Wildlife Watching
Habits that quietly scare wildlife away
Most wildlife is not scared by a walker on a path. It is scared by a loose dog, a drone, a shout or a shortcut.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife Watching
Hedgerow berries and the birds that follow
Haws, sloes, hips and bramble feed the winter hedge. Take a look, leave most of the fruit, and watch who comes to eat.
Wildlife Watching
Watching waders without putting them up
Waders feed on a timetable set by the tide. Watch from the sea wall, and leave the roosting flock alone.
Wildlife Watching
Bats at dusk around a village green
At dusk a village green can fill with bats. Stay on the path, skip the bright torch, and let the roost stay a secret.
Wildlife Watching
A walker's notebook habit for wild flowers
A small notebook turns a verge into a record. Sketch the flower, name it later, and leave every plant where it grows.
Wildlife Watching
Otter signs on a riverbank walk
You may never see an otter. Tracks, spraint and a slide on the bank are the sighting most walkers actually get.
Wildlife Watching
Autumn fungi: look, photograph, leave them be
Autumn woods are full of fungi worth seeing and not worth picking. Look closely, name them later, and leave them in place.
Wildlife Watching
Deer at the field edge: distance and quiet
Deer are often seen at the join of wood and field. Keep your distance, your dog close, and your voice down.
Wildlife Watching
Butterflies on a summer path: where to pause
Butterflies gather where a path is sunny, sheltered and a little untidy. Pause there, and leave the nettles standing.
Wildlife Watching
Seabirds, Seals and Rock Pools: Watching Wildlife on the Coast
Coastal wildlife made easy: when to look for seabirds and seals, how to explore rock pools gently and how to keep a respectful distance.
Wildlife Watching
Learning Birdsong: A Walker's Guide to the Dawn Chorus
Start recognising common British birdsong on your walks: the dawn chorus, six easy songs to learn and simple listening habits that help.
Wildlife Watching
A Beginner's Guide to Spotting Wildlife on a Quiet Walk
Simple, patient ways to see more wildlife on ordinary walks: when to go, how to move, what to look for and how to keep animals undisturbed.