Technology and nature can work hand-in-hand, says Carrie Carey of the RSPB.

A decade ago CDs, DVDs and a very useful handbag-size diary would have made the perfect gift. In 2018 these items are almost obsolete as tech-savvy folk listen to music on demand from their mobile phone, stream movies and TV shows via a tablet and store all their appointments, birthdays and other important dates in the Cloud.

The pace at which tech is moving is exhilarating, confusing and can leave us mere mortals just breathless. We've always been led to believe that technology will enrich our lives, leaving us with more time to spend with family and friends, pursue hobbies and interests and most appealing of all, relax.

In reality the upsurge of modern tech is a bit of a paradox; the very thing that is supposed to simplify our lives makes them more complicated. Think of all the time we spend setting up new smart gadgets, downloading widgets, configuring complex passwords… the list could go on.

Despite appreciating my smartphone and everything that comes with it I'm aware that I am becoming increasingly dependent on it. How will I manage to get things done if not for the to-do lists, reminders, notes and alarms that my phone keeps track of? How many of us literally panic when we realise that we've left our phone behind and suddenly we are cut off from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and emails?

There's more than one downside to being tech-dependent and spending so much time in virtual worlds can make us lose perspective of how great the real world is. Modern tech applications are time-hungry and tend to keep us housebound. Even when we do venture outside, are our lives still controlled by wearables and smart technology? We want to retain the beauty of our wild places and nature reserves and yet demand the ability to post selfies as soon as we arrive. We want to preserve wildlife and protect species, yet condemn the drone technology that tracks poachers. We want to embrace the dream of an idyllic getaway but get agitated surfing the net to find it. There seems to be an uncompromising tug-of-war between the virtual and real world – or is this really the case?

The digital era can serve both technology and nature and find ways in which they can work together in positive ways. In fact, technology has made a progressive impact on our ability to monitor wildlife, weather patterns, geological disturbances and habitat changes.

With the help of new mobile data capture software, conservation organisations like the RSPB can carry out local, national and international species counts. Satellite tracking units attached to vulnerable avian species chart migration routes pinpointing the bird's exact location at any given point during its journey. Time and depth loggers can reveal how long diving birds spend under water and how far below the surface they forage. Accelerometers measure speed and patterns of flight.

Many of us embrace the use of digital route planners and GPS when out in the countryside. User friendly recognition software helps us identify bird calls, categorise wild plants and trees and detect the difference between edible and inedible fungi. Instant messaging and photo streaming means we can share views of stunning landscapes and inspirational moments with friends and family. And if this isn't enough, we can turn to our smartphone app for a little mindfulness!

So rather than being a tug-of-war, nature and technology can work together as we embrace the best of both worlds.

Wildlife Photography Workshop at RSPB Titchwell Marsh, 10am. This weekly event runs from Tuesday February 6 to Tuesday March 27. Price: £12 per adult (£10 RSPB member), booking essential on 01485 210779.

Photography is a great way to get closer to wildlife. There are specific techniques which experienced photographers use to produce astounding results and during this technical session you will learn about the art and science behind image composition and how to use light and colour to influence the overall appeal of your shot. You will have a chance to review different lenses from macro to wide angle depending on whether you want to capture a colourful invertebrate or a raptor in flight.

This mini workshop is specifically aimed for visitors at entry level looking to improve their wildlife photos.

Weather permitting we may be able to visit a part of the reserve not usually open to the public.