Blog: By Tag

Nature Discoveries of Summer by Keeping it Wild Trainee, Caroline

Guest Author — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

It's the little parts of nature that hold the most magic, and each wildlife spot you visit often has its own stories and secrets yet to be told. Follow along with Caroline's reflective blog piece as she looks back on her time in the traineeship, a summer beaming with wildlife and her identity as she took on new challenges.

The Power of Art, Nature, and Community: Poplar's Nextdoor Nature Project

Lois Donegal — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

At the heart of Poplar's Nextdoor Nature Project lies a story of community organising, creativity, and the transformative power of connecting with nature. Through my journey of supporting the Nextdoor Nature project in Poplar, discover how art, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration are shaping a brighter future for young people in London. By the end of this blog find inspiration to explore new ways to engage with your local community and harness the power of creativity and nature to create positive change.

Finding Hope in the Heart of London: A Nature Lover's Journey

Keeping it Wild Trainee, Fowsia — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In the hustle and bustle of city life, where the streets are filled with the echoes of hurried footsteps and the air is thick with the demands of modern living, finding solace can be a rare and precious gift. As a Keeping it Wild trainee with London Wildlife Trust, I have discovered my sanctuary in the heart of London's urban landscape, where the vibrant cityscape gives way to the hidden wonders of nature.

A letter to my fellow Black Environmentalists: My Personal Reflections on Black History Month and The Environment Sector by Charlie N

Guest Author — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The global African and Caribbean diaspora have been fundamental to shaping and inspiring London’s history, culture and growth for centuries. You only need to look at the legacy of African and Caribbean food in Britain, our young Black artists making waves in the British music scene, the specimens collected by enslaved Black people on display at British institutions and the Black British activists demanding systemic change to see that Black people are announcing that we are here. We have always been here and our lives matter.

Nature: the cure to all ailments by Keeping it Wild alumni Adam

Guest Author — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

As I note down the final species on my butterfly transect survey, I give the little boy who used to chase butterflies around his parents’ garden a big hug and tell him to keep going.

Connecting with nature through tree identification by Keeping it Wild Trainee Yasmin

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Our 4 months on the Keeping it Wild Traineeship at London Wildlife Trust has come to an end, read along to learn what the traineeship has taught me about myself and how I connect to the world around me. Have you always wondered what the trees in your local area are called? Tree identification is one of my favourite skills that I have learnt during the traineeship, keep reading to learn the basics of tree identification along with some tips and clues to look out for when out and about.

Farewell to Summer by Keeping it Wild Trainee Naomi

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

As summer begins to fade, and autumn draws nearer, I reflect.

How Islam has shaped my view of nature and wildlife by Keeping it Wild Trainee Nazia

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Throughout the traineeship, I have witnessed such beauty that has left me in awe, which, in turn, has increased my reverence for the One who created it all. The intricate details on the bark of the hornbeam tree, the exquisite colours on the peacock butterfly and the charming beauty of the greenfinch are just a few examples of what has led me to have a greater appreciation for God.

How climate change is affecting butterflies in the UK by Keeping it Wild Trainee Manpreet

Keeping it Wild project — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

The threat from climate change gives a sense of urgency to Butterfly Conservation’s strategy of conserving species at a landscape scale, making existing habitats bigger, better managed and more well connected.

Breaking into the Conservation Sector by Keeping it Wild Trainee Lirayen

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 27 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Keeping it Wild Trainee Lira shares her experiences of breaking into the conservaiton sector through volunteering, traineeships and networking with wildlife communities.

10 wildlife photography tips for beginners

Keeping it Wild project — Sun, 15 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Keeping it Wild Project Trainee Ella wowed us with her wildlife photography during her Traineeship. Here are her 10 top tips for taking photos of wildlife.

Discovering how Brilliant Butterflies are by Keeping it Wild Trainee Alan

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Butterflies are uniquely beautiful creatures that represent new beginnings and the coming of spring season. You may have already spotted some colourful butterflies during your nature walks. But is there anything more to them besides their alluring appearances? Let's find out...

A Celebration of Wildlife on World Wildlife Day by Keeping it Wild Trainee Sharnee

Keeping it Wild project — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

World Wildlife Day (WWD) is the perfect time for you to discover more about wildlife.

This is a day to shed light on the problems our wildlife is facing, how it benefits us and what we can do to help it.

Discovering my local wild place - Coombe Wood Gardens by Keeping it Wild Trainee Eden

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Coombe Wood Gardens is a two-in-one site with gardens and wood. The three main gardens flower in different seasons so there’s always something beautiful to see, whatever time of year you go. I went in late autumn and it was lovely to see the ferns in the terrace garden and the winter garden starting to bloom.

