A thread on talking to other people about nature, how it can be hard (often particularly so when it’s a friend) but also SO worth it

“Excuse me are you okay??” is something I regularly hear while out plant hunting...

(1/8)

(2/8) I disentangle my limbs, get out of whatever bush or clump of grass I’ve been plant hunting in and reassure the kind stranger that “yes, I’m fine thank you, I’m just looking for plants - have you seen this one?? It’s SO cool!”

(3/8) This generally wasn’t what they were expecting but they peer tentatively at whatever I’m pointing out & agree it looks good. We chat a little, they leave (often completely unconvinced that I’m as fine as I claim to be) and I get back on the ground to keep goggling at nature

(4/8) As a teenager I was embarrassed to tell my friends about my love for wildlife, but now it’s something I embrace & share. I believe with my whole heart that inspiring people to care for nature & our planet is one of the most important things in the world

(5/8) It’s so easy to find little opportunities to have a conversation with a friend about nature (or even a passing stranger wondering why you’re in a bush ), but sometimes it can be quite hard to take those opportunities - particularly if they see you like this:

(6/8) If you’re reading this and thinking ‘but it’s difficult/my friends think it’s weird/people at school can’t relate to it’ then I *totally* get that. And I’m always here for a chat if you need encouragement or advice about how to talk to your friends about nature

(7/8) Because in reality the stereotype that liking nature automatically means you’re weird/have no social skills/never go to the pub with your mates is complete b******t

(As an aside nature-watching is actually a great way of dealing with hangovers. Don’t ask me how I know)

(8/8) It’s so important to talk to friends about nature and so wonderful when it has an impact - be that saving a wildflower meadow or an insect from being squashed. Love it, stand up for it and never ever stop telling everyone how amazing it is