14 Comments
Aug 17Liked by Ruth Bradshaw

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

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

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

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

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Aug 18Liked by Ruth Bradshaw

You put it beautifully

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Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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