‘I get pooed on by a lot of animals!’
Welcome to our new monthly Wildlife Watch, with top tips from the experts on how to make the most of the glorious British outdoors
During the past 12 months we’ve all been immersing ourselves in nature. So we have enlisted the help of outdoor aficionados to find out all about the wonderful wildlife waiting to be discovered on our doorsteps.
To kick us off, Countryfile’s Helen
Skelton shares some of her most memorable animal encounters and reveals why we should respect our precious landscape.
How did your close relationship with nature begin?
I grew up on my dad’s dairy farm in
Cumbria and spent my days bike riding, river rafting and climbing trees. The 80s were a different time – outside was where we found fun.
Which animals do you encounter on your own doorstep?
We spot squirrels, deer and red kites from our garden in Leeds almost daily and I often see a fox at night. Some people think urban foxes cause mischief, but I think they’re fascinating.
‘A goat climbed on my head and I’ve been bitten by a pig and a meerkat’
Have you ever rescued an animal in need?
As a kid I’d scoop up dazed birds who hit the windows and tried to nurture them back to health. Sometimes it worked and it was very cute – other times it didn’t. But that’s life.
Are your sons big wildlife fans?
My kids [Ernie, five, and three-yearold Louis] wrestle and shoot Nerf guns so I’m very surprised they’re into bird-watching.
They love watching blue tits eating from our garden. Little boys are like coiled springs. They sleep, eat and behave better if they’ve had fresh air.
Have you experienced any memorable sightings of wildlife within the UK?
Watching seals off the Northumberland Coast was wonderful. I was kayaking on camera and they started popping up out of the freezing water.
They were so inquisitive.
‘I’m no tree hugger but
I love to climb them. I need wildlife’
What about surprises?
I get pooed on by a lot of animals! A goat climbed on my head recently and I’ve been bitten by a pig and a meerkat. Not a day goes by when there’s not an animal puking or pooing on me. It’s the joy of nature.
What are your top tips for filming wildlife?
Don’t get too close – you can always zoom in on a picture afterwards. Be calm, quiet and stay in the moment. We forget how much noise we make.
What makes the UK so special?
Mountains and rocks, lakes and rivers – we’ve got it all apart from deserts. Sure, it’s a bit colder here, but you can ski and surfboard in the same country. We were in France for two years and it made me appreciate British seasons. I even missed the rain.
How does nature affect your mood?
My husband [rugby league player Richie Myler] wouldn’t mind admitting that I’m a nicer person if I’ve had a walk or run! I’ve always
ROCKIN’ ROBIN
Terry Taylor took these wonderful photos of a robin in his garden – we’d love to share your wildlife encounters. For a chance to be featured on this page send your pictures, with your name and location, to lovesunday@reachplc.com.
needed nature in my life. I’m not a tree hugger – but I love to climb them.
What’s the biggest threat to British wildlife?
Humans. We take our wildlife for granted. We need to remember how amazing it has been for keeping
our heads straight over the past 12 months. Nature evolves, changes and adapts and we must respect that. It’s an ever-increasing challenge to live alongside and protect it.
● Springtime On The Farm is on
Monday to Thursday at 8pm starting tomorrow on Channel 5