14 Comments
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Martin D's avatar

Nice one Ruth. I find many of my own thoughts and experiences echoed in what you describe.

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Glad it resonated with you, it's such an important issue.

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Richard - Out Walking's avatar

I so totally agree, Ruth. We cannot know the neighbours without having their names - I will be sharing your splendid article with my own readers over the weekend. This is so important.

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I'm slowly learning the names of more of my neighbours.

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Juliet Wilson's avatar

This is exactly why it's important to learn the names of things, even though I do think it's possible to enjoy nature without knowing the names of things.

Your post also fits nicely with the next post I'm writing, and I'll link to it there!

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

I'll look forward to your next post and thanks for sharing mine.

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Clare's avatar

You put it beautifully

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Thank you!

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Patisu Lambert's avatar

For plant ID, I use “Seek” affiliated with iNaturalist.

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Yes, there's a few different options. The other one I like is Plantnet.

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Thomas Winward's avatar

Great article. I’m usually an advocate for being able to appreciate things without knowing all the ins and outs and the names of the things to make nature connection less intimidating. But it’s alarming that so few people can name even the most common things. And you’re absolutely right about using the names to understand our impact and reconnect with the world.

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Thanks. Thomas. I agree that no-one should feel they have to know the names of other species in order to appreciate them but I know I've got so much more out of my enjoyment of the natural world since starting to learn a little more about what I'm encountering.

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rebecca hooper's avatar

Oh I agree with this so completely, and it is so beautifully argued in this piece!

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Ruth Bradshaw's avatar

Thank you, that's kind of you to say so.

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