Learning to appreciate UK nature

The last time I wrote, I said I'd never felt so close to nature as I did when I was living in Gamboa. Which is probably still true, but I think the experience of living in the rainforest has made me appreciate nature more generally, regardless of where I am in the world. 

The first time I visited the rainforest, on a field course to Gamboa in September 2022, I was blown away by even the smallest of things. Leafcutter ants come to mind - I was delighted to learn that these exist in real life and not just in David Attenborough documentaries. On this initial visit, the things that impressed me did so because they were unfamiliar. On reflection, though, there are so many plants and animals back home that are just as impressive - as long as you look for them.

This is my first spring without the looming threat of exams since I was in my early teens. I've always loved this season but I think this year I am especially aware of the sudden abundance of flowers and birdsong. The tropics are fantastic because you basically have that all year round, but in the UK the contrast with the bleakness of winter is really striking. I've been trying (in vain) to learn the names of some of the wildflowers and making some pressings, and I'm always surprised at the diversity. Moth trapping has been a bit slower to pick up this year (all we've had so far is a few micros and a spider) but King's College is a lovely backdrop nevertheless.

Moth trapping at King's College

Box tree moth caterpillar

Moth trap intruder!

A recent trip to Devon with Aidan's family was another opportunity to see UK landscapes that were new to me. I was struck by the lushness of the West Country and how much it resembled tropical rainforest at times, in all its damp green ferny glory.

Along the South West Coast Path with Aidan

Anemone near Shaldon, Devon

Whilst in Florida visiting family Alex lent me his camera to take some pictures of various nature things. They're not very good - in fact they're actually quite bad - but I really like the way photography gets you to notice and appreciate things you'd ordinarily ignore. I'm thinking of investing in some better gear and turning this into a proper hobby.

Anolis lizard (with dewlap!) by the pond in Tampa

Blackbird in the garden in Leicester

Budding horse chestnut in Leicester

Although nurturing a love for nature can be more challenging in Cherry Hinton than it is in the Panamanian jungle, it's just as rewarding.