Learning the importance of wetlands by Keeping it Wild Trainee Lauren

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

When we think of climate issues our societal focus usually revolves around energy, waste and agriculture which can overshadow one of our most pressing issues globally: water security. Most of us think of the world as a water dominant planet, with 71% water to 29% of land, so it’s easy to mistake it for an abundant resource. Despite this, only 3% is fresh water and only 1.2% can be used as the rest is locked in glaciers, ice caps and permafrost or buried in groundwater reservoirs.

My Favourite Wild Place by Keeping it Wild Trainee Eden

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

As a Keeping it Wild Trainee based in South London, I've visited a range of nature reserves, to help facilitate a connection between different sites and look after the habitat. One of these sites is Dollypers Hill, a beautiful reserve in Croydon.

Celebrating and Exploring International Volunteers Day this 5th December by Keeping it Wild Trainee Max

Keeping it Wild project — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Every year on the 5th December, International Volunteers Day raises awareness of the millions of people across the world who have been volunteering their time to help causes close to them. In the U.K. alone, 19.4 million (36% of the population) of people volunteered formally in the year 2018/19 showing the importance of volunteering. In this blog, I will explore volunteering and talk about some of my own experiences as a young person volunteering in London.

All about soil by Keeping it Wild Trainee Zoe

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Hello friendly reader, and welcome Zoe’s guided soil tour. Let’s take a dig in. Get it dig, as in soil.....

Protecting wildlife during fireworks season by Keeping it Wild Trainee Eden

Keeping it Wild project — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Fireworks can be an exciting part of cold autumn nights in early November. This year in lockdown record numbers of fireworks are being bought as public celebrations are cancelled. However, wildlife won’t be celebrating with us. Bonfires and fireworks can be dangerous to animals, frightening them, causing injury, and polluting the air for days after.

The Marvellous Moth! By Keeping it Wild trainee Omar

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

For many, moths are seen as simply too plain to catch the eye in a fast-paced city where flashiness and bright colours are synonymous with beauty. What many don’t realise is that alongside the plainer-looking moths found in our capital we have many that are just as flamboyant as the butterflies we all love. Below are ten tremendous moths I have found in London over the past few months that cover a whole spectrum of colours, shapes, and sizes.

Learning about Lichen by Keeping it Wild Trainee Robert

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a rock or bit of wood that looks like it has gone a bit mouldy? Chances are it is covered in lichen! Today, let’s learn about what lichen is and where you can find it.

Can London be a National Park? By Keeping it Wild Trainee Sebastian

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Did you know that London is almost 50% green and blue space? Can the city rebrand its urban environment as a National Park to create a health and ecosystem benefits?

Foxes: Friend or Foe? By Keeping it Wild Trainee Robert

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Often portrayed as cunning thieves that are up to nothing but trouble, are foxes really that bad or have we been a bit harsh on our little red co-inhabitants?

Be an amateur photographer with me by Keeping it Wild Trainee Charlie

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

I’ve always been interested in capturing wildlife moments through photography and one of my personal goals for this Traineeship was to identify five new animal or plant species a week. I’m a very visual and practical learner so incorporating photography made the process more enjoyable and gave me an excuse to spend more time outdoors strengthening my connection and understanding of the environment. Armed with my phone and unsteady arms (I’m not a professional photographer) I hope to show you how accessible nature photography can be without breaking the bank.

Ways of connecting with wildlife for wellbeing by Keeping it Wild Trainee Martina

Keeping it Wild project — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

One of my favourite things about the natural environment is how impactful it can be to our wellbeing. It's no secret that nature can benefit the way we feel. I myself know for sure that after a long day's work indoors, or after too many hours of screen time, my mind and body crave the fresh air.

A Londoner’s guide to International Bat Weekend by Keeping it Wild Trainee Charlie

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The end of August is fast approaching, which spells the end of sun, heatwaves and practical conservation days spent clinging to the migrating shadow of the only tree in the meadow whilst trying to ignore the sun taunting me. For those of you reluctantly saying goodbye to summer, there’s something much more exciting around the corner for you, International Bat Weekend!

Celebrating International Bog Day with Keeping it Wild Trainee Martina

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

This Sunday 26th July 2020 we will be celebrating International Bog Day! In anticipation of this, here’s a bit about bogs, and why they are so important to the environment, ecology and wildlife.

The Much-Maligned Moth by Keeping it Wild Trainee Omar

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

When talking to people about the different creatures they come across in London, you will understandably get different reactions. Some animals such as songbirds and deer are universally loved, some like foxes and parakeets induce conflicting responses and a small minority are overlooked at best and unfairly maligned at worst. One in that minority happens to be the marvellous moth.

Learning about nature in lockdown London

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

From March-April students from ELATT took part in an online Wild Action Programme with our Keeping it Wild project. They learnt about London's wildlife and our work here at the Trust. They investigated the issues London's wildlife faces, how they could take action to help it, and how a connection with nature is great for overall wellbeing - helping us cope with tough times such the pandemic.

