FROME’S very own television presenter and wildlife photographer Simon King has spoken to the Frome Times about his new book Naturewatch – a practical guide to tracking and observing wildlife.
Simon’s new book includes the many methods he has developed over the years from his time as a wildlife film-maker and photographer which have helped him bridge the gap between himself and other creatures. His work has taken him far and wide but the most amount of time he has spent learning about the ways of the wild has been in the UK.
“The book has been 53 years in making and is a culmination of the knowledge and skills I have acquired over the years on how to look for signs of wildlife but in an non intrusive way, whether it be footprints, food remains or poo.” Simon, who lives in Frome, told the Frome Times.
“It’s a practical guide to everything you need to know about observing and tracking nature but it’s also a tool to help people reconnect with our environment. I believe you can’t really care about something until you know enough about it. I hope the book opens a door to a world for many people is foreign; there is a huge disconnect with humans and nature.
Who is the book for? “Everyone! Those who wants to connect with nature and discover the world around them. Whether you live in the city or in the heart of the countryside, we can all enjoy nature and everything that it has to offer. Even if it’s just your window box or a small lawn which inhabits hedgehogs or a fox. Wildlife is there to be discovered – even if it’s just finding out which mammal has pooed in your garden!
“It’s certainly not intended for only those who live in rural areas. In fact, I believe those who live in the country have little, if not no knowledge of what is on the doorstep. They couldn’t tell the different between a chaffinch and a greenfinch – we’ve entered an era whereby even country folk are disconnected and have no sense of care for the creatures around them, and that is very worrying.
“Being outside is just fantastic, especially when it’s raining! People shy away from going out in the rain but if you are wearing the right clothes, it is invigorating to have the rain on your face. Being outside in the fresh air has been proven to help with depression so get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
“The natural world doesn’t care if we exist, it will continue whether we are here or not. We do not own the land, it is not ours to destroy to I’m very passionate about it being restored and maintained to how it should be. Learning and engaging with the natural world and caring for the wild creatures and wild places makes such a difference to where we live and it’s so important to treasure the world around us.
“Being aware of the natural world makes a huge impact on my life; I never have a bad day because there is always something to see that amazes me. Just today when I was looking out my window, I saw a Peregrine Falcon swoop down to try and grab a pigeon – he didn’t succeed so he flew away. It was an incredible sight.”
Simon recently spoke at Frome Town Council’s ‘clean and healthy future’ event where ambitious plans to cut carbon omissions in the town to zero where launched.
“Frome is an incredibly progressive town, especially the town council; they are very forward thinking. And their plans and ideas on energy and sustainability are not just pipe dreams, they could really happen. Frome is the place where ideas can grow and become a reality.”
• Naturewatch: How To Track and Observe Wildlife by Simon King is published by Quadrille. Order your copy from www.simonkingwildlife.com for £20 – £2 of which goes direct to the Simon King Project Charity.
