Panel: Richard Collins, Niall Hatch, Eanna ni Lamhna, Philip O'Connor

Joining us in studio today is Swedish-based Irish journalist Philip O'Connor. We’ve noticed some fascinating stories coming out of Sweden recently, and Philip is here to guide us through what’s real and what’s not.

First up, we find out about the corvids that have been trained to pick up cigarette butts! Alas, the enterprise is no more, but for further information about the intriguing scheme, read here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/01/swedish-crows-pick-up-cigarette-butts-litter.

Next we delve into the buzz around the Edible Road Salt Social Post! Yes, you heard that right—there’s been chatter online suggesting Sweden is experimenting with road salt that’s safe to eat. While it sounds like something straight out of a Nordic fairy tale, Philip will help us separate fact from fiction

We discover how Sweden manages wild animals in traffic situations—a topic that’s both practical and deeply tied to the country’s respect for nature. From moose to deer, these majestic creatures often wander onto roads, creating unique challenges for drivers and authorities. Philip will share insights into the systems and strategies Sweden uses to keep both animals and humans safe.

Niall reminds us that on Christmas Day at 3pm, Derek and Niall present Nature On One – Reindeer. Join Derek Mooney and Niall Hatch as they journey high above the Arctic Circle to meet the Sami reindeer herders. Discover the deep cultural connection between the Sami people and their reindeer and uncover the fascinating story of how these majestic animals became so closely associated with Christmas traditions. For further information on all the Mooney Goes Wild and Nature On One programmes that will be broadcast over Christmas and the New Year, visit https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/mooney/2025/1128/1546350-mooney-goes-wild-at-christmas/.

And finally, The Great Moose Migration – Slow TV. This genre is often said to have its origins in Norway, with marathon broadcasts of train journeys and ferry rides captivating audiences but Derek argues that Mooney Goes Wild’s coverage of the first brood of the millennium, a live stream from inside a pair of jackdaws’ nest in County Kildare back in 2000, could well have been the true pioneer. Sure, it was online rather than on television, but the principle was the same: long-form, real-time nature content that drew viewers into the rhythms of the natural world.

Derek talks to Richard Collins about a documentary they made exploring the benefit of Highland cattle in Malahide on bird populations there - to listen back to this documentary, click below:

Derek also talked about previous special shows about the Holly and the Ivy, and the Christmas Tree - you can click below to listen to these programmes: