From the coast to the countryside, there is plenty to be collected, crafted and foraged. Annie Ridout reveals the natural gifts we can all use for our health and home
ahh, British summertime. The long-awaited season of lo nger, lighter and brighter days that we embrace with o pen arms and freshly painted toenails. Waking up to cheery birdsong and the orange glow of morning summer sun on the bedroom wall. The dappled light on a woodland walk and lying out on freshly mown lawns or soft golden sands, with the sound of lapping waves providing a meditative soundtrack to our days. And, of course, there’s the much-needed vitamin D boost.
But there’s also the fact that in the summer we spend more time in the great outdoors, which, according to ecotherapist and founder of Meadow Education Laura Alvarado, can help us to combat feelings of loneliness, boredom and being emotionally overwhelmed. ‘We begin to feel and notice the interconnectivity of life,’ she says, ‘and the ecosystem that we are part of. Summer is especially wonderful for people in the UK, as we can kick off our shoes and enjoy the benefits of being barefoot on sandy beaches, dewy lawns or grassy parks.’ This is a practice known as ‘earthing’, which research suggests has multiple health benefits, such as improved sleep and lowered cortisol levels.
So, how much time should be dedicated to this? Well, a 2019 study published on nature.com revealed that we should be spending two hours a week in nature. Happily, you don’t need to up sticks and move to an off-grid cabin in the woods (though that does sound rather appealing), but instead head to a local park, field, forest or coastal area for a daily burst of nature. Better still, immerse yourself fully in its pleasures by making the most of its incredible (and free!) bounty.
And this isn’t just an activity for the summer months – autumn, winter and spring all hold treasures of their own. Here’s our year-round guide to making the most of nature’s freebies.
COMB THE COUNTRYSIDE
In the spring, summer and early autumn, our hedgerows groan with edible wild berries. Rosehip, blackberries, hawthorn, guelder rose, damsons, elderberries and sloes (blackthorn) can all be picked, washed and made into jams. If you collect more than you can use right now, they can also be frozen and then eaten with porridge through the colder months.
