THE coronavirus lockdown has prevented us from properly enjoying the great outdoors, but many of us have instead found a new appreciation for the natural wonders on our own doorsteps.

Now, Gwent Wildlife Trust is inviting people to take part in the #Wildlifefromhome competition and share their best snaps and videos of the wildlife they’ve spotted in their gardens and local areas during lockdown, including bees, bugs, butterflies and badgers, kingfishers, moths and mammals such as hedgehogs and foxes, as well as many other species.

Gwent Wildlife Trust patron and TV naturalist Iolo Williams is supporting the charity’s competition.

He said: “Wherever you live each and every one of us is only a few feet away from nature in our neighbourhood, whether that’s in the garden, outside your window or in your street.

South Wales Argus: May bug. Picture: Rob WallerMay bug. Picture: Rob Waller

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Mr Williams added: “Now more than ever with the current lockdown in place, it’s a great time to truly connect and appreciate your wildlife neighbours.

“From birds, bees, butterflies and other mini-beasts like beetles and moths, to foraging foxes, hedgehogs and roadside verges full of unmown wildflowers, there is whole new community of nature to experience right now.

“Please enjoy it safely and enter photos and videos of your sightings into Gwent Wildlife Trust’s #Wildifefromhome competition, and also share them on the Gwent Wildlife Trust Spotting page on Facebook.”

South Wales Argus: Poplar hawk moths. Picture: Sarah HarrisPoplar hawk moths. Picture: Sarah Harris

Entry into Gwent Wildlife Trust’s #Wildlifefromhome competition is free, and photographic and video entries are welcome.

The competition runs until July 31.

To enter and find out more visit: www.gwentwildlife.org/wildlife-home-competition