ON THE THIS MONTH Overflow outlet Rare Earth Helen Czerski and Tom Heap investigate how we can restore the health of our waterways. They talk to the Rivers Trust, delve into the history of our water system, and hear about some remarkable waterfleas that can suck up pollutants. Catch up on BBC Sounds Take time to connect with nature this spring / G E T T Y I N S KY K A M I S H A : M ; T R E E : G E T T Y PA N E L ; B B C TOW L E R I N : E DW I M AG E C OV E R Bearded vulture Wild Inside The bearded vulture of Central Asia and eastern Africa is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Ben Garrod and Jess French delve deep inside this bird of prey to learn what it eats and what keeps its great wings aloft. Catch up on BBC Sounds The Life Scientific Palaeontologist Nick Longrich studies the bones that others have overlooked. By rummaging through the back rooms of museums, he finds traces of neverbefore-described dinosaurs and has discovered over a dozen new species. Catch up on BBC Sounds Keep in touch wildlifemagazine@ourmedia.co.uk instagram.com/bbcwildlifemagazine twitter.com/WildlifeMag facebook.com/wildlifemagazine Just by reading this magazine, you’re doing yourself a favour PAUL McGUINNESS, EDITOR Idon’t know when I first became aware of the idea that being in nature was good for my mental health. As far as I recall, mental health wasn’t a thing we talked about when I was younger. Now, I’m acutely aware that being in natural spaces is key to my wellbeing; nature is nourishing. Today, we have data that proves this – GPs prescribe nature, and scientists study our response to the colour green. This month, I particularly enjoyed Emily Wheeler’s exploration of nature journalling (p62), which is a timely look at one of the many ways that we can connect with nature, ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19th May). It’s not something I’d ever tried before, but Emily’s inspiring piece has made me include a notebook in my backpack when heading out. Even reading a magazine about wildlife is good for your wellbeing, so be kind to yourself, and get stuck in! discoverwildlife.com BBC WILDLIFE 3