Communities come in different forms

I took this photo when I was lucky enough to see this young leopard in the Kruger – not too happy at having been spotted!

I was heartened to read Mandy’s and Vanessa’s blog (both are really great) and learn about all the ways one can be part of a community and the benefits that it brings. This gave me the courage to talk about a community which is important to my wellbeing. However, strange to say, it is a virtual one.

I have discovered that you can still feel part of a community, despite it being virtual. It does not detract from the connections you form. In fact, despite being visible or invisible within it, it can build an incredibly strong bond – that binds you across continents, time zones, ages…because millions of you are linked by a common love and interest which you get to share every day.

For me, this is Wild Earth (connecting people to nature). In real-time but shared virtually, you go out morning and evening “on the back” of safari vehicles live, raw, nothing staged or edited, through the bush in South Africa.

You get to know the guides who share their love and knowledge of what you are seeing and ‘meet’ different loyal viewers. You learn about the environment, including the geology, plants, insects, reptiles, birds…and spend quality time with the animals that live in the reserves and get to share some of their lives – sometimes over their lifetime.

It’s about the joy of watching baby ellies – the fun and laughter, the awe as a leopard leaps around a tree with such agility and grace, the happiness of seeing an old friend, even if it is a leopard, lion or hyena…

And it’s not just me who has benefited from all that this community brings. In the five years I have been watching, I have heard from various viewers how Wild Earth has helped them through difficult times, positively impacting their wellbeing as they immerse themselves in nature, albeit through a screen.

 When you are far from a place you know and love, this is a true gift of connection and community that I am grateful to have found and am proud to belong to.

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