My wild Discovery
Catherine discovered nature when her little boy became interested in birds. She had no idea how much it would change her life...
What does nature mean to you?
Nature used to be little more than a pleasant backdrop to me, something I appreciated but hardly knew, and that I considered as a resource to be exploited. My views have changed greatly! Humans are not separate from the natural world: we are part of it, and when the natural world is suffering then we are too.
At our nature reserves do you enjoy any traditions or special activities?
Getting up early for the dawn chorus, searching for sun-basking adders in early spring, visiting our favourite bluebell woods, waiting and watching for the first swifts of the year, accepting the darkness of winter by taking an evening walk, fungi-spotting in the autumn and watching the progression of wildflowers.
We do these things for the joy of them, but also because they help connect us to the rhythms of the natural world, reminding us that we belong to that world too.
We do these things for the joy of them, but also because they help connect us to the rhythms of the natural world, reminding us that we belong to that world too.
Favourite wildlife and why?
The curlew. Its call is the most incredibly beautiful sound I know, and it gives me goosebumps every time. I still remember hearing it for the first time and not knowing what it was.
Sadly they are in great decline due to changing land management. I'm lucky to know several Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserves where they are usually found and where they find a refuge, for now at least.
Can you describe how our nature reserves have helped you discover nature?
I started visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserves with my young child because we were beginner birdwatchers. We came with a goal of learning to recognise the bird species that lived around us, but we've discovered a whole lot more. We've developed interests in a wide range of other animals and plants too, from trees to fungi, butterflies and wildflowers.But more than that, we've both found a deep and ongoing connection to the natural world. Not only does this sense of belonging and being part of the natural world bring me huge joy and satisfaction, it also profoundly shapes my attitudes and decisions about how I choose to live.