Where the wild things are

Would you like to identify the birds, butterflies and other wildlife you see out and about or in your garden? Have you ever wondered which wild plants and fungi are edible? Are you interested in making a deeper connection with nature? Maybe I can help. I'm Ben West, a Molesey resident, lover of landscapes, wildlife and the outdoors and a lifelong ‘student of nature’.

Molesey Heath is a local nature reserve and one of my favourite places to make contact with the sights and sounds of the natural world. This year I aim to continue with my natural history walks around Molesey Heath as and when Government restrictions allow. Last year the walks were conducted on a monthly basis. This year they will be fortnightly starting on Saturday February 13th. From then on they will be every other Saturday. So; February 13th and 27th, March 13th and 27th, April 10th and 24th so on and so forth throughout the year. Last year was frustrating as the Covid restrictions made it difficult to plan with any certainty. The early part of this year looks like more of the same. There is currently no fixed end to the existing lockdown so all we can do is stay abreast of developments and react accordingly. Therefore, I suggest keeping in touch with me through the various social platforms below or sending me an email to check if the walks are allowed to go ahead on the specified date. I can then reply and keep you up to date. So, if the walks go ahead in February what might we see? Yellow Browed warbler, a rare bird from Siberia, has been showing through the Winter and may still be around with other visitors from the North in the form of Redwing and Fieldfare. There are also lots of other resident bird species to admire and the first territorial singing of the year is beginning. We’ll listen out for the drumming of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Foliage of early Spring trees and plants will be evident (some of them edible) and we should find, amongst others, the first flowering Willows, Alders, Coltsfoot, Lesser Celandine and Dead-nettles. Can you tell the difference between Wild Garlic and Lords and Ladies? A bit of sunshine might prematurely wake up slumbering Bumblebees and hibernating butterflies, hungry for nectar. I post regularly on the subjects of plants, wild food, medicinal recipes, birds, butterflies and all things wildlife related.

You can find me here: Twitter: @WildBenWest Instagram: wearewherethewildthingsare Facebook: Ben West If you have any wildlife related questions, would like something identifying or just want to make contact feel free to message me or drop me a line at ben@wherethewildthingsare.co.uk Whether you want to spend time outdoors in good company, discover new ways of getting your kids outside or simply improve your nature ID skills I would love to have you join me.

Meetings are held every other Saturday throughout the year. No dogs please. We meet at 9.30am at the main gates to Molesey Heath on Approach Road, KT8 2LL. Binoculars are useful but not essential. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Do be aware that the paths around the site can get muddy and slippery with rain. The walks will typically last around a couple of hours depending on the level of interest amongst the group and the wildlife we see on the day. Please email ben@wherethewildthingsare.co.uk for further details. Would you like to identify the birds, butterflies and other wildlife you see out and about or in your garden? Have you ever wondered which wild plants and fungi are edible? Are you interested in making a deeper connection with nature? Maybe I can help. I'm Ben West, a Molesey resident, lover of landscapes, wildlife and the outdoors and a lifelong ‘student of nature Molesey Heath is a local nature reserve and one of my favourite places to make contact with the sights and sounds of the natural world. This year I aim to continue with my natural history walks around Molesey Heath as and when Government restrictions allow. Last year the walks were conducted on a monthly