365 Days Wild. Lucy McRobert

      If you can get your hands on a good pair, do. There’s nothing worse than having cold, wet toes as you trudge through the wild, and a lovely pair of wellies coupled with cosy, thick socks will do the trick.

      A thermos flask

      Even in the summer, it can get a bit chilly outside, and loads of Random Acts of Wildness will be hugely enhanced with a warming mug of hot chocolate, a strong coffee or a nice cup of tea. Whatever your favourite tipple, investing in a good thermos flask for those chilly days, early mornings and late evenings will be money well spent.

      Binoculars

      If you’re really getting into your wild adventures, it might be time to invest in a pair of binoculars, which will help you explore wildlife and wild places in more detail, and cause the minimal amount of disturbance to sensitive wildlife. They’re not just great for birds, but will come in handy for scanning the sea for marine life and watching mammals, too. You can pick up a good pair for around £100, and as with anything, the more you spend, the better the quality. Lots of nature reserves and visitor centres have demonstrations where you can test different pairs to see which ones are best for you.

      A field guide or two

      As a book addict, my house is simply teeming with field guides for every different kind of animal you can think of: birds, butterflies, whales, dolphins, moths, bats, mammals, wildflowers, fungi and more. You don’t need all of these: when you’re starting out, there are loads of free websites that can help with identification. You can also download field guides as apps on to your smartphone. But if you’re like me, and love the feel of a book in your hands, buying one or two of your choice might be a good investment. Pick your favourite Random Acts of Wildness and work out which ones you need from there. If you’re getting into foraging, I would recommend buying a book that you can take with you, so you’re always aware of what you’re picking.

      A smartphone or camera

      This may seem counter-intuitive. After all, we’re trying to get you outside into the wild and away from all that technology. But a smartphone or camera can be very useful to document your adventures, help you with identification and, of course, take photographs. Just don’t get addicted to it and don’t let it replace your wild adventures.

       How to use this book

      The Random Acts of Wildness have been ordered roughly by season, although most can be done at any time of year: just do whatever takes your fancy on the day. Though most activities are great for kids, some – like the DIY gin recipes – are not, so parents, please supervise. As well as lots of really Random Acts of Wildness in the book, you’ll notice that there are some common themes that appear throughout.

      Wild words

      There are lots of ‘wild words’ for you to learn and try to use in everyday conversation. Words are magical things. They’re full of mischievous ideas, paint beautiful pictures, and tell us stories of the world around us. Lots of people grow up without knowing what these words are and what they really mean: are apples and blackberries fruits or phones? Are chatrooms more important than clovers, catkins and conkers? Of course not. We can all make room for a little more nature in our brains by learning some wild words, sharing them with other people and putting them into practice by having amazing wild experiences. The words scattered throughout the book are my favourites. See if you can use them. What are your favourites? You can even make up your own words – that’s how language is born!

      Think before you buy

      Again, there are lots of these tips included. They don’t require much effort at all – just a little bit of conscious thought when you’re out doing your regular weekly shop. Every time we clean our houses, do the dishes, take a shower, get crafty, eat takeaway food, and so on, we’re having an impact on planet Earth. Help is at hand, though – I’ve pulled together some easy switches to make in your everyday life that will allow you to do your bit for Mother Nature.

      Identify a wild species

      In every chapter there are examples of wild plants and animals described (with photos) that should help you feel more confident in identifying some of the most common species you might see every day. From bees to trees, grasses to fungi, there are interesting hints and tips to guide you in figuring out what species you’re looking at. Don’t worry – you don’t have to remember all of these by heart (I certainly can’t!); just keep referring to the book if you’re not sure. If you find that you really love learning about a certain group of plants or animals, think about investing in field guides for those species.

      Unexpected Random Acts of Wildness

      Unexpected animal enounters can happen anywhere and at any time. Some of them can be completely accidental, while others are even more magical than you expected. They can happen to anyone, too. I’ve included some of my own unexpected Random Acts of Wildness to show you how, once you begin to immerse yourself in a wild life, you can encounter unbelievable species. The eight included in this book are some of my most enchanting wildlife experiences – from bow riding dolphins to breaching humpback whales and encounters with badgers and natterjack toads. There are a lot more I could have picked from, too. Once you start your own wild life, you’ll find that you have your own moments. I’ve also included a few hints and tips to show you the best way to have a similar experience.

      Staying happy and safe in the wild

      I don’t want to impose lots of rules on your time in the wild: this is about what you can do, and not what you can’t. That said, being sensible and looking after nature while you’re out enjoying it will ensure it thrives for future generations. All the activities in this book are meant to be carried out responsibly, and it is your responsibility to ensure that all Random Acts of Wildness keep yourself and the natural world safe. Whether you’re climbing a tree, dipping your feet in the water or tasting a wild blackberry, take care.

      The Countryside Code

      There’s a simple code to follow when you’re out enjoying wild places, for the benefit of both people and wildlife. You can find a copy of the full code online at gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code, but here are the key points:

      Respect other people. Many people, just like you, love spending time in wild places – they live there, work there or go there for pleasure. So when you’re exploring, stick to footpaths and leave gates the way you find them (whether they’re open or closed). Climb over stiles and through gaps, never over walls or fences. Treat farm animals and vehicles with caution and respect, giving them a wide berth. If you see a problem, let the local landowner know.

      Protect the natural environment. Take as many photos as you like – but never pick wildflowers or dig up trees to take home. Make sure that all litter gets collected. Don’t light fires or drop cigarette butts. Dogs must always be kept under control and cleaned up after, and make sure to respect local rules: if an area doesn’t allow dogs, it’s for a reason. There might be ground-nesting birds or a rare habitat that needs protecting, or livestock in the area. It’s your responsibility to find out what these rules are, and the internet is a great place to start.

      All wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and it is illegal to dig up or remove a plant without permission. Some species are specially protected (these can be found on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)).

      Prepare to