Wild City (encounters with urban wildlife)
Wild City (available on audio for blind readers) is a book that takes us on a fascinating journey into why we should learn to appreciate our fellow urban species, from the badgers of central Brighton to tunnel-dwelling Black Country bats. And even insects on the London Underground that are found nowhere else on earth.
The author shares what we might see (if we only take time to look). And how nature is adapting to human-engineered environments in unexpected and clever ways.
This a lyrical book that invites us to celebrate the natural world that surrounds us. And offers a clear glimpse into the challenges that our fellow species face (both animals and plants) as cities turn to urban sprawl.
The author then offers a compelling manifesto for city wildlife, suggesting how we may take action to protect the often over-looked residents that live alongside us.
Florence Wilkinson is a journalist and filmmaker, who has written for Telegraph Magazine. She is also cofounder of Warblr, an app that recognises any bird by its song.
How to help urban city wildlife
- Make roads safer for wildlife.
- Pigeon Rescue (pick up and hair/string to avoid tangling feet)
- Give seagulls back their seaside homes.
- Help wild foxes. Learn how to protect chickens from predators (same advice for rabbits and guinea pigs – foxes can survive on other foods from fruit to earthworms).
- Read how to how to help your wildlife rescue
- Report wildlife crime to Crimestoppers (anonymous)
Wildlife-friendly urban gardens
- Only cut and prune vegetation from September to February, outside of breeding periods (to help nesting birds).
- Provide wildlife-friendly gardens and ponds (for amphibians)
- Safe havens for garden birds (what not to feed birds and how to buy, site and clean feeders/houses and bird baths – keep cats indoors at dusk/dawn when birds are feeding – avoid ‘climbable’ poles)).
- Stop bird strike (switch off unused lights, avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens and place feeders less than 1.5 feet or more than 10 feet away).
If you share your home with animal friends, learn about pet-friendly gardens and use nontoxic humane slug and snail deterrents.
Living with Urban Wildlife is a book by the late John Bryant, who was England’s best expert on humane wildlife deterrence. He gives practical advice on how to humanely deter squirrels, pigeons and moles, without causing distress.
