Nature Observation and Awareness

Post image for Wise Words: The Way I Look At It

Recently I was sorry to learn of the death of Leonard Dokis. By all accounts Leonard was a highly respected and well-loved member of the Dokis First Nation. He served two terms as Chief of Dokis First Nation, had been a Councillor for over 40 years and had done much in these capacities and in Read more...

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Post image for Tracking: The 6 Key Characteristics of Sign

A tracker doesn’t follow footprints. She follows sign. In its broadest definition, sign is any change from an environment’s natural state inflicted upon it by the passage of animal, man or machinery. Sign can be obvious or it can be the most subtle change to the environment. There are six key characteristics of sign that Read more...

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The Joy of Tracks

by Paul Kirtley

Post image for The Joy of Tracks

An interest in animal tracks and sign is something of an affliction. If you become hooked, country walks can become very slow affairs. You certainly have to have understanding walking partners. Once you start looking, there are signs of animal activity everywhere… In fact, after you tune in to the evidence of wildlife activity in Read more...

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Post image for A Rough Weekend in the Midlands and an Object Lesson in Interconnectedness

Last weekend I jumped in my Land Rover and braved the motorways to visit a great group of bushcraft enthusiasts in the Midlands. The group are all active members of BushcraftUK and regularly get together at Rough Close Scout camp for social meets where they share skills and time in the woods together. On waking Read more...

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Thumbnail image for Animal Tracks and Sign: Vole or Mouse?

Animal Tracks and Sign: Vole or Mouse?

by Paul Kirtley

While the snow we’ve had over the past few weeks is a great medium on which animal tracks are readily recorded, it’s also a very easy medium on which to track. For much of the year we don’t have the luxury of snow to make our lives as trackers easy. Even so there are many Read more...

Thumbnail image for Lenticular Clouds: An Unusual Sight for The Pennines

Lenticular Clouds: An Unusual Sight for The Pennines

by Paul Kirtley

One of the things I love about going for a walk and observing nature as I go, is that I’m never sure what I’m going to see. I’m often delighted to a see a bird of prey hunting, an unusual insect or a rare plant. Today, however, my interest was piqued by an altogether different Read more...