As my 53rd time around the sun fast approaches, I think back to where my love of nature began. I was incredibly fortunate to have spent my childhood days just a stone's throw away from the sea and a local nature reserve on the South East coast of Britain. Even as a small child, I would while away the days down at the chalk cliff shrouded Warren, where I would dare the waves to chase me out of the freezing water, run through the small, wooded areas and spend hours sitting beside the newt pond allowing numerous salamanders to climb over me to say hello! I would watch the many species of birds and revel in the scent of the beautiful wildflowers, all of which I sadly took for granted. I found great comfort in nature, especially in my darkest days when the crashing waves reminded me that I was not alone.
I would spend hours up the hills behind my house with other neighbourhood children, we would take cardboard and sometimes, much to the annoyance of our Mum’s, the metal lid from the dustbin, slide down and then run back up to the top of the hill, where you could see for miles, and now I live in Devon, miles away from the ocean but equally as beautiful, now I find that the moors are my adult playground and sometimes the incredible South West coast path, where the views are spectacular!
As much as I wanted to allow my eleven children, the freedom that I once had as a child, unfortunately, in today’s society, it would be deemed irresponsible and neglectful, I truly believe that it was my amazing childhood, which forged a deep connection and love of the earth, which grows ever stronger.
So that’s me for now, until the next time… Louise X
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