbers and wider benefits for wetland birds, water vole and river habitats.

The conversation covers:

• Why lapwing and redshank have declined and what works to reverse this trend
• The importance of winter grazing, water levels and invertebrate‑rich scrapes
• Predation management decisions on complex, publicly visible landscapes
• Using ringing, tracking and generational data to prove conservation outcomes

As always, the episode blends practical detail with wider reflection on the realities of modern land management and finishes in true Oakbank style with local cheese, quick‑fire questions and Rupert’s thoughts on what, if anything, still holds UK conservation back.

A must-listen for farmers, land managers, gamekeepers and conservation practitioners working towards productive, wildlife-rich landscapes.