Forest Ranger joins hit podcast
Forest News
20/02/2026
Find Gerry, our Forest Ranger in the Forest of Dean on S4 Ep 3 of the Get Birding podcast.
Forest Ranger joins the UK’s leading birdwatching podcast
Gerry O’Brien, our expert Forest Ranger at Forest of Dean, features on the latest episode of Get Birding, an award-winning podcast hosted by two-time BAFTA TV & International Emmy-winning actor Sean Bean, who has been a keen birdwatcher since he was a teenager growing up in Sheffield. Gerry joined the episode to share his passion for local wildlife with listeners across the country.
Get Birding aims to make birdwatching and nature accessible and joyful for everyone, everywhere. The episode sees Gerry sharing his expert knowledge of the Forest of Dean’s thriving birdlife with listeners across the UK, highlighting species that residents can spot and hear locally – from the distinctive drumming of woodpeckers to the chatter of blue tits and the call of nuthatches.
Gerry’s time as a Forest Ranger
With more than 15 years’ experience as an environmental educator, Gerry joined the Forest Holidays Forest of Dean team in 2015 after serving in the Irish Defence Forces. Today, he plays a key role in conservation and education at the location, leading guided walks, Forest Bathing sessions and wildlife experiences for guests, as well as carrying out vital bat, bird, butterfly and reptile surveys.
Working within the non-intervention forest site, Gerry also helps protect crucial habitats such as deadwood, which provides essential nesting and feeding opportunities for birds and other wildlife. He collaborates with organisations including Forestry England and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to support conservation projects across the area.
Now, through the podcast, he is bringing the sights and sounds of the Forest of Dean to a national audience – while encouraging local people to rediscover what’s on their own doorstep.
Gerry talks about Birding
Speaking about the experience, Gerry said:
“It’s tricky to convey the sheer benefits that we can get from simply stepping outside into nature and being present. Birding isn’t something that requires you to learn a difficult new skill – it’s available to everyone, of all abilities – and it’s right on our doorsteps!
"Just sitting, relaxing and being present can have such a wonderful impact on our mental health, and birding is a brilliant way to do just that. By listening to the podcast and trying it out for yourself, you’ll also become aware of the incredible species around you – learning about our vibrant ecosystems which are so important along the way.”
How to tune into Get Birding
Get Birding is recorded outside – aiming to help all generations learn more about the birds outside our windows, positively impacting wellbeing as well as the planet.
Collaboration with Get Birding was a natural fit for us, with birdwatching being strongly encouraged during our stays across all 13 of our locations.