Hedgehogs
A sick hedgehog joined our growing menagerie on Wednesday. I haven’t seen one close up for years, only a few unfortunate squashed individuals on the doorstep. It was the archetypal ‘Mrs Tiggywinkle’ with sparkling eyes and a wet snuffling nose. Well that was on day two, on day two it looked totally dejected. It quickly rolled into a ball when we picked it up, displaying it’s wonderful anti-predation tactic. This evolutionary behaviour is ingenious, but doesn’t outwit a car. Being given this sick hedgerow sparked a home-school project with our...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Marathoners Return to the UK!
Imagine running a marathon day after day. How about running six marathons a day for six weeks?! Well it may not be humanly possible, but as you walk to your local shop, to the allotments or playing fields, you could be in the presence of an animal that has done exactly that; the barn swallow. Travelling over 6,500 miles from its wintering grounds in southern Africa: threading through ancient trees in the Congo rainforest, under the gaze of African grey parrots, lowland gorillas and forest elephants; slicing over the rolling dunes of the Sahara desert; catching midges amongst the olive groves...
Read MoreWhy did we Choose to Run South America?
We chose to run South America because we thought we might only be able to run such a very long way, 6504 miles, once in our lives. And in that case, it would have to be the most wildlife and plant rich place in the world. With the largest tropical rainforest, the biggest river, longest mountain chain, most bird, monkey and amphibian species and so much more… it was very clear, South America it had to be! We got to know some amazing wildlife and wildlands along the way, including snakes, giant anteaters and guanacos. So why not check out this video and meet them! Then put on your...
Read MoreQ. What is the craziest animal you have ever seen?
Thanks Master Elithorn from Farnham for that question! Well, it´s good timing too, because we were running through Brazil the other day and what we saw blew our minds!!! A Giant Anteater! They live in all sorts of habitats but in many places they are not doing well at the moment. It is easiest to find them in savanna which is a habitat that has long grasses and some gnarly trees. They are such a crazy creature, check out his nose!! Why not watch the video . . .then we have a question for YOU! Can you think what he normally eats (HINT: often the common name of an animal givs away lots of...
Read MoreSurvival – March of the Insects
Clouds of butterflies, armies of leaf-cutter ants, stinging wasps, tiny black or yellow salt loving bees, swarms of midges and batallions of termites. These have been our chief companions over the past couple of weeks, whilst running through the steaming heat of northern Bolivia. Butterflies “boozing” on the salt on our clothes! When I say, “companions”, the leaf-cutters, if truth be told, have been more foe than friend. It seems that leaves are not the only fodder they like to march home with to grow their fungi gardens. Unfortunately, they have mis-identified...
Read More“Have you seen an Anaconda or any other snakes?”
Question from six year old Tommy of Dulverton Somerset, UK. Thank you for asking Tommy! You´ve asked a very popular question. Lots of people are interested in snakes and the species (types) we are seeing. So here goes……..! The Answer: NO & YES+ VIDEO BELOW!!! YES: Now that we are in the Tropics and running through the enormous Amazon Basin we see a snake almost everyday. Unfortunately, 90% of the time they are squished on the road by the passing traffic. Snakes are fascinating and we both love watching them. I remember finding the worn out skins of grass snakes and...
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