Embrace Nature: February Activities for Wellbeing

01/02/2026 at 10:32 am | Posted in Uncategorized, Wellbeing notes | Leave a comment
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There’s a tree in my garden that has been shaped by south-westerly gales, like those wind-twisted trees you see in places like Dartmoor. But my tree is not as hardy as its native cousins and might not have survived this long except for one simple fact. One year, somebody hung a bird feeder in its branches. Then another, and another, until that tree became a feeding post for countless winged visitors who by way of ‘thank you’ regularly fertilise the ground below. As a result the tree is strong and healthy, and gives a glorious display of flowers and fruit each year (the fruit being its own ‘thank you’ to the birds).

So that’s the first of three soul-nourishing things to do in February: hang a bird feeder, or another bird feeder, in a favourite tree.

Second is to go forest bathing, aka walking in local woodland. February in England, we get to see the first shoots of wild garlic, while heavenly drifts of snowdrops are at their peak. If you’re looking for walking companions, The Ramblers are a good resource across the UK. 

Third is to apply nature’s seasonal messages to yourself, on the basis that we are, of course, as much a part of nature as those early spring flowers. What, in you, is just beginning to bud or unfurl? Perhaps in your heart of hearts there’s something you’d love to create, but self-doubt has held you back? According to nature’s calendar, now is the perfect time to take that vital first step.  

Picture: Snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii

Wellbeing notes: Why get-togethers are so good for us

02/05/2025 at 12:35 pm | Posted in Wellbeing notes | Leave a comment
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I was meeting three old friends in a local, independent coffee shop. It was one of those mellow afternoons that seem drenched in sunshine and fun. Over cups of tea and latte, we were putting the world to rights. One of us, I forget who, said, “Look at us, four heads bobbing round a table.” And we shared one of those belly-filling laughs that leave you feeling simply good about life. 

It had taken us ages to find a day that suited everyone. For the longest time we settled for group chats online. And those did help… but that coffee shop get-together was better. There were moments, between the fun, when one or another of us shared a difficult situation. We unburdened, and that felt good. We listened, and that felt life-affirming. 

After our get-together I started appreciating other social moments in life that maybe I had taken for granted. These were mainly simple things, like a chat with a colleague or a customer. But what I noticed was that these ephemeral exchanges could pack in a huge range of emotions, from a recent dire experience that could fairly be described as ‘pants’, to the sharing of a moment of sheer happiness. They were mini doses of everyday therapy. 

It’s common sense that regular doses of talking and listening would be good for us. But what happens if we’ve become a bit isolated? I like the advice of Age UK, which can apply to any time of life: ‘If you have lost connections, take small steps to start rebuilding.’ So if by any chance you’ve been wondering, please take this as your invitation to join that club or social group, to follow your interests and enjoy the chats that will undoubtedly follow. 

Wellbeing notes: Outdoor spring clean

01/03/2023 at 9:02 am | Posted in Wellbeing notes | Leave a comment
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If you see a piece of litter on a country walk, do you pick it up sometimes, often, or never? In my case, if I’m honest, it depends on the litter. Some items can’t easily be picked up. Other times, I’m rushing past on my way to a Very Pressing Appointment, and I’d rather not turn up all mucky. But I hope that I do try to bag litter at least some of the time. 

When you or I pick up discarded rubbish, we’re contributing to a beneficial practice which has been gaining real traction in the UK, and elsewhere. 

This year the Great British Spring Clean runs from 17th March to 2nd April. Look out for individuals, pledging to fill a single bag; and volunteer groups, working together. For ideas on how to join in, see Keep Britain Tidy. In 2022’s Spring Clean, nearly half a million bags of refuse were apparently collected and properly disposed of. That’s a lot of tidying up – enough to make a visible difference.

Walking outdoors is brilliant for mental wellbeing as well as physical health. One of my favourite local walks takes me through woods, meadowland and over a tiny wild garlic stream, all dappled in sunlight. Over the coming weeks, additional flowers will grow along the route: fragrant bluebells like the ones pictured here; dainty lady’s smock; vibrant orchids; purple knapweed and tall, waving daisies. What I’d rather not see among them is an empty can or plastic wrapper, so if there’s anything along those lines, here is my pledge that I’ll be picking it up.

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