E95 Kevin Cox: From Publishing to Protection

In this episode of Shoot Room Sessions, we sit down with Kevin Cox, former Chair of the RSPB and a lifelong advocate for nature conservation. From his early days fishing in West London to leading one of the UK’s most influential conservation organizations, Kevin shares how his personal experiences shaped his career in publishing, governance, and land management. We dive deep into the state of UK conservation, discussing the transformation of Wallasea Island, where a once barren landscape became a thriving wetland home to 38,000 birds. Kevin also explores the Devon Swift Project, which is working to reverse a 60% decline in swift populations by installing nest boxes in churches, and the rewilding potential of Dartmoor, challenging national parks to become nature-first landscapes. With a strong belief in the power of governance and partnerships, Kevin highlights why strategy—not just passion—is key to real conservation success. He shares lessons from his leadership at the RSPB, the challenges facing landowners and conservationists today, and why hope, action, and collaboration are essential to restoring our landscapes. Whether you're a conservationist, landowner, or simply passionate about nature, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world solutions for protecting the wild places we love.