Staying grounded: the power of connecting with nature
In the midst of the ongoing climate and nature crisis, it's crucial to find ways to stay grounded and connected, especially as we're bombarded with news headlines that often feel overwhelmingly bleak.
As part of my role at ITF, my days are usually filled with a whirlwind of activities—preparing plans, ensuring our limited resources are used efficiently, and juggling countless tasks to maximise our impact for both people and the planet. This work is energising, albeit challenging, and deeply rewarding.
Yet, amid the hustle and urgency, I've discovered that it's essential to connect with nature to act for it.
There's something profoundly restorative about spending time outdoors—whether it's walking through nearby woodlands or digging in the garden.
These moments allow me to pause, appreciate the vibrancy and beauty of life, and remind me of what we're striving to protect. This connection recharges me and strengthens my resolve, offering a clearer perspective on the bigger picture.
When I walk through nature, I often find myself eager to name and identify the things around me—spotting Sarsgrove Wood in the distance, recognising the neolithic Hawkstone placed there by our ancestors, or observing a majestic lime tree whose seeds are poised to take flight with the next strong wind.
But there are also times when I let go of the need to label and categorise. I simply listen, allowing the cacophony of birdsong to wash over me without the urge to identify each species. In these moments, the inner dialogue quietens, and I find a certain calm in simply being present in nature.
The healing power of nature, especially woodlands and forests, is well-documented, particularly in its ability to improve mental health and well-being.
Through our 'Healing in the Outdoors' project in Oxfordshire, made possible by the support of the Swire Foundation, we're bringing marginalised groups together to spend time in nature and with trees. This connection is vital—not just for those we work with, but for all of us. And I, for one, need to make sure I take this medicine regularly.
To truly act for nature and the future, we must stay connected with the natural world and with a broader community dedicated to restoring nature and humanity’s precarious relationship with it.
There is strength in this connection, and it fuels our collective efforts to safeguard the planet for generations to come.
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