ELATT is a learning community that helps people of all learning abilities move forward with their lives. They aim to tackle poverty and social isolation in our city by providing free training and whole-person support for marginalised young people and adults.
Their vision is to make London a city where everyone can flourish in their lives, no matter their age, background or circumstances.

Two students from the group, Adnan and Angelina wrote us a blog about their local wildlife experiences following the programme.

Discovering wildlife at Walthamstow Wetlands with camera traps by Keeping it Wild Trainee Shahnoor

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

During my time as a Trainee at Walthamstow Wetlands I had the opportunity to learn how and why we use camera traps at the nature reserve. It was a totally new experience for me, I’d never done anything like this before.

Learning how to learn again by Keeping it Wild Trainee Shahnoor

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

My time as a Keeping it Wild Trainee at Walthamstow Wetlands has been great as I've been given the opportunity to experience so many new things in the wildlife conservation sector.

The wonders of spring by Keeping it Wild Trainee Bobbi

Keeping it Wild project — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

We're well into March now and spring is upon us in London. During my time as a Trainee, I’ve had the pleasure of working outside and witnessing the wonder that is the change of seasons. From the cold January winter months to the bloom of sunny spring.

Keeping it Wild this half-term with Cassie, a London Youth Delivery Officer

Keeping it Wild project — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to spend every day of the half-term week outside with the fabulous team from the London Wildlife Trust delivering our Wild Action Days to the youth organisations participating in Keeping it Wild. Besides feeling a little sick from too many marshallows, I share the young people's opinions on how much fun and insightful these past days have been.

London's feathered friends by Keeping it Wild Trainee Ishmael

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 12:00:00 +0000

From first glance, it may seem like London can only be a habitat for birds which thrive in built up areas. Pigeons, for example, have curled toes, once adapted to life on rocky cliff faces, which are now perfect for an environment packed with high-rises. The common gulls see litter as far richer pickings than depleted fish stocks in seaside areas. However, in part thanks to the effort I’ve seen put in at many of London’s nature reserves, London is in fact home to a huge variety of birdlife, including African migrators and the occasional bird of prey.

Forgotten eels by Keeping it Wild Trainee Lee

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:00:00 +0000

In Melanesian mythology, a mysterious, huge serpent-like fish lives at the bottom of lakes. Known as Abaia, it considers all the creatures in their lakes their children and is fiercely protective of them, using its brute strength and magical powers it can thrash its tail to create a huge wave to fatally overwhelm anyone who dared to harm its children.

The truth about London's reptiles

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Keeping it Wild Trainee Lee tackles the negative stigma and reveals more about London's reptiles.

Why should we care about moths?

Keeping it Wild project — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +0000

For National Moth Week, Keeping it Wild Trainee Ishmael talks about their importance as some of the most diverse and successful organisms on earth.

Discovering chalk grassland at Hutchinson's Bank

Keeping it Wild project — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:00:00 +0000

In my time so far as a Keeping it Wild trainee, I have been lucky enough to be based at Hutchinson's Bank in Croydon. Here we are helping to conserve the rich chalk grassland habitat. There’s something new to see with every visit, whether it’s a rare butterfly or an elusive orchid, you won’t have to look far.

The role of Butterflies in art - Keeping it Wild Trainee Jess looks into their significance

Keeping it Wild project — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:00:00 +0000

“Art and nature shall always be wrestling until they eventually conquer one another” (Maria Sibylla Merian, 1647 – 1717)

Through the lens: Keeping it Wild Trainee Liz explains the e-DNA project with Natural History Museum

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:00:00 +0000

How well can you identify insects? Can you tell the difference between a harlequin and a 7-spot ladybird? The UK is home to over 30,000 different species of invertebrates and London Wildlife Trust has been working closely with the Angela Marmont Centre at Natural History Museum to create simple to use identification guides. During my Keeping it Wild Traineeship I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate on this exciting project.

The John Muir Award: An opportunity to get out of the classroom

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Reflections on the Award by Keeping it Wild Trainee Jess: From cultural histories layered in landscapes, to Fibonacci sequences found in flowers and pine cones. The questions and wonder provoked by microscopic to panoramic outdoor scenes combined with the calming effect of being in an open space complements health and education.

Wild About Ponds

Keeping it Wild project — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Our Keeping it Wild Project Trainee Dexter provides some tips on how to get started with your very own wildlife pond, no matter how little space you may have.

Forest Bathing: Unlocking the mysterious benefits of greenspaces

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Keeping it Wild Trainee Dexter investigates the origins and benefits of Forest Bathing

Winter work in wildlife

Keeping it Wild project — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Musings from Keeping it Wild Trainee Dan