How to Create Your Own Wildlife Wander

They’re perfect for families, solo explorers, or anyone who wants to see the natural world with fresh eyes.

At their heart, wildlife wanders are about noticing more - the plants beneath your feet, the stories behind them, and the life all around you that often goes unnoticed.

‍Getting Started

The first step is to walk your chosen route with intention. Take your time and begin identifying the plant species you see along the way. Don’t worry if you don’t know what everything is - that’s part of the fun.

Once you’ve spotted a few plants, look them up. You might discover fascinating facts, traditional uses, or even folklore tied to them. Jot down anything that stands out or sparks your curiosity.

If you prefer learning on the go, apps like iNaturalist or Seek can help you identify species instantly. Later, you can dive a little deeper into the plants that caught your attention most.

‍Bringing the Walk to Life

When you’re ready, walk the route again, but this time, share what you’ve learned. Whether you’re with family, friends, or just reflecting yourself, talk about the plants, their stories, and their significance.

Keep your eyes and ears open for even more this time around. You might notice things you missed before:

• Animal tracks in the mud

• Subtle changes in plants

• Birdsong overhead

Apps like Merlin can help identify bird calls, adding another layer of discovery to your wander.

‍Add Creative Activities

You can make your wildlife wander even more engaging with a few simple activities:

Journey Sticks
A beautiful way to record your walk:

• Find a sturdy stick

• Bring some string and scissors

• Tie on interesting natural items like leaves, seeds, or feathers as you go

• Only use fallen items where possible

• Avoid picking protected species or taking too much from any one plant

• Never put anything in your mouth

By the end, you’ll have a natural timeline of your journey.

Colour Finding
A fun and mindful activity, especially for children:

• Choose a set of colours before your walk

• Try to match them to natural items you find

• Paint sample cards work brilliantly as ready-made guides

• Some people use egg boxes to sort and collect their finds

‍Spotter Sheets
These turn your walk into a mini scavenger hunt:

• Use pre-made sheets or create your own

• Include plants, animals, textures, or signs of wildlife

• Tick things off as you go

‍It’s Simpler Than You Think

I’d really encourage everyone to explore the stories behind their local wildlife. There’s no secret formula or specialist skill required. Despite what people might think, working in wildlife doesn’t mean having all the answers.

The truth is much simpler - it’s about curiosity.

I use apps, books, and a bit of online searching, just like anyone else. What matters most is the joy of learning and sharing that sense of wonder with others.

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‍Discovering Hidden Stories

Next time you’re out for a walk, ask yourself:

• What stories are hidden here?

• What traditions might come from these plants?

‍A Final Thought

Wildlife wanders remind us that adventure doesn’t require distant travel or elaborate plans. It’s right outside our door, in the leaves, the soil, the birdsong, and the stories we’ve yet to notice.

So next time you head out, slow down. Look closer. Ask questions.

You never know what you might discover, even in the cracks in the pavement.

Adventure is out there , and it’s closer than you think.

Together for nature, as always.