NATURE IN FOCUS

Join in with Science+Nature's trail at Cheltenham Science Festival.

Taking place between 4 and 9 June, the Cheltenham Science Festival is one of the biggest celebrations of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects in the UK. This year’s science trail is all about the wonders of nature and how to capture them with a camera. Scattered around the festival site are nine boards with tips on taking your very own wildlife pictures, as well as facts about the UK’s plants and animals.

All you have to do is search out the boards and find the answers to the questions on page 43. If you’re not going to the festival, you can still play along – we’ve included a round-up here. To find out more go to cheltenhamfestivals.com/science

Watch and wait

Nature photography is all about patience. You should be prepared to sit around for ages waiting to get the perfect shot. Luckily, owls also like to stay put for long periods. If they feel safe, some will happily stay in the same spot all day. Their nocturnal habits can make these birds of prey tricky to spot, but if you watch for the signs and wait for the moment, you could be rewarded with an amazing photograph

Go low

There’s lots of amazing action going on at ground level. Did you know, for example, that hedgehogs are speedy runners, careful climbers and surprisingly good swimmers. To capture dramatic photos of little animals, get on your tummy to snap your chosen subject. Being on the same level puts you into the world of small animals and gives you an insight into their lives.

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