DR AMIR KHAN
In our series about people with a passion for a species, we ask GP and presenter Dr Amir Khan why he loves the hummingbird hawkmoth.
Why is the hummingbird hawkmoth special to you?
I saw my first a couple of years ago, feeding on some Verbena beside my road. To begin with, I genuinely thought it was a hummingbird, but then I took a video and watched it back in slow motion. I could hardly believe such a creature existed in the UK!
Ever had one in your garden?
Yes! I immediately planted some Verbena bonariensis at home – it’s great for all kinds of butterflies and moths – and, sure enough, the following year ‘hummers’ visited my garden. My favourite thing to do is sit there in the middle of summer and watch them.
How did you get into wildlife?
We never had much outside space where I grew up. But when I was nine, I set about going on evening nature walks to the local woods, and would come back and tell Dad all about the creatures I spotted. He has passed away now, but it’s still one of my fondest memories of him, sitting there listening to me talk about the bats I’d seen.
Where do you like to enjoy nature?
My garden, of course – I’ve worked hard to make it as good for wildlife as possible. There are lots of bird feeders, insect friendly plants and a pond. During this coronavirus crisis, I simply have to spend time in the garden at the end of each shift at work. It helps clear my mind.
Lockdown has made people realise just how important the natural world is. T
Tells us about the Insect A&E campaign
Our insect pollinators are facing a crisis, so when Butterfly Conservation and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust jointly launched this project [butterfly-conservation.org/insectae], I wanted to help. The idea is to get people planting insect-friendly flowers. From experience, I know how proud it makes you feel that you’re doing your bit.
Any top tips for attracting garden pollinators?
Sowing a mix of British wildflower seeds is all you need to get started – it could be in a pot or window box, there’s no area too small. Buddleja is also brilliant at attracting butterflies and moths, and I already mentioned You don’t have to have a massive garden or be an expert gardener. The more you garden, the more you learn.
In stressful times, does nature help your patients?
Absolutely. Lockdown and social distancing have made people realise just how important the natural world is. I recommend taking daily walks in nature to a lot of my patients. Everyone needs time away from the news and the stress, and nature is a great way to get away from it all.
Should there be more ‘green’ prescriptions?
I’m a big fan and advise patients to spend time with nature as part of their treatment. The best thing is, you don’t have to be doctor to give out a green prescription. People who recognise the health benefits of the great outdoors can recommend it to friends and family. It’s the ‘Natural Health Service’. is a GP in Bradford who presents Channel 5’s hit series