Wrap up and step out

After picking up and reading your wonderful December 2020 edition, I must say I wholeheartedly agree with Cal Flyn’s article ‘The Tonic of Wildness’. During the long months of lockdown and now the varying restrictions around Scotland getting out to clear my head and be in nature was one of the main things that I looked forward to every day. And still do.

I have taken to watching for birds in my garden now too and was surprised at the variety of birds that do visit my new feeding table. We have been visited by plenty little sparrows and blackbirds, while I am convinced I have a regular robin who visits every day. There are many birds that visit that I need to try and identify and I am still holding out hope that I will get a visit from a waxwing.

Birdwatching aside, I have always been an avid walker and can normally be found outside with my walking boots on. But winter is definitely here.

Despite the ever encroaching darker nights and the untameable force that is the Scottish weather I refuse to shut myself away inside. I do not think my Border terriers Jura and Henry would allow me anyway – they hate being cooped up as much as I do. Getting out on our favourite forest and river walks gives us that bit of escape, and a moment to try and forget the struggle around us.

I will don my big winter jacket and cosy scarf (umbrella under my arm just in case) and I will still be out in the nature that has helped keep me grounded. I urge you all to join me. Shelagh Mackie, Aboyne