Green shoots

As I write, am aware of the birds’ excitable chatter outside window as they flutter about, absorbed in collection materials for nest building. Their mesmerising song, vibrant colours their feathers, and very process busyness anticipation spring both soothes makes me feel fleetingly connected much at peace. It provides an anchor link with down-to-earth natural cycles which brings it a sense hope that things will be okay again, eventually. None us feels completely moment. How could we? Our lives we know them have been uprooted displaced. The pandemic storm clouds might merge, retreat, change form, but always linger threateningly overhead. So many people died, so are risk, our everyday freedoms diminished until entirely encompassed by homes, essential work, mental health assault course life masks personal protective equipment. These restrictions necessary yet crushing humans, deprived unrestrained social contact, locked own little worlds, there emerges clear pathway to feelings disconnect, loneliness, depression. UK was not good place before pandemic. Now, on-the-ground realities still bite hard after year resulting economic move closer, future looks uncertain times rather bleak. Will ever same again? Even when society opens up—in whatever form—it is possible anxieties problems confidence children adults alike. friend who suffered from severe agoraphobia her youth told me; “I’ve spent years opening up my world, now has retreated squarely where because I’ve had to. can all old anxiety flooding back there's nothing do about it. All coping mechanisms taken away; it's just phobia, nowhere go.” Yet—and yet—during adversity, displacement, extreme arrives opportunity question how happy really were To look inward, painful though be, sustainable realistic way living actually was. each other, communities, world around first place? Surely no coincidence during lockdown sought solace garden, doorstep, or nearby park green space. crisis somehow tapped into innate, instinctive desire dig deep lay down roots no-frills simplicity wherever found. Those lucky enough access spaces became fascinated wildlife local visited balcony, posted images on media. different ages, shown interest before, suddenly started buying seed compost grow vegetables. Such rush supplies reportedly ran out companies’ websites introduce queuing systems meet sheer demand new customers. And therein lie shoots solution help come blinking light reality be. greater extremes weather, mass unemployment, some distancing mask wearing become permanent fixtures? Whatever happens, one thing certain: need resilience connection get like never before. potential provide bridge, road leads post-pandemic time, back. seen first-hand powerful, positive impact time involved nature-friendly gardening activities individuals struggling anxiety, trauma, sensory overload. This case again projects run young disabilities, depression kids having school, those stressed more. Nature seems step overwhelmed mind tune here now. rhythms planet, feeling watching seeds you sown germinate life, plants, food take home eat. harmony (if don’t meticulously tidy your garden) alongside sights, sounds, smells great outdoors. these soothe nurture; engaged outdoors, build part something, wider door. Is innate within connect this way? Quite possibly. Certainly, believe disproportionate amount staring screen beneficial wellbeing. Ultimately though, must only space homes benefit. Everyone should enabled low-maintenance, green, growing wildlife-rich areas, throughout towns cities, every level, via prescribing. There emerging top–down awareness funding being released research power nature communities recover. For example, Department Environment, Food Rural Affairs’ recent announcement series seven “test learn” sites across country, focused areas deemed hardest hit pandemic, made available growing, exercise, related most. start. But order truly recover nation, more do. major access, barriers engagement, besides. We country joined up, rounded approach includes, incentivises, financially logistically viable hospitals, schools, housing estates, places doctor's surgeries, indeed, everyone, everywhere involved. Only overcome poverty, health, lack coax especially excluded (and for) something meaningful. Community engagement potent leveller bringing ages backgrounds engage together, overcoming prejudices any pre-conceived ideas shouldn’t mix with. together. Spending nature, food, connecting us, even small way, needs norm.