This summer, Jonnie Taylor’s countryside activities have been somewhat set upon the backburner. As reported in my last newsletter, I have devoted a large amount of time to training: I spent a glorious week in Scotland learning about the psychological effects of immersion in nature and/or wilderness. I spent 48 hours on a wilderness “solo” which was a really interesting experience – especially as I was joined by a resident osprey and was within eyeshot of a seal colony!! There will be a lot more to come on the subject of “retreats into nature” – but if you are drawn to this idea then please get in touch and I’ll give you more information in advance!!!
Work with Wild Learning was also well received over the summer – teaching bushcraft and nature skills to children always seems such a worthwhile investment, not to mention the fact that they love it!! They are, understandably, rarely quiet but I did manage to call up a fox cub which kept them mesmerised for a few minutes!!
The most popular excursions for JT’s activities remain the combination outings – a nature walk with some foraging, followed by some bushcraft and a bit of cooking and all this rounded off with another countryside skill – maybe artists charcoal making or bow making. Does this appeal to you? A booking for such a day makes an ideal Christmas pressie for those who it is difficult to buy for!!
Oh no! I mentioned the “C” word!! Well, hopefully we will have a fine autumn before then! The summer migrants have already started to drift off to warmer climes – though swallows and martins are still swooping low over the fields stocking up on rich insect food to fuel their way. Keep your eyes and ears open for incoming populations of winter migrants for whom we are the warmer clime! Several types of goose, duck and wader have started to arrive along the coasts and soon we will have redwings, fieldfares, jays, woodpigeon and starlings joining our native flocks!
Nature never stands still in its cycle of change – make sure that you find some time to get out and enjoy it!!
