So, not so long ago, I wrote a blog here about taking part in an abseil down the Europa hotel to raise funds for the RSPB. Well, I’m at it again; this time, taking part in a relay team for the Belfast Marathon for the same reason.
The thing is, this decision doesn’t seem as strange as the one I made to fling myself off a building. In fact, this decision seems sensible. You see, I’m like a lot of people who live and work in a city. I don’t get a chance to get out much. Despite the fact that I my office is based in the beautiful Belvoir Park Forest, I’ll very often take lunch at my desk, looking at nature through the window. In the evenings, the furthest I walk is to the shop and back, and the only thing you see on that journey is cars, lights and concrete. Not terribly exciting. Running in the marathon seems to be the perfect excuse to get outdoors and enjoy nature, which is infinitely nicer to look at than a row of street lights.
So now I’ll be practicing what I preach. Last weekend I went for a run around Ormeau Park, tomorrow I’ll be running around Belvoir at lunchtime (a much better use of my spare time than checking Twitter!), I also want to run around Botanic Gardens in Belfast, and through Colin Glen. It goes without saying that I’ll be enjoying the scenery and keeping an eye out for the early signs of spring (I’m hoping to see my first snowdrop any day now!).
We’re more disconnected from nature than ever before, and this is affecting our children, many of whom don’t run through puddles, kick up leaves or go bug-hunting as much as previous generations. Personally, I know my mother used to despair when I would come home from a day’s wandering as she knew she’d struggle to rescue my shoes from the dirt I’d dragged them through!
This is a problem because people won't protect what they don't know and love. The RSPB has been working with the University of Essex to develop a brand new approach to find out just how connected to nature children are. The results will help us create a baseline measure for the UK and allow us to develop ways to inspire and connect children with nature right through to adulthood.
Getting outdoors to get fit is my way of reconnecting with nature. And obviously it will help raise vital funds for the RSPB’s work to stop nature declining. My team is aiming to raise £500, which between five of us shouldn’t be too difficult, but will make a big difference to our work here in Northern Ireland. It will help bring back corncrakes, connect young people with nature and much more besides, so if you were thinking about getting a team together, or are looking for one to join, get in touch with us! By getting yourself fit and enjoying nature, you’ll also be helping to save it. What could be better than that?
If you’re interested in running in this year’s marathon for RSPB, please get in touch with Laura Thomson on 028 9049 1547 or email laura.thomson@rspb.org.uk, and hopefully I’ll see you at the finish line!
(that's me in the wellies!)