A NATURE-loving youngster has completed an online adventure that has seen him gather followers all over the world.

Twelve months ago ago, when he was just ten, schoolboy Zach Haynes decided to start a daily blog recording and writing about the flora and fauna he came across during his regular countryside rambles.

And now he’s completed his 365th entry, reaching the year-long target he set himself and winning messages of congratulations from respected nature organisations like the Wildlife Trust and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

He was also congratulated by BBC Springwatch - a very fitting tribute as his inspiration originally came from BBC’s Autumnwatch last year.

Zach, from Brompton, Northallerton, has trekked the reserves and countryside of North Yorkshire, the Lake District, Norfolk and Northumberland with his parents Mark and Julie.

And armed with his trusty camera, he photographed and researched what he saw to record the nature odyssey on his well-written blog – yearofnature.blogspot.com.uk

“Once I got started it sort of just took off,” said Zach, now 11.

“It was slow at first, but after a while lots of people started reading it and getting in touch especially via twitter. People really seem to like the photos and the information I find out about the things I see.”

He added: “I’m lucky where I live. The countryside around where I live is fantastic and packed with wildlife.”

Father Mark said: “We’ve been amazed at how supportive people have been, the level of interest has been far beyond what we ever expected.

“We’re so proud of his enthusiasm and commitment. It’s provided him with lots of opportunities to do new and interesting things like bird ringing which he has thoroughly enjoyed.”

The reach of Zach’s blog now extends around the globe with followings in America, Sweden, France, and Japan and so far it has had more than 100,000 views.

And now the youngster is considering what his next target will be.

“I’ll keep blogging, maybe not every day, but I will keep it up. I’m trying to think of a new challenge to add in, a bit of a different angle to last year,” he said.

“I’m thinking of trying to get to all of the nature reserves in Yorkshire - but I’ve got to discuss that with Dad’s taxi.”