A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Watching: How to Stay Safe and Respect Nature

11 May

Wildlife watching can be one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the natural world. Whether you’re spotting puffins on a cliff edge, deer in a forest, or sea turtles on a beach, witnessing animals in their natural habitat is a privilege — and it comes with responsibility.

At Will’s Odyssey, I believe the best wildlife encounters are the ones where both you and the animal leave safely. So here’s a simple guide to help you enjoy wildlife respectfully, without causing harm or stress to the creatures we love.

1. Keep Your Distance

The golden rule: if you’re close enough to change an animal’s behaviour, you’re too close.

Use binoculars or a zoom lens to observe from afar — this lets you get great views and photos without interfering.
Watch for signs of stress: rapid movement, alarm calls, or retreating behaviour mean you’re too close.
If this happens: slowly back away, avoid sudden movements, and give the animal space.

Respecting an animal’s space is not only kind — it also leads to better, more natural sightings.

2. Stay Quiet, Low, and Still

Wildlife is easily startled by noise and sudden movement.
Stay low to the ground and move slowly if you need to shift position.
Silence your phone, avoid loud talking, and listen to the sounds of nature — you’ll be surprised how much more you notice.

In stillness, you often see the most.

3. Keep Dogs on Leads Around Wildlife

Many species — including ground-nesting birds, deer, and seals — are vulnerable to disturbance by dogs.
Keep dogs on a short lead in nature reserves or wildlife hotspots.
If your dog is reactive or hard to recall, avoid areas where sensitive species are active.

It’s not just about the chase — even a curious sniff near a nest can destroy a habitat.

4. Don’t Chase or Corner Animals for a Better View

It can be tempting to get closer, but never block escape routes or force animals into corners.
Avoid following or surrounding wildlife — this causes intense stress and can lead to injury or abandonment.
Be especially mindful near nesting sites, dens, or mothers with young.

A single careless action can undo days of hard work by conservation teams.

5. Use a Zoom Lens for Wildlife Photography

Long lenses (200mm and above) let you capture detailed wildlife portraits without stepping too close.
Crop your photos later — it's better than risking a disturbance for the sake of a close-up.
If filming video, set up from a distance and wait patiently.

The best wildlife photos are earned through patience, not pressure.

6. Stick to Paths and Respect Signs

Nature reserves and national parks have designated paths for a reason: to protect habitats and reduce impact.
Don’t climb over fences or ignore “no entry” signs — many areas are closed seasonally to protect breeding birds or sensitive species.

If you love nature, follow the rules designed to protect it.

7. Leave No Trace

Don’t litter, feed wildlife, or leave food behind — this can harm animals and attract predators.
Avoid loud music, BBQs, or drones in sensitive areas unless permitted.

Your goal is to blend into the wild — not change it.

8. Go With the Flow of Nature

Wildlife works on its own schedule — be patient, be still, and take in the whole environment, not just the animals.
Sometimes the best sightings happen when you least expect it.

Final Thoughts

Respectful wildlife watching isn’t just about the animals — it’s about becoming part of the landscape without disrupting it. Every quiet moment, every slow step, every respectful encounter helps build a culture of care for the natural world.

Whether you’re heading to Skomer to see puffins or walking your dog near a local woodland, these small choices make a big difference — for the animals, and for your own experience.

Will Crossley