An Enniskillen teenager whose obsession with nature helps him deal with the anxiety and isolation he feels as a result of Asperger Syndrome has received a ‘Wildlife Hero’ award on the BBC’s Springwatch Unsprung programme.

Dara McAnulty is the author of a blog called ‘Young Fermanagh Naturalist’ which he fills with detail about the nature walks he takes with his family each week. Through his social media presence, the 14-year-old connected with his hero, Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who recommended Dara for the Springwatch programme that aired on Friday night.

READ: Springwatch presenter connects with blogger Dara

Dara experienced the “best moment” of his life when Mr. Packham, who also has Asperger Syndrome (a form of autism), presented him with the award and stated: “You’re not only a wildlife hero, you’re a hero of mine.”
The Springwatch Unsprung programme introduced Dara saying: “Dara’s blogs are inspired by his weekly walks into nature with his family. Dara writes down everything he sees and he channels his passion for nature into his blog, allowing him to express himself in ways which are usually extremely difficult for him. He has followers from nearly 30 countries all across the globe and his language in describing the natural world is remarkable; inspiring countless others, young and old.”

The Erne Integrated pupil told the programme that his Aspergers means he has “a different way of looking at the world, a different way of being.”
He added: “I can’t have conversations with people unless I know the person and even then I find conversation hard. I can talk to the screen without a care in the world but when it comes to humans I’m like: ‘Umm, what am I supposed to say?’

READ: Dara McAnulty ensures Radio 4’s Tweet of the Day features birds from Fermanagh

He said the reaction to his blog has been “amazing” and added: “Nature and wildlife are wondrous. Their ability to teach us so much about the world is limitless. Let’s come together in our love for nature and show that we are proud wildlife watchers and we won’t ever stop.”
On this week’s blog post, Dara reveals what it was like to meet Mr. Packham.

“What struck me most was that his mannerisms and ‘way’ were so similar to my own. I have met a lot of people with autism and I’ve never met anyone who was ‘like’ me. When I met Chris, it was like I met myself in the future. It was bizarre,” he wrote.

“I found talking difficult because I was trying to process what was happening to me. I was also observing, measuring and listening to what Chris had to say before I attempted to speak. It was an astonishing experience. Just as we had to leave, I felt like I could’ve said more. Maybe one day, there might be another opportunity,” he said.
When the time came for Dara to receive his award, he described how he was “squirming inside and every inch of me was burning and screaming but I held it together.”

Dara wrote: “It was the best moment of my life. When Chris said: “Dara, not only are you a wildlife hero, but you’re also a hero of mine!” I was bursting. All fear, anxiety and tension just melted away. I even managed to talk! Wow! It was like receiving an Oscar. 

“I have never felt an ounce of proper pride in my life. I’m a critic, always thinking I could have done better. I couldn’t pick this apart for fault. I did it and I smiled and I didn’t make a fool of myself!”
He reflected: “I’m not sure if the feelings I had during this day will ever come again. I have turned and processed every moment around in my head. 

“I have analysed it and thought on how it could’ve have been better, but I can’t think of how, because that was ‘me’. And that ‘me’, is actually pretty ok, screaming insides and all!”

* Dara’s appearance on BBC Springwatch Unsprung is available on iPlayer for 30 days.

* Read his blog at www.youngfermanaghnaturalist.com