YOUNG NATURALISTS
Get Outside &
Explore Wildlife
Gavin's granddaughter regularly spends days out on the road with her Granda, learning about wildlife and the safe, respectful management of the natural world. Inspired by her curiosity, this page is for all young adventurers who want to discover the incredible wildlife right outside their door.
A DAY IN THE FIELD
Learning Through Adventure
Some of the best wildlife lessons happen naturally. On quiet mornings along hedgerows, or watching bee activity in an old stone wall, Gavin shares his knowledge with the next generation. His granddaughter has helped spot mole runs, watched bees being safely rehomed, and learned why every creature — even the ones we call pests — has its place in the world. That sense of wonder is what wildlife management is really about.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Little Explorer Badges
🌟 How to Unlock Your Badges
Bird Listener
Go outside, close your eyes for 2 minutes, and listen to bird songs. Click "I Did This!" when done!
Nature Walker
Take a slow walk in nature. Look for animal tracks, leaves, or insects. Click "I Did This!" after your walk!
Wildlife Artist
Sit somewhere peaceful and draw what you see in nature. It doesn't have to be perfect—just have fun!
Quiz Master
Complete the Wildlife Quiz below and score 80% or higher (4/5 correct answers)!
Little Explorer
This is the BIG one! Unlock all 4 other badges first, and this special badge is yours!
Bird Listener
Nature Walker
Wildlife Artist
Quiz Master
Little Explorer
MINDFUL IN NATURE
Quiet Moments Outdoors
Nature is the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and notice the world around you. Complete these activities to unlock badges!
Listen to the Birds
Find a quiet spot in the garden or park. Close your eyes for 2 minutes and just listen. How many different bird songs can you hear?
Walk in Nature
Go for a slow walk along a country path. Notice what you see, smell, and feel. Look for animal tracks or insects on flowers.
Sit and Draw
Find a peaceful place to sit with a notebook. Draw what you can see — a tree, flower, bird, or even just the clouds.
HOW TO EXPLORE
Start an Adventure 🌿
Make a Bug Hotel
Use bamboo canes, pine cones, and dry leaves to create a home for insects in your garden.
Mole Watch
After rain, moles become very active. Count molehills in a field and record your findings.
Dawn Chorus
Set an alarm for just before sunrise in May. Step outside and listen to the birds — it's magical.
Bat Survey
At dusk in summer, count the bats over a garden or pond. There are 18 species of bat in the UK.
Wildflower ID
Pick up a wildflower guide and see how many species you can find on a walk through the countryside.
Track Watching
After muddy rain, look for animal tracks in soft ground near streams and ponds. Can you identify them?
WILDLIFE SPOTTER GUIDE
Animals to Look For
Hedgehogs
Nocturnal insectivores. Spot them at dusk in gardens. They eat slugs and beetles — brilliant for your garden!
Butterflies
Over 50 species in the UK. Plant lavender, buddleia, and nettles to attract them to your garden.
Bumble Bees
Essential pollinators. There are 24 species in the UK. They are never aggressive unless their nest is disturbed.
Foxes
Highly adaptable and now common in towns. They are shy animals — if you see one, stand still and watch.
Red Squirrels
Our native squirrel — now rare in England. They live in conifer forests in the north and on some islands.
Red Kites
A conservation success story. Once almost extinct in England, they're now thriving in many areas.
Interactive Quiz
Ready for a Challenge?
Take our quiz and test your wildlife knowledge! Score 80% or higher to unlock the Quiz Master badge.
What do hedgehogs mainly eat?
ASK GAVIN
Have a Wildlife Question?
Spotted something in the garden? Not sure what it is? Send Gavin a question and he'll get back to you with an answer. No question too big or small!
Learn more in the Animal Library
Full species guides, seasonal data, and prevention advice.
Explore the Library