Do you enjoy ‘The Watches?’ (Springwatch and Winterwatch). If so, and you are a regular viewer, you will know that each programme offers a ‘Mindful Moment.’ This is usually a short video of a peaceful scene or event. There are no voices, only natural sounds (water, birds, animals). Essentially it is all about the natural world, encouraging you to relax, even if only briefly, and to tune in to nature. A link to some examples of the science behind the benefits of taking time in nature is provided at the end of this note [1].
Here at Old Hutchcomb’s Copse, we too can offer mindful moments. Each time we visit, we can feel our shoulders drop and our breathing slow down. Our glances soften as we look at the wild beauty around us. Sometimes we come to look, watch, and listen. To gift ourselves some quiet thinking time. On other occasions we come ready to get hands-on. Whilst we interfere as little as possible with the wild nature of the Copse, we trim back nettles and brambles enough to allow us to walk round and check all is well, and to move immediate fallen wood trip hazards to the side.
This weekend we watched as a Fox calmly trotted past to the side of us; at times it was so quiet that we could hear the falling leaves reaching ground. Nature’s own confetti. Amazing November sunshine backlit our trees, the old and venerable Oaks, the mature Field Maples, and numerous, previously coppiced Hazel stands. Gorgeous, buttery-yellow leaves dressing the ground beneath the Hazels whilst fresh green catkins stretch out above.
So – why not invest in some peace and quiet, some mindfulness opportunities, for yourself. Join the Friends of Old Hutchcomb's Copse and help the Oxfordshire Badger Group to protect it as a wildlife conservation area, find out what we are doing and when, and then come along and experience it all for yourself. We will be delighted to welcome you and to share the joy of our special wild place.
And as a special pre-Christmas treat, why not come and visit on Sunday 14th December, between 11am and 2pm, when we will be offering tours of the Copse along with hot drinks and mince pies. RSVP to info@hutchcombs-copse.org.uk