Title graphic for Natural Histories on BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 Natural Histories

Listen to the stories of extraordinary species that have influenced human society and changed the way we see the world.

With help from the Museum's collection, the series takes you on a journey through the ages to explore our colourful and complex relationship with the natural world, and how it has shaped our beliefs, behaviour and art.

Listen to previous episodes involving Museum scientists on BBC iPlayer Radio:

Mandrill - a type of primate

Curation of the blue whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum

Blue & Yellow Maccaw by E. Lear

Manticora beetle

Discover more about the series and enjoy facts, features and comedy about the species on the BBC Radio 4 Natural Histories website.

Oceans

Investigating whale strandings

Museum scientist Rebecca Lyal shares her experiences studying whale and dolphin strandings along the British coast.

Collections

Examining the blue whale: the move begins

Go behind the scenes as the first bones are taken down from the blue whale skeleton.

Anthropocene

Eat insects, save the world

Insects aren't just an unusual accompaniment to wine - eating them could help sustain Earth's booming population.

The last of the mammoths

Were woolly mammoths a victim of hunting by humans or did their extinction have more to do with an apparent fondness for buttercups?

Don't miss a thing

Receive email updates about our news, science, exhibitions, events, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.

Follow us on social media

Accept cookies?

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We use them to improve our website and content, and to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.

Manage my preferences