Solace In Nature

Nature Provides Solace During Lockdown

Erin McDaid, Head of Communications & Marketing, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, explains why places of natural beauty and nature are so important in stressful times.

As we all came to terms with life in lockdown, many turned to often and as a result he has captured an amazing series of images nature for solace. Our experience during this challenging which help document the wealth of wildlife present. The stunning period was undoubtedly made more bearable thanks to images include spectacular birds such as crane & great white egret the unusually warm and dry spring which provided plenty as well as delicate damselflies and more regular bird species such as of opportunities to enjoy the wildlife on our doorstep as many of our whitethroat. favourite sites became out of reach. open to provide people with spaces to exercise and connect with Mike is passionate about the site and acts as a volunteer warden The sight of fledgling birds jostling for their parents’ attention in our but his lockdown experience has reinforced his view that nature and gardens acquired new meaning and the dawn chorus of birdsong nature reserves are to be cherished. Speaking about the past few became a soundtrack to our lives – delivered in true surround sound months Mike said: “The extra free time during lockdown has enabled thanks to the massive drop in traffic noise. me to indulge in my passion for nature photography and reinforced As a charity Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust faced a challenging time lucky that the reserve is only a few minutes from home but it’s been during lockdown with the majority of our staff Furloughed to protect rewarding to see so many people enjoying the reserve and its wildlife funding, but we made an early decision to keep all our nature reserves over the past few months.” my view that nature and local nature reserves are vitally important. I’m nature. For those living close by, our sites became sanctuaries and this These images certainly capture something of the essence this wild was certainly the case for photographer and naturalist Mike Vickers. yet welcoming reserve. It’s one of the best places in Nottinghamshire for watching birds and other wildlife and the variety of Mike’s photos Mike’s images often grace these pages, helping to bring my articles to underlines this fact. We also know that like Mike, many people have life, and he has been visiting the area now covered by Idle Valley Nature been connecting with nature during lockdown and we hope Mike’s Reserve for over 40 years. Living in Lound, just a few minutes from images inspire many others to visit the reserve in the weeks and the reserve, Mike has used the extra time in lockdown to visit more months ahead.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is interested to hear about other people’s experience of nature during lockdown. Have you been visiting a local site more regularly, have you discovered a greenspace you’ve never visited before or seen more wildlife in your garden? Anyone willing to share their experiences and photographs can do so via our Idle Valley Facebook page where a gallery of Mike’s recent images can also be found. www.facebook.com/IdleValleyNatureReserve

Unique Postcard Show set for Idle Valley Centre. As we go to press the reserve remains open for visitors and the Trust is working towards re-opening the car park off North Road and launching a takeaway service from the café.

In the weeks ahead the Centre will also host a Postcard Show featuring designs inspired by people’s connection with nature during lockdown. For details of how to enter and the show itself visit: nottinghamshirewildlife.org/postcardshow

All imagery courtesy of Mike Vickers. Clockwise from top: Sedge Warbler, Little ringed plover, male Banded Demoiselle, Cormorant in breeding plumage, Brown Hare, Arctic Tern, Grasshopper Warbler, female Blacktailed Skimmer, Great White Egret. Inset image: Hobby.