Living with the coronavirus pandemic has meant many people are having to stay closer to home, but one benefit is having more time to take notice of the natural world around us. From in Highland cow in Oldham to a jackdaw in Ireland, UK and European readers have been sharing pictures and stories of their local flora and fauna. ‘They were uplifting’ I took the photo of the lambs on 15 March during my regular lockdown walk between Wigston, Kilby and Wistow along the Grand Union canal towpath. It is a beautiful walk and full of wildlife – the field is just off the canal. I have been doing the same walk most days during the last 12 months. I had never realised there was so much wildlife and farm life going on so close to my home and I’ve learned a lot because I have got to know the area much better. The walk and photography have kept me sane and are therapeutic. The photo of the lambs was a surprise as I hadn’t seen them in this area before. I thought they were uplifting – an antidote to the bad news going on at the moment and a sort of reminder that life carries on. Mark Healey, 59, retired data analyst, Wigston, Leicestershire ‘I was surprised to see them in an urbanised area’ The picture above was taken on 6 March at Daisy Nook country park, in Oldham. I had not been before lockdown and didn’t know what to expect nor what I would see, but I took a visit as part of my exercise outdoors. I was surprised to see Highland cows in an urbanised area and seeing them in real life was another thing. With each visit to the park you never know what you’re going to find or spot. I believe there is more wildlife since the pandemic started as it’s a lot quieter with less people around. Donna Beech, 43, works in the railway industry, Hyde, Greater Manchester ‘His icy blue eyes looked strange’ I saw this jackdaw in my back garden on St Patrick’s day, 17 March, in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland. The birds are slower to return to the garden this year as the neighbour’s tree is packed with nesting jackdaws. There are four nests in one tree and up to 30 jackdaws watching the garden to take the food. The one in the photo looked quite large and strong compared to the smaller birds that normally come to visit our bird feeders. When he looked straight into the lens, I only realised then how strange the icy blue eyes of a jackdaw are. Caoimhe Tyndall, 26, retail manager, Westmeath, Ireland ‘With the sun behind it you could really appreciate how intricate webs are’ I have been walking around the woods I took the photo in for about five years with my dogs. The picture of the spider web was taken on St David’s day, 1 March, at about 7.30am in Cilcain, Wales. When I took it, it couldn’t have been in a more perfect position. With the sun behind it you could really appreciate how intricate webs are. Hannah Hough, 29, Cilcain, Wales ‘Such beautiful detail on each petal’ I took the photo of what I think are butterfly orchids on 11 March in the countryside around Frigiliana, Spain. I discovered them when walking with my friends, and have returned many times and there are lots there now. I was so delighted to see them – they’re so bright and colourful with beautiful detail on each petal. Since lockdown we moved to the countryside to have more space, and since then I have seen animals such as wild boar, a kestrel and hoopoes. Linda Riseborough, 59, retired nurse manager, Frigiliana, Spain ‘I felt comforted by the trust the bird had in me’ I took the picture of a robin on 18 March at the Longton Brickcroft nature reserve in Lancashire. It is a place that I used to go to as a child in my home town and I was revisiting the area for a short walk before dropping off food essentials for my shielding parents. I lost my grandad the day before and we were not able to say goodbye. I heard the sound of birdsong and held out some seed in my hand. Seeing the robin lit me up inside, elated to have witnessed such a precious moment. I felt comforted by the trust the bird had in me – to stand it’s tiny delicate feet on my palm. I felt moved and the robin’s momentary gaze almost reassured me it will all be all right. Working throughout the pandemic in a special needs school has encouraged me to get out in my spare time and soak up moments outdoors, observing the changing seasons and going out in all weathers to help keep me positive and hopeful. Lois Hunt, 45, teacher, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire