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Friday, April 29, 2022

[New post] Getting closer to Nature

Site logo image Nimue Brown posted: " The chances are you've seen art and photographs of people with wild things. You're a Pagan, a Druid, and the idea of wild things coming to you is deeply attractive. It would affirm how attuned you are to the natural world. It would prove your Druid-ness."

Getting closer to Nature

Nimue Brown

Apr 29

The chances are you've seen art and photographs of people with wild things. You're a Pagan, a Druid, and the idea of wild things coming to you is deeply attractive. It would affirm how attuned you are to the natural world. It would prove your Druid-ness. Maybe you could rescue something and raise it. Maybe you could tame something.

It's a temptation I entirely understand. Wild things are deeply emotionally affecting. There are few experiences more powerful and affirming than having a wild being look back at you and not just run away. These are usually experiences I have at a distance. I don't try to handle wild things unless they genuinely need my help - getting hedgehogs out of roads being the thing I've done most of. I won't rescue wildlife from other wildlife because everyone has to eat. I will move creatures who are at risk of being harmed by humans.

Without knowledge, skills and the right resources, bringing a rescued creature home is really risky for them. It's better to get them to a professional, or an established rescue centre if they really need help. It's always worth considering leaving them to let nature take its course - thus providing someone else with a meal. Decisions about who to help and who to leave hungry should not be based on cuteness. For me, whether the species itself is endangered is going to be my biggest consideration.

If wild things get used to humans, this can make them vulnerable. We can put them in danger if they start thinking humans are safe to approach, or a good food source. We can frighten them, disrupt their lives and cause them harm by trying to get close to them. Often the kindest and most respectful thing to do is to stand still and let the wild thing do as it will if that doesn't put you at risk either. Enjoy the moment. Wild creatures who seek food from humans can end up being killed for being aggressive and invasive.

The situation is different with semi-wild things - feeding the ducks on the pond in the park is not really going to impact harmfully on them. Birds in your town centre are not going to be compromised, probably. It's worth noting that seagulls in particular can become aggressive in their dealings with people if they think they can get food. It is important to know what you're doing, and to know what is safe and appropriate food for any semi-wild things that move towards you. Don't give dairy to birds. Don't pollute the water by throwing in loads of bread that just sinks to the bottom.

If we genuinely care about nature and about wild things, one of the best things we can do is not impose. Humans put a lot of pressure on nature as it is, without Pagans trying to live out fantasies in invasive ways. Stay on the path. Don't interfere with wild lives. Don't try to feed them your lunch. Don't steal their babies - leaving young unattended is normal. Don't deliberately get close to their homes, nests, or dens. Watch them from a distance that keeps them safe.

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