I’m sure the topic of conversation for everyone this bank holiday weekend was the amazing sunny weather we had up and down the country…. it was certainly unusual for a bank holiday weekend but very welcome. It was overflowing with people here at Lake Vyrnwy, everyone grabbing their opportunity for some fresh air and a gentle or strenuous walk in the great outdoors!
It certainly got me thinking about how powerful just being outside can be for people. I can’t think of one person who didn’t smile or say hello to us over the weekend, their whole demeanour relaxed and enjoying simply being here. As a mum of three little monkeys, I’m constantly striving to find the right balance of ‘screen time’ and being outside. When I was their age, I was forever in the garden, out on the farm or playing outside from dusk ‘til dawn with friends and only coming in for a drink or a bite to eat, covered head to toe in mud from our days adventure! Unfortunately, times have changed slightly and despite being fully behind advances in technology and the advantages they present to the next generation, I can’t help but feel disheartened at times that not enough emphasis is put on being out in nature. I’m very fortunate that where we live, we are surrounded by plenty of green space and I must admit, at every opportunity I’m shoving the kids out the door to play or sending them to help their dad and taid on the family farm! It amazes me every time the games they can create with just a stick and lots of space and it has such a positive effect on their mood, their behaviour and wellbeing in general – it’s also a huge bonus that the fresh air completely knocks them out and they sleep like a log!
Here at Lake Vyrnwy, we strive to provide ample opportunities for all the family to spend as much time as they can outside – from way marked walks to children’s puzzle trails, bug hunting back packs to pond dipping pools, the RSPB strongly believes that connecting with nature should be a part of every child’s life – to develop deeply-held feelings and attitudes towards wildlife and the world we all live in. Why not start your outdoors journey and join us on Wild Wednesday 30th May from 11am to 2pm as we go looking for dragonflies and damselflies here on the reserve. Learn about where they live, what they eat, why they’re important and why they’re in danger. For more details or to book visit The RSPB: Events: Wild Wednesday - Dragonflies and Damselflies.
Technology certainly has its place in the modern world but being outside encourages kids to play in a very different way and providing our children with the opportunity to be creative, to use their imagination and problem solving ability, I feel is one of the best gifts we can give them. With nature and wildlife under increasing pressure, I hope I can instil a love of the outdoors not just in my own children but to the hundreds that visit us here throughout the year, so that they can all continue to care about and protect the natural environment around them for years to come!
Sioned Jones, Visitor Experience Manager
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