Hi, Carole here with your bi-monthly wellness in nature blog. 

So summer is well and truly here. The sun is shining most days, and the air is warm. So, it is a wonderful time of the year to be active. Why not visit us at our reserve and have a wee relaxing walk along our woodland trails? You can take part in our “Wellness in Nature Walk". Just pick up a free leaflet at our welcome desk and take 30 minutes out of your day to follow the simple activities that you can do as you wander the trails. 

Whilst you are out on your walk you never know what you might see as you wander along: nuthatches hanging upside down on the feeders at the feeding station or tree creepers running up the trees. Out on the scrape you might see grey heron, oystercatcher, or black-headed gull or even roe deer with tufted duck and great crested grebe seen from the hide. 

It has been shown that being out in green spaces and nature is good for your physical and mental well-being. So, everyone knows what I am going to say next: Get yourself out there! 

It does not matter if it is our reserve, your local park or even a wee wander down your own street. As you will see nature is everywhere you look. 

Another way of improving your wellness is taking up a wee hobby. We have had so many new photographers and new birders at the reserve since we re-opened after lock-down. Everyone welcomes nature and green spaces more and both are great hobbies for enjoying nature but also meeting new people. 

So, everyone get out there enjoy the benefits of nature and green spaces if you can. If not, get out into your garden or even open a window to hear the sounds of nature. 

As ever if you are struggling, please don’t struggle alone. Speak to a friend, work colleague, neighbour, relative or your GP. Remember there are some amazing organizations and charities out there.