It’s been a while since we last told you about our activities. Looking back today at what we have been doing since our last blog I realised how busy we have been and how varied our zoom sessions have been. From discussing nature and the effects of lockdown, talking about our unusual neighbours to taking a virtual walk amongst the trees. Much to keep us entertained for an hour or so each week.
Over the last nine months our project has had to adapt to our new normal, unable to work as usual in our parks and nature reserves. What zoom has given is however is an opportunity to meet individuals whom we had not had the pleasure of working with before and an added delight of seeing individuals growing in confidence, developing different interests and making new friends.
Here’s what one said, “taking part in the Boosting Nature sessions has helped me keep calm and I can share jokes with my new friends which makes me laugh … it helps keeps my anger away.”
Another has readily passed on his knowledge and encouraged others to read or watch videos about Nature. In the past he attended sessions but tended to keep himself to himself. He now fully participates and has developed mentoring skills.
So, what have we been up to? Here’s a flavour.
The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board invited our participants to take part in their consultation about “Our Orchard”, a project to create a unique outdoor health care space in Llandough Hospital. Our views and ideas were particularly welcomed about the area which has been set aside for the protection of plants and wildlife. It is hoped that this particular area will be worked on in the near future and I am pleased that we have already been invited to take part in the planting.
As a follow, up we held a zoom session to consider sustainable roofs, living roofs and how they can help with climate control and also provide shelter for birds, animals and pollinators. We looked into possible ways of creating more sustainable and cost- effective spaces in our own homes as well as in our towns and cities. The idea of having a green roof on our public transport excited many.
Our sessions on the urban fox and on dormice proved very popular. Many did not know much about dormice and had not seen photographs of them let alone videos of two particularly cute ones snoring away whilst hibernating! We learnt that this native species is in danger due mainly to the lack of natural habitat and climate change. Hedges rich in hawthorn and honeysuckle which have not been over managed give dormice greater protection and a better chance of survival. We looked in particular at the hard work undertaken at the Howardian Nature Reserve by volunteers over the past twelve years recording the number of dormice living in the Reserve. We also recalled when a few of us put up dormice nest boxes and tubes at Porthkerry Park.
Halloween and Christmas have given the chance to look at some of our old folk tales and why Nature plays an important part in so many.
‘We have been able to tailor one of our zoom sessions around the National Museum Wales’ ‘Objects of Comfort’ initiative which seeks to improve the wellbeing of the community by providing access to their digitised collection. Christmases past and present have brought many of our participants comfort and reassurance. Much of what many find comforting around Christmas revolves around Nature. By sharing memories and looking at old photographs we were able to learn much more about robins, mistletoe and snow.
Last week we enjoyed a Christmas quiz with both Kevin and James winning a prize. Kevin for answering the most questions right and James for coming a very close second but also for signing the whole “Twelve days of Christmas” song for us. Congratulations to both.
All that remains is to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Nadolig Llawen and a happy New Year from all at Boosting Nature.
Boosting Nature 