"I am a South London born and raised wildlife enthusiast who currently works in a nature reserve as a ranger. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination of other living things around me. Since completing my degree in Zoology, I have taken part in many wildlife projects abroad and in the UK which led to my particular interest in birds. In 2023 I started an Instagram @outsidewithlira to teach urban communities about birds and other wildlife around them. Birding has helped me through tough times, and I want others to experience the benefits too.

Birds are so underrated and they are everywhere, whether you are in the countryside or in the city like me! Before i took up birding in 2020, I could only recognise Pigeons and the Robin and had no idea that there were hundreds of different birds living around the city. Taking notice of birds made me notice other wildlife and became an escape for me. Birding allows me to focus on something, leaving little room in my mind for negative thoughts. Watching birds soon became less about the science and more about how it made me feel. I want others to experience the joy and mental health benefits of birding. Its free, easy and anybody can do it!"

To find out more about Outside with Lira visit: https://64millionartists.com/lira-valencia/

“Rwy’n un a gafodd ei geni a’i magu yn Ne Llundain ac sydd yn gwirioni efo bywyd gwyllt, ac sydd ar hyn o bryd yn gweithio fel warden mewn gwarchodfa natur. Cyn belled a allaf gofio rwyf wedi cael fy nenu gan bethau byw eraill o fy nghwmpas. Ers gorffen fy ngradd mewn Sŵoleg rwyf wedi bod yn rhan o sawl prosiect bywyd gwyllt dramor ac ym Mhrydain, a hynny wedi arwain at fy niddordeb arbennig mewn adar. Yn 2023 dechreuais gyfrif Instagram @outsidewithlira i ddysgu cymunedau trefol am adar a mathau eraill o fywyd gwyllt o’u hamgylch. Mae adara wedi bod o gymorth i mi oresgyn adegau anodd, ac rwyf yn awyddus i eraill brofi’r un budd.”

https://64millionartists.com/lira-valencia/