is a community project from working to reverse wildlife decline. We put people at the heart of what we do, helping communities connect with nature and each other to make a real difference for local wildlife and their own wellbeing. Here are stories from Naturehood members about what nature really means to them.
Aaron
I am an ex-forces veteran who suffers with PTSD, anxiety and mild agoraphobia. I struggle to do a lot of things that people take for granted. My wife and daughter have been helping me through the tough times and so has nature. I have started my own Facebook group called Lincolnshire Wildlife Warriors and also lead the Lincoln Naturehood Group. I have taken up wildlife photography and regularly share my pictures on these platforms. My DVD collection has a vast Sir David Attenborough collection and it is always building.
If it was not for nature and the area we live in I am not sure how I would be, we have a country park and a nature reserve on our doorstep and another nature reserve 10 minutes car journey away. These nature spaces have brought me so much happiness and I always get a new experience each time I visit. From seeing bank voles to grass snakes. My favourite was the great crested grebes who lost their nest they built to some coots.
I think I could safely say if I was not around this nature space I would not be here now. Nature is a calming influence and you can never be sad when in it. My whole garden is based around nature.
Russell
Nature played a significant role during lockdown for me. Because of restrictions I decided to build wildlife boxes out of pallet wood for the NHS. Nature means everything to me, not just a form of soup for the soul but a necessity. We must do better to live alongside such beauty.
Nature taps into many avenues in my psyche. It inspires me to take on a creative project in the garden; it feeds my enquiring mind, and it enlightens me to the realisation that we still need to do so much more to fight for its existence on this planet.
Dawn
For me it’s feeding, providing a home and filming hedgehogs that come into my garden each evening. It fills me with great joy.
Here’s one stealing another hedgehog home’s bedding!!
Caught red handed.
There are no words!!
Jasmine
We enjoy nature because it’s so fresh and beautiful. It satisfies all the senses. Breathe! Nature always smells so unique and wonderful. Nature is our favourite distraction. When we are caught up in our thoughts, nature is the healthy solution to stress relief. Big or small, we can express ourselves to nature, alone or with friends and family, it’s an awesome venue. It makes us feel at home everywhere and gives us a warm feeling inside. The beauty of nature is one of a kind and I feel so lucky to experience it.
Jennifer
Almost every day I walk down to the shore (Sidmouth), get a cup of tea and sit on the rocks watching and listening to the waves, different birds and dogs. I call it my "tea and sea" therapy. I've always loved the sea but during these strange, lonely and frightening days, no matter what the weather, it has been a life and mental health saver!
Kai
During a period of very bad physical and then mental health over the past 18 months, I found spending time in nature to be a healing experience. It helped me connect with the present moment, lifted my mood and allowed me to find some peace in my life again. Then when lockdown struck, I started learning photography and found this gave me an even deeper connection to nature! This became almost a form of meditation that helped keep me going during a difficult time in my life.
Lesley
I have discovered and explored new paths and new scenery around the country from the valleys of South Wales to the Durham Dales.
Mike
Tuning in to nature definitely helped me cope with the 2020 lockdown. I enjoyed taking our dog Bella for walks in our local park and nearby countryside. With my binoculars, and bird watching scope, I focused on the natural beauty around us. At the end of the lockdown I went kayaking on Hove Lagoon, which was both great fun and excellent exercise.
Pippa
I look at nature either through the window or out amongst it and I feel at peace. I find the sights and sounds of being outdoors a real comfort. When I see birds flying or sitting in the branches singing and communicating I feel happy. I love all wildlife, big or small and it’s a joy to see them on walks locally along the river and canal in our village in Staffordshire.
It’s therapy to walk through woods to see the trees and the life that lives in them. Basically it’s absolute therapy, it eases and calms and I love it.
The coastal areas are the same, soothing.