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This week’s wild things: sticklebacks, soft plums & signal crayfish
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Streams, chalk-covered patios, and the magic of getting outside when things feel wobbly. Dear Reader, We’ve just returned home to Wild Finca from a lovely, if slightly exhausting, week in the UK. A break from routine, the absence of their beloved animal companions, and the sensory whirlwind of new places proved to be a bit much for our boys at times (if we're honest, for all of us!). The solution? As always: getting outside. Last summer, we discovered an invasive Signal Crayfish in a stream near the grandparents'. These freshwater invaders have done a fair bit of ecological damage in the UK - though, as Roan discovered, they do taste quite good. With that memory in mind, he was eager to return this year, better equipped. Armed with some string, scissors, and a 2-litre plastic drinks bottle, we improvised a trap and set off. Along the way, we scrambled through the roadside vegetation and stumbled upon a rabbit warren, its diggings full of chalky chunks — perfect for drawing on the lane (and the grandparents’ patio...).The footpath gifted us Ragwort dotted with orange-and-black Cinnabar moth caterpillars. Then, just before the stream, we spotted a Tiger Moth resting in the reeds. Despite our best efforts, no crayfish were found this time - a small disappointment for Roan’s lunch plans, but hopefully a sign their numbers are finally dropping, which is good news for the stream. Instead, a curious Stickleback swam into our bottle trap, was gently examined, then returned to the water. We headed home empty-handed but content. Early blackberries and wild plums lined our path, sweetening the walk and softening everyone's mood. Sometimes, a little wildness is all it takes to reset the day. (You can watch our full adventure over on Instagram!) So if things feel a bit wobbly this summer holiday - step outside. In our experience, a moment in nature always saves the day! 🌿 Have you joined our FREE 3-Day Mini Nature Quest?If you haven’t already, come join our growing community for a gentle, grounding experience in nature - no gear, no prep, just presence. Starting July 23rd, you’ll receive: It’s completely free - and new faces are joining every day! We’d love to welcome you.
From our wild corner to yours, |
The Wild Finca Insider: Stories from our Sanctuary for Nature
From our rewilding sanctuary in the mountains of Asturias, we're creating something special - and we'd love you to be part of it. Join our community of 1000+ nature lovers to receive: ⭐ Weekly nature connection inspiration ⭐ Behind-the-scenes rewilding updates ⭐ Seasonal nature challenges ⭐ Exclusive community access
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