My daughters laugh at me. Openly.
I've checked my flies and they're closed; there's no spinach stuck between my teeth and no one drew a moustache on me whilst I dozed in my chair. So, I was forced to ask, 'what's so funny?'
It's when I start to talk about nature and caring for wildlife apparently. They tell me they laugh because they all think I hate animals. OK. I get a tad heated when squirrels raid my nuts and seed feeders. I leap into action when stray cats or dogs squat in my garden. I refuse to have chickens or rabbits because there are too many local foxes, and I don't want a pet; not even a stick insect. I like seeing animals and birds living as they were intended; roaming as free and wild as a dust mote over a warm grassy hill on a sunny, summer's evening.
It might sound romantic, but it's a solid and grounded point of view, unfettered by the desire to control and master. I like my animals, like people, to be free. I grew-up on a farm so cattle, sheep, pigs and hens are wonderful to see in the fields and on the commons or marshes dotting and surrounding London, but there's nothing sentimental about their future propects. Farmed animals deserve the same rights as all living things; to feel the sun, rain or wind on their faces and glorious mud and grass under their feet. It's all about respect.
There's a new ITV show coming up, hosted by Paul O'Grady. His knowledge of herbs and natural therapies far outstrips my scant knowledge on that subject and he knows far more about sequins and mascara than me too. We do share an important link. We both have huge respect for nature. This show is called ‘The British Animal Honours 2013’ and will showcase not stupid things that animals do, but the clever, important stuff. I've helped judge three of the categories and was inspired by the depth and knowledge of the other jurors and their passion for the subject. No doubt the show will be criticised by some who will label it exploitative. The prodicers are going to great lengths to protect the star animals of the awards and to ensure the making of the programme conforms to the highest environmental and well-being standards. No cattle prods were evident when I cast my votes and the fodder they provided (fruit) was definately healthy.
Living in London, the majority of people are remote from nature. Parks and shared green spaces are coveted, but under enormous pressure. Wildlife is often seen as dangerous or unwelcome.It all deserves greater respect. Get outdoors and see what you can find. Most birds are starting their breeding season so have their best, most colourful plumage on show right now. Giant grey herons are teetering comically on slender branches at the tops of trees in Battersea and Regent's Parks, and alongside the Thames near Kew Bridge. Soon caterpillars will be out in glorious hairy technicolour and both toad and frog spawn has started to magically appear in many ponds and canals.
Life is starting to buzz in the Thames too. We've had recent sightings of otters, dolphins and seals. Fish migration and spawning is underway. The great nature renewal is evident everywhere.
Nature is amazing and gives us so much. It deserves respect, and an awful lot of [paternal/maternal or platonic] love. Laugh out loud. Smile at a stranger and hug a tree. It's so good to be alive!