The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

Living in the heart of a bustling city, wildlife sightings are rare. The urban landscape I call home is mostly a “concrete jungle” of streets, buildings, and parks that have adapted to our modern way of life. While nature might seem far away, occasionally, it sneaks up on you in the most unexpected ways.

City wildlife tends to be limited to the regulars. On a typical day, you might spot pigeons strutting through the streets or seagulls scavenging chips on the high street. There are a few sparrows, crows, and magpies—less glamorous but part of the urban charm nonetheless. The occasional fox might wander by at night, and if you’re lucky, a hedgehog might shuffle its way through someone’s garden. Yet, these are the usual suspects—wild in name, but practically neighbours.

But then, there are moments that surprise you. I remember one such encounter when I saw something completely out of the ordinary—a snake! It was small and slithering quietly along the path I was taking home. To say I was shocked would be an understatement! I’m pretty sure it was a grass snake, though I hadn’t imagined such creatures roaming the city. That brief moment stayed with me, reminding me that even in urban spaces, nature can make its presence felt.

Of course, venture just a bit beyond the city limits, and you’ll find a different story. The New Forest, not far from where I live, is a treasure trove of wildlife. It’s a place where you might spot deer grazing gracefully or ponies wandering freely, living their best lives away from the urban sprawl. It’s a completely different world—quiet, green, and teeming with life.

Still, I’m a city person through and through. While the outskirts offer their own charm, there’s something about the vibrancy of city life that keeps me grounded. The concrete jungle may not boast the biodiversity of the countryside, but it has its moments—fleeting but memorable encounters with the wild.

So, do I ever see wild animals? Not often, but when I do, they remind me that life has a way of surprising us—even in the middle of a city.