In March we were thrown into a strange new world, normal routines stopped for many. Instructed to stay at home, focused our minds on our immediate environment, allowed out for an hour’s exercise and encouraged by the beautiful weather, we were very pleased that more people used Sid’s Piece for their daily walk, enjoying seeing Spring develop - with masses of blossom and wild roses, bird song and insect life, nature flourishing even if we weren’t! Even for those who were not allowed out of their houses there was the chance to watch from their windows and listen to the dawn chorus, if unable to sleep.
This period of confinement could have started an interest in wildlife and the environment in young people, who might become the David Attenborough of the future, we are certainly going to need skills in this sphere.
Even unconsciously, one’s senses - sight, sound and smell - are enriched by the natural world doing its thing - even a bit more than usual - oblivious of the pandemic? Though research has discovered that some animals can sense changes of atmosphere and stress, and this may make them change their normal fear of humans, we have a young hare (leveret) living in the garden. Also more birds nesting around the house and in the sheds. It is almost as if they are offering support and comfort.
I was taking a walk through Shepherds Grove Industrial Estate yesterday, having taken the car for its MOT, and noticed the spaces between the industrial units, bright with wild flowers; these areas are relics of the meadows that were there before the airfield was built in 1942, some of the plants I saw were oxeye daisy, melilot and birds foot trefoil. Then my eye was drawn to something green, growing out of an old airfield drain top, looking closer I found it was Harts Tongue Fern, not a common plant around here, but enjoying the dampness within. This plant used to be found in old wells. These forgotten corners of Stanton are significant! Do continue to find interest and joy in nature.
This period of confinement could have started an interest in wildlife and the environment in young people, who might become the David Attenborough of the future, we are certainly going to need skills in this sphere.
Even unconsciously, one’s senses - sight, sound and smell - are enriched by the natural world doing its thing - even a bit more than usual - oblivious of the pandemic? Though research has discovered that some animals can sense changes of atmosphere and stress, and this may make them change their normal fear of humans, we have a young hare (leveret) living in the garden. Also more birds nesting around the house and in the sheds. It is almost as if they are offering support and comfort.
I was taking a walk through Shepherds Grove Industrial Estate yesterday, having taken the car for its MOT, and noticed the spaces between the industrial units, bright with wild flowers; these areas are relics of the meadows that were there before the airfield was built in 1942, some of the plants I saw were oxeye daisy, melilot and birds foot trefoil. Then my eye was drawn to something green, growing out of an old airfield drain top, looking closer I found it was Harts Tongue Fern, not a common plant around here, but enjoying the dampness within. This plant used to be found in old wells. These forgotten corners of Stanton are significant! Do continue to find interest and joy in nature.