Blogger: Kate Blincoe, Communications Manager
It’s September time and with the promise of mellow autumn days and blackberries comes a familiar feeling. It’s a heavy sort of weight on my chest; not painful, not unpleasant; it is just sitting there like mild sorrow or the reminder of past grief.
I’m not the only one; whatever your age, many of us feel a ‘back to school’ emotion at this time of year. Lazy August days are behind us and national celebrations are drawing to an end; it’s back to business with the old routine of kids out of the door, sitting in traffic and 9-5 life without the recompense of long evenings on the patio with a Pimms.
Nature too is changing. Our swallows and swifts are circling overhead, and soon they will be gone again on their arduous journey south. Meanwhile, animals are starting to feed up in preparation for hibernation.
Much as I adore summer, life is too short to feel gloomy about the end of a season. So here are my top ideas for surviving the ‘back to school’ feeling and enjoying this beautiful time of year.
Firstly, why not just look up! Autumn brings stunning aerial displays as birds flock together. Birds join forces to improve their survival chances in the winter, as they can share warmth at night and be more effective at finding food. Swirling, whirling starling murmurations over cities at dusk will enliven your commute home, with flocks sometimes reaching tens of thousands of birds.
In the nearby Wash, birds such as knots are gathering to escape the arctic cold. They will wow us with their aerobatics at high tides later in the year - RSPB Snettisham nature reserve in North Norfolk is famous for this.
Secondly, it’s always fun to go nuts with a little foraging. A wander through autumn woodland, as the leaves start to change colour is always a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Add purpose to your stroll by bringing out your inner squirrel and collecting wild nuts such as hazelnuts and sweet chestnuts.
Autumn is the time for preparing to hibernate. No not you, there is no excuse for a family sized bar of dairy milk and a slanket, but you could help wildlife get ready instead. Make sure you leave an area of undisturbed leaves and logs in your garden, perfect for insects such as ladybirds as well as hedgehogs, frogs and toads.
And finally, don’t give up on the outdoors once the weather changes. The health and mood benefits of being active outside really are the best way to beat the autumnal slump. It may be back-to-business, school-time again, but nature is our playground – enjoy it.
This article was Kate's last EDP article before leaving our Communications Team and went in the paper on Saturday 1 September. Thanks again Kate for being a great boss and brilliant team player. We will miss you and your words of wisdom.
Photo Credit: Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)