When life throws up its many challenges, it is nature and the wildlife that surrounds us where we can find real solace and comfort. There is something truly reassuring in the way the natural world surrounds us all. At a time when many people in society are struggling and mental health and well-being is something that concerns many of us, there is so much that wild spaces can offer.

The nature reserves managed by our local Wildlife Trusts and other organisations provide such important places where we can immerse ourselves in this living beauty. Places for contemplation, relaxation and taking us into another world – free from the worries of the modern day. 

Since my last blog, I’ve found time to experience some of these wonders first hand.

Just before Autumn, I was able to take in the years last bat punt safari which was so very special shared with my dear Mum, and something she’d always wanted to do. This is a truly wonderful experience that I’d recommend to anyone. Guided by our own Batman Iain Webb, the joy of seeing the daubentons (water bat) skimming the surface of the Cam, (like flying bow ties !) in front of the punt is just magical. These trips have now started again and will be running throughout the summer so make sure to book yours early.

I’ve been trying to get out and about across our three counties as much as possible and experience all the wonders that nature has to offer. I've also met some wonderful people along the way. It's comforting to know there are lots of local people who really want to do their bit for nature. Be it volunteering or supporting the work of the trust with a donation, it’s invaluable and helps us to protect what we have. I'd like to thank every one of you that's offered your help over the years.

Being out and about most days, I’ve been making the most of some impromptu local bird watching too and have enjoyed some good views of some of the rarer visitors to our reserves.

My recent ’birding’ highlights include a wonderful Bittern on a small pit in Cambridgeshire. I’d always thought the habitat looked really ‘bitterny’ and after checking out the same spot for many years I was delighted when a scan with my binoculars picked out the camouflaged heron shape in the phragmites reeds on the far bank. It stood motionless and allowed me a couple of snaps, before it slunk back into the reed cover, where these elusive birds can skulk for hours. Bittern could turn up at any of our reserves with a decent Reed bed, sometimes these are just birds flying through, but other times they’ll hang around. Listen out for the sound of a bird booming this spring. An evocative noise that can travel for miles, and sounds like a giant blowing over the top of a large bottle!

We've had some extremely rare birds turn up at Summer Leys in Northants. One amazing week saw an exceptional Kentish plover and a white stork, followed by two cranes the next day. I happened to be away on holiday, so think these birds were taunting me as I couldn't get over there to see them! Although I did manage to see the plover in Suffolk recently.

Right now is the time for our insects too. Although butterflies have been a bit slow off the mark this year, due to wet and cold weather. A nice sunny day will see them on the wing. Look out for the black hairstreaks at places like Brampton wood in June. One of my favouirite spots for these insects and home to many other species including purple emperor and white admiral.

Dragons are also emerging now too, any wetland, river, pond or lake you can watch these accomplished flyers hunting and mating. Woodwalton Fen in Cambs or Felmersham gravel pits in Beds are two of my top wetlands for these voracious predators. Do watch out for hobbies hawking the skies for dragonflies, the hunter being hunted! These agile falcons can show up at any waterway to hoover dragonflies from the skies and have been known to even catch swifts.

Sadly our wildlife needs our help more than ever right now. There are lots of conflicting demands on the green space we have left in the UK, and that's putting immense pressure on our precious natural world like never before - not to mention the climate crisis. The decline in species numbers continues at an alarming rate. I really don’t know the answer, but we need people at the very top to start taking action, and fast, before it’s all too late. By helping your local Wildlife Trust you are playing a big part in the conservation effort – thank you. And do make sure you make time to visit some of our incredible natural places.

If you’re not already supporting us, please visit our website and see if you can help us to help nature. www.wildlifebcn.org/become-member

Harry Hog