"Oh, to be in England, now that April’s there”
I don’t know where Robert Browning was when he wrote these words, or indeed if his apparent melancholy was justified but, as a happy pedestrian in Spring, the sentiment is one I understand.
As has been well documented my running over the last few months has been hampered by injury and, although I am getting slowly back into it, these charges of energy have been replaced by more gentle-paced tramps around the countryside.
Outside is great thinking-space for me. Apart from enjoying the fresh air of a country walk, the very British hesitation of seasons and the resulting ebb and flow of new life, I also find that I clear my head and more often than not come up with decent ideas when left to wander across a field. Provided I am alone it is an effective way of brain-dumping a lot of negative stress and seeing more clearly. Frequently accompanied by an informative podcast, it also gives me some time alone which, at the risk of sounding ungrateful, is a valuable commodity when husband and wife both work from home.
Principle among the places I visit are two Wildlife Trust reserves; Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Brampton Wood. I also find time to walk along the Great Ouse and when the weather is fair I can be found paddling my packraft along this scarcely moving mirror of tranquility.
As an homage to these areas of nature here are a few images from my recent outings
Late winter sun on the River Great Ouse.
What's going on here then?
Burgeoning Spring in Brampton Wood.
Fairy dust... or poplar seeds.
Grass snake in Godmanchester Nature Reserve (For illustration purposes only - actual product may differ in size).
Brampton Wood bluebells in all their glory.
Watching and listening to the wind comb through crops is a massage for the mind.
The Wildlife Trusts
In their own words:
"We rescue and restore places for wildlife and people, and influence and help others to do the same. Each year we reach millions of people to inspire them about wildlife and the natural world".
There are 47 Wildlife Trusts in the UK, covering some 95,000 hectares of land, so there is probably one not too far from you. Have a look at the link below and see what impact they have had on nature in your area. I urge you to support them in any way you can, membership, volunteering or spreading the message about the good work they do in maximising the amount of wild places available for simple folk like you and me to enjoy.
To find out more about your local Wildlife Trusts visit their site by clicking here.