Tag: Therapy

Posted in Bookworm review

Solace in Nature

Posted on by BITM

During a particularly difficult week, once again, nature has given me solace. I went on local walks for exercise as well as watch birds from my sofa, while they visited the Rowan tree (Sorbus) next to my flat. Several bird species visited even though it’s mostly stripped of berries now. I noticed bud development on the branches already too.

I have recently spent time catching up on some reading.
The first book I read was ‘Witch’s Garden’ by Sandra Lawrence.

This book contains botanical illustrations along with other pictures, including those of specimens from KEW. Folklore as well as natural medicinal properties of fifty well known plants are explored.

One of the plants written about is the Rowan tree. In the past it has been associated with fairies, the Norse God Thor, Goddesses Hebe and Brid as well as St Brigid.

Also known as the Witches tree, traditionally Rowans were believed to offer protection against evil. Other common names for them are Lady of the Mountain, Quicken tree, Wildwood, Whispering tree and probably the most well known Mountain ash. The latter name is due to its ability to thrive in high regions and a similarly in the leaves, however it isn’t actually an Ash (Fraxinus). In fact Rowans are part of the Rosaceae family alongside Apple trees (Malus) Roses (Rosa) and Hawthorn (Crataegus). Just as the haws of the Hawthorn and Rose hips contain vitamin C, Rowan berries are high in this vitamin too. Although all require cooking before they can be eaten they were traditionally used to treat scurvy, sore throats and other ailments, especially during the World War Two. 

The second book I read was ‘Back to Nature’ by Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.

Containing personal stories and factual explanations, this book looks at the importance of nature for humans along with what actions can be undertaken to protect it.

I grew up avidly watching the Really Wild Show and love Springwatch and Autumnwatch. Part of my enjoyment of this book was ‘hearing’ Chris’ voice as I read the parts he’d written. His descriptions contain both urgency and hopefulness. He speaks about various topics from the importance of nature as therapy to wildlife issues that exist at this time.

He also mentions how during lockdown verges sprung into life as wildflowers were allowed to bloom, something that was great for pollinators. Chris talks about the worrying loss by 97% of wildflower meadows since the 1930s, attributing to a decrease in insect numbers. Therefore reversing this by councils allowing verges to grow is great. Yet, having a small wildflower patch in gardens is another achievable action that we can all undertake that will have a big impact on helping wildlife thrive.

Both books are great reads, they are informative and enjoyable; I highly recommend them both.

Posted in Allotment

Allotment Love

Posted on by BITM

It was National Allotment Week between the 10-16th October this year. Started in 2002 by The National Allotment Society, it is a way of increasing awareness of allotments and their positive impact upon people’s lives including their mental and physical wellbeing. Just as gardening generally and being amongst nature do as well. All three certainly add fulfilment in my life as well as improve my health mentally and physically.

Apparently during this Covid-19 pandemic, applications for allotments has increased as more people have become interested in growing their own produce as well as gain therapeutic rewards from it.

I had been on the waiting list for my local allotment site for a year. I finally received and accepted an offer for a plot just as lockdown occurred; having initially been furloughed, I spent my hour exercise each day clearing and developing my new plot. It gave me purpose, hope and stability at a time when I couldn’t connect with people or gardens at work. It also enabled me to remain in the moment and observe nature continue as normal when so much upheaval was occurring in the world; helping to keep my anxiety at bay.

The downside at this time was that my partner couldn’t help me until lockdown eased, when at last we could work at the allotment at a social distance. Eventually we were able to form a support bubble and work together on the allotment properly and spend quality time with one another.

I love my little plot. It’s a place where I can grow cut flowers, edible produce as well as support local wildlife. I aim to work with the land in an organic permaculture, no dig method; taking care of rather than try to control it.

Practically, this journey is still in its infancy and yet I have come so far already.

Socially, I have met lovely fellow allotmenteers.

While in a personal note, I look forward to continue growing along with the plants I tend to.

Week one after the council strimed the long grass.
The latest photo of my beautiful Allotment.
Posted in Bookworm review, nature

Bookworm Review- ‘Bird Therapy’ by Joe Harkness

Posted on by BITM


I had downloaded this book ages ago and finally got round to reading it last month.

Part autobiographical and part informative this positive book is encouraging and so beautifully written that as the reader you are transported to his bird watching adventures.
Although Joe talks about his own experience with mental health, from his darkest days to eventually feeling better, it is never dwelt on. At the end of each chapter practical tips are given on how to engage in Bird therapy. He talks about different aspects of bird watching, anything from joining the serious world of twitchers through to taking part in the yearly RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey (describing his own explorations into each one as the book progresses).

Chapter eight ‘A sea-duck flotilla…’ particularly resonated with me. It describes birdwatching in winter. I also agree that watching birds is easier this time of year due to the bare trees and more birds taking advantage of bird feeders. Yet it is the time when I prefer to hibernate due to my Seasonal Affective Disorder. Having a bird feeder visible from my window helps encourage me to go out and face the world.

If you are dealing with mental health issues, know someone who is or feel a little bit low and stressed yourself then read this inspirational book. It proves how nature can help make you feel better and be part of the cure.