High-tech help to give you a better view of the wildlife in your garden

YOU might not associate yourself with the stereotypical anorak-clad, binocular-wielding bird-watching ‘twitcher’, but as lockdown has connected more people with their gardens and wildlife, you may want to get a better view of welcome visitors to your green space.

As the wildlife trusts gear up for their 30 Days Wild annual celebration of nature in June, you’ve plenty of time to equip yourself with the garb, tech and wildlife feeding accessories to give you the best chance of seeing wildlife.

Stuart Edmunds, of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, suggests some of the kit you might need, and things to consider...

INVEST IN A WEBCAM

“Webcams are really easy to set up these days, and are cheaper than they were a decade ago,” says Edmunds. “They send back live pictures you can watch on your TV. You not only see birds feeding and in nest boxes, but you can find out what other wildlife you get in your garden.”

Wireless versions are also available, including ones that can stream HD video to your phone, computer or tablet via an app.

SET UP A CAMERA TRAP

“This is a completely remote camera that functions on its own battery power and records everything that moves in front of it through motion detection and records it on an SD card,” explains Edmunds. They often come with straps or you can buy bendy tripods to secure the camera to tree trunks, branches and fence posts. Just make sure there are no overhanging branches.

POSITION BIRD FEEDERS CAREFULLY BOOST YOUR VISION WITH BINOCULARS