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Connecting With Nature

infographic about connecting with nature

From taking part in the Wildlife Trust's 30 Days Wild to making your garden more hedgehog friendly, there’s something for everyone. Check out the list of ideas, websites and apps below to help you stay connected to nature.

We’re always keen to hear your stories so please do let us know how you’re ‘Connecting to Nature’ via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Ways to stay connected with nature:

NTU’s Peregrine Falcon webcam: NTU’s resident Peregrine Falcons hatched their 40th chick this year! So why not check in to see how they’re doing by viewing the webcam here!

Find out more ways to ‘Connect to Nature’ through NTU’s Green Rewards programme. Staff and students can download our sustainability app for mobile, Green Rewards, or visit the website here. This month’s theme ‘Connecting to Nature’, is full of ideas and tips for enjoying nature from home.

Get wild! Take part in The Wildlife Trust's 30 Days Wild. This friendly challenge runs through the whole of June with suggested activities to enjoy nature close to home. Check out the free downloadable activity packs or download the free 30 Days Wild App and Go Wild!

Help protect bees by keeping an eye out for Asian Hornets! The invasive Asian Hornet has made its way to the UK, threatening our bee populations. Find out more here and help out by recording any sightings of the Asian Hornet.

Did you know that NTU is home to a number of protected species? From great crested newts, bats, badgers, ancient hedgerows to our pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons, NTU is full of wildlife and greenspaces across our estate. Find out more about wildlife and green spaces at the university, and NTU’s commitment to protecting biodiversity. 

Have a go at making your garden Hedgehog Friendly. Did you know that our hedgehogs are in trouble? We’ve lost a third of all hedgehogs since the millennium. Log into Green Rewards for easy tips to make sure your garden is hospitable for friendly hedgehogs.

Plant Identification apps: If you’re a green fingered type, and/or you’re lucky enough to have a garden or other green space available to you, you might find an app to identify plant species useful! There are lots of different types available but you could try PlantSnap.

iNaturalist webpage and app: Curious about the wildlife you see in your own garden or nearby green space? Use the iNaturalist website and app to identify and record wildlife. They’ve even created a guide on ‘Exploring Nature at Home’ in accordance with the Government Guidelines for social distancing and staying at home.

Get Growing! Check out the Royal Horticultural Society's tips for plants to suit your outdoor space.

The Big Butterfly Count is a great way to stay connected with nature whilst staying home. Pick a location and take note of how many butterflies you see, using the free app to identify and record your sightings. More info here.

Give Nature a Home: Check out the RSPB's simple, achievable activities to turn your garden into an oasis for birds, bees, frogs, toads or newts. They even have activities you can do on your balcony if you don't have garden space!