Many people are missing nature right now. Maybe you’ve had to cancel a holiday, or you just can’t visit a favourite patch of woods because it’s too far away. If you’re going a bit lockdown stir-crazy, it’s time to zoom in on the nature on your doorstep. There are some incredible, wild interactions going on right under our noses, in rural and urban areas. Here are a few tips to get you going . . .
Get to know your patch
How well do you know your wild neighbourhood? Set yourself some fun challenges: Can you name the tree that is growing closest to your house? Or identify four different birds that can be seen from your window? Can you predict the time that the local fox will pass by? Is that blackbird the same one that visited yesterday? And where do those pigeons hang out in the evening? The possibilities are endless. Keep asking questions. Curiosity is potent fuel for nature connection!
Sit spot
The term ‘sit spot’ was coined by naturalist Jon Young, and the idea is simple and very old: find a spot in nature you can visit again and again, sit still and observe what’s going on. Many of us did this naturally as kids. Getting to know the wildlife in just one place, in depth, teaches us a huge amount about nature. Notice everything: weather patterns, animal tracks, insects, plants, the position of the Sun. Also be sure to just relax, pause and soak it all in. If you are unable to get out, find a window to sit beside and do the same. You can also take this kind of attentive attitude with you on your local walking or running route.
Bird language
Pay close attention to what the birds are doing, whether at the feeder or just flying around your neighbourhood. Listen and watch for changes in calls and flight patterns. Birds are keeping a close eye on everything that’s important to them, and with practice you can learn to predict the arrival of predators such as sparrowhawks and peregrines just by observing the other birds, as well as discovering a whole array of cool things about your area.
Tell your story
Nature experiences are often best shared. Telling someone else what you’ve observed and what you are curious about can inspire others, who might then reciprocate. We can motivate each other and learn a lot this way. It’s best to tell people who you know will be interested, and if you can’t think of anyone there are plenty of ways to share nature stories through social media. And you can always record your story for another time by turning to your trusty journal …
Create a nature journal
A nature journal can be detailed and arty or a few notes scribbled in a notepad. Whatever the case, making a note of your observations (bird activity, weather, phase of the Moon etc) can pay dividends over time when we start to notice really interesting patterns. It also reinforces a habit of observation.
So when lockdown has lifted you’ll know your patch better than ever, and many people notice that getting familiar with one area can deepen your connection to nature wherever you go.
I’m curious to hear how you get on with connecting to nature on your doorstep, and I’ll be back soon with Part 3.
Stay well and stay wild!
Dan
