Embrace Nature UK once asked a group of people, who would not describe themselves as nature-lovers, what they did in their spare time. Many of their answers were activities that included enjoying the natural world such as going for a walk or feeding the ducks. We realised that you don’t have to consider yourself a nature-lover to embrace nature and appreciate different aspects of it. So what does it mean to embrace nature in the UK? We’ve put together these ideas to keep you inspired and show how you can enjoy the wild world whether on a small scale or large.
1. Eat Wild
In 2006 we visited Guatemala and spent two weeks eating fresh food. Pineapple never tasted so good so was a huge disappointment when we returned to the UK. There is plenty of great tasting food back home though and it’s even better straight from the tree, bush or ground. You can either grow things in your own back garden, or go and seek some snacks out in the wild. A word of caution though…make sure you definitely know what it is that you’re picking. Something poisonous can easily be mistaken as edible and the consequences can be fatal. There are lots of books available to help you avoid such mistakes so you can enjoy eating wild safely. Why not also take your food outside to eat either in your garden or make up a picnic of wild treats to be appreciated out of doors.
2. Get up early / stay out late
We are both night owls and early birds as there’s so much to see at both ends of the day. Get up really early during Spring to hear the dawn chorus and watch the sun rise. Stay up late throughout most of the year to see hedgehogs. Dependent on where you are you might see a variety of things including badgers and foxes. We love running in the late evening when deer are more active as well as bats and owls or early morning when you might have a close encounter with a hare or other mostly nocturnal animals that are making their way to bed. Animals are rarely keen on crowds, which is what makes these quiet times so special.
3. Climb a mountain
We may not have the highest mountains but we have some beautiful peaks in the UK. Why not don some walking gear (and safety accessories) and make your way to an enjoyable route somewhere in Great Britain. Snowdon and Ben Nevis have great views but aren’t the only fun places to explore. It’s not only mountains that are enjoyable to climb. There are some brilliant hills too. One of our favourites was The Cobbler in Scotland. It’s dramatic, beautiful and a good walk. It’s also close to other hills and mountains in case you want to kill two birds with one stone. Most mountains and hills have more than one route up so you can truly get to know all angles of the landscape. We have had countless exciting walks up Snowdon from different angles in all weathers and will likely never get bored.
4. Go camping
Camping does not just mean one thing. There are all sorts of types of camping now but our favourite is out in the wild where you’re truly alone and can experience nature at its best. Camping isn’t just for summer either. So long as you’re well-equipped, winter camping can be pretty cool. We’ve enjoyed camping experiences on Snowdon and Scafell where you awake to stunning scenery. It’s definitely not for the light-hearted though as the weather can make camping feel dangerous and very cold.
An experience for the whole family is often better on a campsite where children can be introduced to the enjoyment of the great outdoors but without the danger and with facilities. Toasting marshmallows can be a brilliant alternative to computer games and can bring the family closer together.
5. Star gazing
We get more clear nights than you might think in Britain and you start to realise this when you choose to look up. We’ve had some good years of asteroids and eclipses to look out for but you don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy watching the night sky. Websites such as www.spacecentre.co.uk tell you when something exciting is happening though there are many occassions when you just need to look up to see shooting stars or appreciate the beauty of the stars and moon. Why not try learning a bit about constellations and the science behind the activity in space to get even greater enjoyment from taking the time to step outside and look up.
6. Swim outdoors
What is now a popular activity referred to as wild swimming was once simply called swimming but the enjoyment factor has not changed. The water is often cold but there’s something about braving it and jumping right in that makes swimming in the outdoors so fun. There are loads of places to enjoy it but some of our favourites include the rather chilly fairy pools on the Isle of Skye, Loch Morlich in Scotland (although this was especially cold!) and a more peculiar swim was with a bed through the river Nidd in preparation for Knaresborough’s famous bed race. Whether you choose to don a swimsuit, wet suit or dry suit, get in the water and find an activity that you enjoy to fully embrace the natural world in the UK.
7. Garden
Anything that can get you out of doors for a prolonged period of time can help you get closer to nature. Gardening can be good for your health in various ways. It can be good exercise, get you out in the fresh air and can also be relaxing. Gardening can also be good for nature if done in the right way. Have a look at our ‘Project Garden’ blog to see how we are gardening for nature.
8. Watch nature in towns and cities
You don’t have to be in the wilderness to see nature. There are plenty of animals and birds that favour towns and cities. They often congregate there as food is readily available. Whether it’s Pigeons in crowds in the town centre or Foxes idling from bin to bin during the night, they can be pleasurable to watch. Why not stop and look to observe their behaviour? The RSPB often sets up in cities to watch Peregrine Falcons on the tops of buildings and show the public these wonderful birds that are so often missed.
9. Climb a tree
More so associated with being a child, climbing trees need never get old. It’s great fun to spend a day with all the family in a woodland climbing fallen trees to see how far you can get. We’ve always found the New Forest to be a great area for this as there are large fallen trees that still present a great challenge. Kids love taking part and adults can’t deny that they all still hold a childish side inside of them.
10. Watch a wild event you’ve never seen before
There are a lot of incredible wild events to witness throughout the UK that many people may not be aware of. Tourists flock to places like Blackpool but so do Starlings and the event is magnificent. The Deer rut can be seen throughout Great Britain and you can enjoy seeing a variety of species become boisterous and play out this natural behaviour, which never ceases to be entertaining. The Capercaillie lek, Great Crested Grebe mating dance, Toad mating season, boxing Hares and Seal mating seasons are among many great spectacles to see in Britain.
