Spread the birdwatching bug

Actor Samuel West, star of the much-loved TV show All Creatures Great and Small and RSPB Ambassador, is on a mission to show his friend Adrian Edmondson the UK’s birds. His latest show, Sam & Ade Go Birding, is all about how to help his enthusiastic friend discover the joys that UK wildlife, and many RSPB nature reserves, have to offer.

Whether it’s a simple walk in a local park to see little-noticed wonders, or an expedition for an iconic species, there are loads of ways to inspire a lifelong passion for nature. Sam shares some top tips.

1. How do you inspire others to try birdwatching?

I think enthusiasm in all its forms is cool, and can be infectious. Sharing your birding delight in person is a great place to start. Ade said when he was out with his grandchildren he wanted to be able to ID the birds he sees around him in Devon. So that gave us a mission. Before we started, we agreed that even if we didn’t see anything, we’d still enjoy a pint together. So that took the pressure off.

If you’re taking a friend out, consider what they’re into. Find a good habitat, so that even if there’s not much about, you’ve had a decent walk. Build things into your day that you know they’ll like – a picnic, counting species or even a bit of friendly competition if your friend enjoys a challenge. Give the trip some structure. Once you’re out there together, just open your eyes and your ears and let the birds work their magic.

2. What are the best places, species and seasons to start with?

Choose somewhere you know quite well at first, so you’ll have some idea of what you might see. A nature reserve is a good start. If it’s near your friend, so much the better. Certain times of year are better than others; spring and autumn migration always bring a new cast of characters to hear and look at. Try and enjoy the common stuff. Don’t forget that your everyday bird could be their new rarity – Adrian’s delight at seeing a Redshank taught me that. When they realise they can see wonderful things close by, people realise how easy this hobby can be. They can spread their wings as their birding curiosity grows.

Learn more about Redshanks, the guardians of the saltmarsh

When introducing someone to birdwatching, go where you’ll know what species you could see. Photo: Frank Films, Channel 5

In episode three, Sam and Ade visit RSPB Ham Wall in search of a Bittern. Photo: Frank Films, Channel 5

3. Once they’re inspired, what next?

For me, birdsong was the gateway drug. I find it truly magical, and it took my birding to new levels. I still remember the excitement when I heard a Long-tailed Tit, attempted to ID it by song and then saw it and knew I’d got the ID right. I had a new ‘superpower’: I could walk through a wood and know what birds were around me without opening my eyes. Later, as you see more clearly, differentiating birds by tiny details just makes the journey more captivating.

4. How is getting outside beneficial?

Being out in nature is good for our heads, our hearts and our health. To be immersed in a non-human world gives us perspective. Iris Murdoch called it ‘unselfing’. I hope viewers of the show like seeing the friendship that develops between Ade and me. When we’re out, there’s an ease to the chats we have, even if we’re discussing bereavement or our own mortality. Whether you’re driving, watching football or birdwatching, two people looking at something that isn’t each other is often a great help to these conversations and reflections!

5. Why is birdwatching a great hobby to do together?

I like to call it the gentle art of noticing. Once you’re out, you’re invested – and that’s the only way we’ll protect the planet; by believing that we’re all custodians of it.

Birding is a simple pleasure, with so many rewards. Imagine if we all introduced a friend to it, and they loved it and introduced another friend. It’s a genuine reason to spend more time together and to enjoy more time outdoors, stoking the love of nature which sits inside us all. I’m not saying birding can save the world, but it’s a start.

Enjoy all episodes of Sam & Ade Go Birding on Channel 5. Series 1 is available to stream on 5 now