These days, Richard continues to watch wildlife with a camera in hand, as he is now a keen photographer. Hearing the first signs of chiffchaff’s singing in early spring is always a delight. Nightingales singing as the sun rises and sets in late April and early May, the ‘purr’ of turtle doves during the height of summer, and the arrival of winter visitors like Brent geese are all highlights for him and are all iconic Essex species.
However, Richard has witnessed the rapid collapse in populations of so many species that used to be common and widespread due to over-development and habitat degradation already in his lifetime. He wants us to urgently reverse this and rewild our communities, our country, and our world. He feels strongly that nature needs our encouragement and protection, and we need nature for the well-being of our physical and mental health.
