Want to honour nature and wildlife? Here's how . . .

 

One of the ways in which I pay respect to nature is simply to sit quietly with it; to listen.

There are many ways in which one can pay respect to nature, to honour it and show appreciation. And, in this post, we are going to take a little look at some of those ways. Perhaps it might ignite an idea or two for some readers, or maybe you'll find yourself nodding in recognition to some of these points. Whatever else you find below, I hope you find a pleasant read!

Writing

It is perhaps natural that I would lead with writing!

If you've a love for, and some knowledge of, nature perhaps you could start up a blog. Blogging can also be a great way to reach out and meet like-minded people, since a good blog can open up a dialogue between the writer and readers - that's what the comment section is for!

There are a number of nature and wildlife magazines to which the freelance writer might wish to pitch article ideas. If you have a good idea, find the editor's email address (contact details can be found in the first pages of most magazines), and send off a brief and polite message outlining your idea. Be sure to do a little research before you make contact though - guidelines for submissions can vary between magazines.

Whatever outlet you choose, writing is a great way to pay respect to nature. And if you're really ambitious, you may even end up writing a book!

Gardening

My little pot of wildflowers, a common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) in the foreground

My own interest in gardening stems very much from my interest in nature and wildlife. It is with pollinators in mind that I plant seeds for wildflowers. In this way, I honour the little lives that visit the garden.

If you are fortunate enough to have the space, it can be very rewarding to create something for nature and wildlife. Even a balcony can be enough for growing plants.

Indeed, the very act of nurturing and caring for the plants in your garden honours nature and its processes.

Stopping to listen

I love taking to countryside footpaths and forgetting the world for a while. All the nonsense of broken hearts and bills to pay can be left behind for a while.

And, as you ramble along, your walk can be something of a little adventure; who knows what you might stumble upon as you walk?

To honour nature though, to pay respect to her processes and the life she sustains, one really has to stop and listen for a while. If you come upon a spot by a river or in a meadow, stop for a while and just take it all in - there's more to know than just our own day to day concerns.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

- Leisure, by William Henry Davies                            

Over to you . . .

In what ways do you pay respect to and show appreciation for nature? Do you take photographs? Paint? Have you joined or started up a group? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!

If you've enjoyed this read, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi - all support is gratefully received! Thank you!