Animal wildlife on the run

One of the things I love most about trail running is that it never feels the same twice. The path may stay, but the encounters along the way change everything. Sometimes it’s the sunrise, sometimes the wind in the trees — and sometimes, it’s an animal reminding me that the trail isn’t mine alone and that I’m actually a visitor.

Running has given me so many moments of connection with creatures big and small. They’ve made me laugh, made me cautious, and sometimes even given me a nudge of spiritual wisdom. Here are a few of my most memorable animal encounters out there on the trails.

Sheep & Alpacas: The fluffy zen masters

Sheep are my absolute favourites. They always look so soft, innocent, and fluffy, almost like little clouds scattered across the hills. And while they seem timid, they also remind me of calm presence. They just are — no rush, no race, just being.

Alpacas, on the other hand, carry this slightly quizzical, mystical vibe. They watch with a knowing gaze, as if they’re holding back some ancient secret. Every time I see them, I can’t help but smile (and yes, take a photo or two).

Lesson: Sometimes the best thing we can do is to just be - soft, steady, and present.

Dogs (& their humans)

Dogs are wonderful: tails wagging, a smile on their face, completely in the moment. Most are friendly, some are overenthusiastic, and a few… well, let’s just say I’ve picked up my pace when one came bounding towards me a little too eagerly!

The funny thing? It’s often the owners who feel the need to apologise or over-explain, while the dogs themselves just embody pure joy.

Lesson: Lead with joy, not with worry about how you’ll be perceived.

Horses & Donkeys: grace and power

Meeting a horse on the trail is like encountering living poetry. They’re elegant, grounded, yet so powerful that I instantly slow down, lower my voice, and give space. Horses remind me of balance — strength paired with gentleness.

Donkeys, however, bring humour and stubborn charm, their calls echoing unexpectedly through valleys.

Lesson: Slow down in The New Forest (regardless of if you’re cycling or driving) because there’ll always be horses, bulls, cows, or donkeys around the corner.

Cows & Bulls

Cows are like the curious, slightly nosy neighbours of the trails. They’ll stop chewing, lift their heads, and stare like I’ve interrupted some very important meeting.

Bulls, however… they demand respect. When I see one, I’m instantly aware of my body language, clothing (yes, red matters!), and the importance of moving calmly.

Lesson: Respect the boundaries of others — human, animal, or otherwise. And always have a little extra snack and water with you on the trails; just in case I have to run a few extra miles again to not cross a herd of cows.

Snakes

Rare, but unforgettable. That sudden wiggle across the path gives me an instant surge of adrenaline. They remind me of shedding skins and transformation.

Lesson: There are poisonous snakes in the UK! So next time I’ll come across an Adder, I’ll keep my distance instead of chasing it for a video.

Butterflies & Bumble Bees

Butterflies feel like little blessings — tiny, fleeting sparks of joy dancing around me. I call them my “Trail Angels" or my “Trail Guardians”. They remind me of all the wonderful fouls who have passed away and yest are still with me. I can feel their presence on the trails, guiding me the way, and taking care of me whilst I’m out running on my own. Hence, my butterfly tattoo on my foot.

Bumble bees, with their clumsy buzzing and furry little bodies, are the unsung heroes of the trails. Without them, there would be no blossoms, no fruit, no nourishment. I can’t help but smile and stop for a short moment when I see a bumble bee on a flower.

Lesson: Don’t underestimate the small things. Their magic holds the world together.

Birds, Pheasants & Bird of Prey

From the frantic flutter of a pheasant suddenly bursting from the bushes (heart attack alert!) to the majestic circle of a bird of prey above, birds remind me of perspective and freedom. They carry the gift of seeing the world from above - and of startling us into awareness when we least expect it. I imagine how it must feel to fly over the trails that I’m just walking on and can’t help but thinking that it might be similar to the feeling of freedom that I get when running on trails.

Lesson: Don’t try to record a bird in action. Simply be in the moment and take a mental picture of this experience.

Deer: The silent wanderers

Every time I see a deer, it feels like a gift (and yes, I scream out of joy when I’m leading a group so they can see it too). They’re quiet, graceful, almost otherworldly. If I catch their gaze before they leap away, I feel as though I’ve been momentarily invited into a sacred stillness. There’s a reason why they call me “The deer whisperer” these days. Pretty much every single time I’m on the trails, I see a deer or a stag. They stop, look at me, and once even showed me the way back to a main path when I got lost on a trail on a foggy day. It may sound strange and yet it’s the truth. It feels like they are quietly talking to me. I feel calmer and safe every time I see a deer. That’s why it’ll be one of my next tattoos.

Lesson: There are black deer and white stags in Wareham Forest! Yes! I’ve seen them with my own eyes and it was one of the most magical and mystical trail moments I’ve ever experienced.

What I’ve learned about clothing

Yes, what you wear matters. Sheep may not care, but bulls and wasps certainly do. Bright colours or flowing fabrics can shift how animals respond to you. Running has taught me to respect the natural world not just with my steps, but also with how I present myself in it. I’ll make sure not to wear red again.

Final reflection

Every animal encounter on the trails has been its own teaching. Some cute, some funny, some a little scary. Together they remind me that trail running isn’t just about miles or pace. It’s about entering a living, breathing classroom where nature is the teacher.

And yes, if you ever see me grinning ear to ear, it’s probably because I just saw another sheep or deer :)

PS: Here are a few images that I took on the run. You’ll see there’s a slight emphasis on sheep and my smily face :) I can’t help it…they are soooo cute and fluffy.