How to use good fieldcraft

Watching wildlife at any time of year is magical. In winter, long-distance visitors are here to lift our spirits following their autumn migration, and once the quiet of winter has passed, birds are keen to start the breeding season. It’s a joy to watch, but it’s key that we don’t disturb wildlife at this crucial time. This is when we get a glimpse into the worlds of the creatures we live alongside, but getting too close can have damaging effects; for example, human disturbance can lead to seal pups being separated from their mothers making them less likely to survive.

Nothing beats sitting at dusk watching a Barn Owl silently hunt its prey, completely oblivious to an audience. Nature doesn’t know our intentions, so it’s vital that we speak with our actions.

1. Know when to walk away

A Grey Seal and her fluffy white pup are looking at each other with their noses touching

Seals can abandon their pups if disturbed. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Wildlife is constantly on alert to detect danger, and that includes us. If you disturb an animal it will let you know. Birds and mammals will use alarm calls and many will hide, run or fly away to protect themselves. This can be detrimental to exhausted migrant birds or animals that are nest building or raising young. If you observe these defensive behaviours, quietly retreat. It is particularly important to give seals space. Being frightened off their resting spots into water can harm them and leave them exhausted. Photographing them should be done from a safe distance using a long lens, as this photo was.

2. Be less visible to see more

Being still and quiet can lead to some of wildlife’s best views. Photo: Sam Turley (rspb-images)

One of the best things you can do in nature is to keep your distance and be quiet. In the field, be mindful to move slowly around wildlife without breaking the horizon and stay low to the ground where possible.

3. Keep your distance

Badgers are a great species to watch via remote camera as you can find their setts and predict where they may go. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

If you know the location of a Badger sett, you could set up a trail camera to observe them remotely or find a spot out of sight to watch them. It’s important to stay quiet as they are extremely sensitive to sound and smell.

Watch Badgers from a hide at an RSPB event.

4. Stick to paths and hides

Disturbing ducks, such as Teal, can reduce feeding and roosting time and have significant impact. Photo: Richard Bedford (rspb-images.com)

Outside of nature reserves, familiarise yourself with The Countryside Code and Scottish Outdoor Access Code and research the habitat and wildlife in that area. Hunker down and let nature come to you.

5. Observe the law

It is a wildlife crime to disturb breeding Capercaillie. Photo: Chris O’Reilly (rspb-images.com)

One of the UK’s most sensitive species is the beloved Capercaillie. It is a wildlife crime to disturb breeding Capercaillie, so the best protection is to let them only be observed and monitored by the experts.

Listen to the call of the Capercaillie

Find a quiet hide near you

Visit RSPB reserves with observatories for peaceful, low-impact wildlife watching. Settle in, stay quiet, and let the moments come to you. Use our reserve finder to discover hides near you and plan a visit that sees more while disturbing less.

Find your nearest reserve