Thought for the week

THE most startling and worrying item that I read in the newspaper last week had nothing to do with Harry and Megan. It had nothing to do with Iran. It had (surprisingly) nothing to do with climate change.

I read that research published by the National Trust has found that two thirds of Britons say that they never listen to birdsong. An even greater number say that they never stop to watch clouds or bees. One of the most magical experiences of my life was once when I was in the Hidden Gardens on Anglesey watching and listening to a thrush who sang from the top of a nearby tree. For ten minutes or more, he treated me to the most wonderful concert – all for free!

I also love walking around town and hearing groups of sparrows twittering in gardens as I pass. It is hard to believe that such a small creature can produce such a huge noise.

I am sad to think that a large proportion of people miss out on these and other natural treats. God’s creation is designed to delight and entertain us, and it is a great shame if we don’t appreciate it. When I was a child, we had a nature table in our classroom and brought in exhibits for it. Among other projects, we had a fish tank containing frogspawn and were able to watch the developing tadpoles. That was another truly magical experience. Do children still have such opportunities? Never mind going vegan or giving up smoking – again. Although those may be very good ideas, your mental health will benefit far more from regular contact with and enjoyment of the natural world around us. Why not give it a try?

Margaret Clarke