Fieldcraft AKA how to watch wildlife without disturbing it

Emma Chaplin
, 15 September 2024
Fieldcraft AKA how to watch wildlife without disturbing it
David Plummer camouflaged

David Plummer is an award-winning wildlife photographer, film-maker, author, as well as a Sussex Wildlife Trust Trustee. He regularly runs Fieldcraft and Tracking Courses. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about them.

What is fieldcraft?

Everything that gets you close to wildlife. Becoming alert to sounds, smells, as well as looking out for trails. Using your knowledge of the wind direction, as well as all the senses. Looking out for a single hair, or hearing alarm calls of different animals. 

It is, in a way, the 'dark arts of wildlife film-making'. Although not really dark! The entire point is not to disturb or harm wildlife.

What happens on one of your courses?

They include a series of discussions and presentations, combined with outdoor fields trips and exercises. It's an anecdotal course with lots of asides. Over the years, for example, I've watched Badgers and owls for thousands of hours. so if participants ask questions, I will share my knowledge. This is a course offering knowledge and techniques to take away and put into practice. Using fieldcraft, I've been a metre from a Barn Owl, for example.  

How do we achieve the right balance between educating ourselves and other people about wildlife and not disturbing it eg lifting a log to see what’s underneath, pond dipping with kids etc?

By understanding what has truly disturbed the balance of wildlife - habitat destruction by over-development and intense use of herbicides and pesticides. 

You want people to get their hands dirty looking at wildlife. Kids need to get wet and muddy to learn about it. Investigating it gently has no real negative effect, unless the wildlife concerned is extremely sensitive. 

What species do you look to track/stalk at Woods Mill?

Anything that we come across. We use our investigative skills to find out what's there. Song Thrush, owls, deer. 

What do you wear to get close to wildlife and not get noticed?

Complete camouflage.

David Plummer camouflaged
David Plummer camouflaged

 What’s your best bird alarm call impression?

I'd say the Jay.

What’s your top tip to anyone interested in this?

Be eternally curious about wildlife and observe constantly. Don't just ID a bird or animal. Watch it. The more you open your eyes, the more you see.

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