“Sometimes I think that the point of birdwatching is not the actual seeing of the birds, but the cultivation of patience. Of course, each time we set out, there's a certain amount of expectation we'll see something, maybe even a species we've never seen before, and that it will fill us with light. But even if we don't see anything remarkable - and sometimes that happens - we come home filled with light anyway.”
― Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother's Memoir

And that's what it's about!

Whether you be brand new to the birdwatching game, or a long-time, avid spotter, as one writer has it - “Birds will give you a window, if you allow them. They will show you secrets from another world– fresh vision that, though it is avian, can accompany you home and alter your life. They will do this for you even if you don't know their names– though such knowing is a thoughtful gesture. ”

We find out more about Adam Riley's new book, commissioned by Helm Wildlife Guides, on Birds of South Africa, the portable concise must-have that will give you an entry into 'twitching', or a quick reference if you're travelling light. And more about how birds are so essential to not only the world at large but to the space surrounding you.

Of Earth Hour and the Coming of Autumn

The Earth is slightly turning off its axis as we begin the descent from the long heady golden days of summer into the changing of colour and season. So what should you be doing in your garden to prepare it for the winter months? Cary Goodwin gives us the tips you'll need for our version of the 4 P's - planning, preparation, patience and plenty of it!

We give you the lowdown on what Earth Hour really means, and how you can switch yourself on while switching power off. Go green - and get planning where you can plant your green veggies out.

In a departure from our usual conversations on Grounded, Melanie Walker finds out from David Barritt, Executive Director of two international charities for animals, about what is going on in Africa when it comes to our protected species - and those that are more commonplace.

Whether it be pangolins, rhinos, cats and dogs or donkeys, YOU can make a difference. If you love animals, this needs to be listened to.

Well - Bats may seem like that to rats, but we think so too!

Guest: Jonathan Haw (Director, EcoSolutions)

“In their previous lives, poets were bats, and thinkers were owls.”
― Michael Bassey Johnson, Song of a Nature Lover

And that's what this episode of Grounded is all about - the kings and princes of the night skies, Bats and Owls.

Jonathan Haw, director of Ecosolutions, lets us in on the mythology surrounding our nocturnal hunters, how to move them if you don't want bats in your belfry, and how to encourage them to come and keep your property clear of rats and Mozzies!

How to be a useful member of the Human Race.

Donna-Mari Noble (Communications Manager, MPact)

National Recycling Day happened on the 17th September this year in South Africa - did you do your bit to help lessen your load on the planet?

Donna-Mari Noble of MPact recycling gives us the latest on how South Africa is faring when it comes to recycling - and it’s not all bad news!

We also delve into what happens to things that could be recycled aren’t, where your waste goes, and how you can get you - and importantly, your child - involved in making a difference and being a ‘cleaner’ human becoming.

Must be in this cold!

Cary Goodwin (Spokesperson for Life is a Garden, head Supergirl at Peebles and Colourful Group)

Winter. Sends shivers down the spine. In more ways than one.

But spring ain’t that far away, so Cary Goodwin reckons it’s time to start getting your garden sorted with a blast of colour from all the wonderful members of the ‘daisy’ family.

And how to get the best hedges going to try and keep them (and your neighbours) contained.

There’s also a great idea for honouring the women in your life, as we reckon we hold the earth in our hands!