62 | S I M P L Y T O G E T H E R
WHATS IN SEASON December/ January
By Becqui Jean Photographs by Christine Weaver
This time of year is characterized by bare branches, cold temperatures, and it can be so tempting just to curl up indoors and wait for Spring. However, I know that getting outdoors, even for a short walk is incredibly beneficial to me. It lifts the mood, gets my heart pumping, and being surrounded by and observing nature makes any worries or troubles seem lighter somehow. Spending time in nature is something that’s been instilled in me ever since a young child. I grew up in Yorkshire, both my parents are keen birdwatchers and botanists, so along with my siblings we would spend weekends stomping the moors. Admittedly in those days I was more concerned with playing Velociraptors vs Winter Fairies, or jumping over streams, but as I have grown older I have taken more of an interest in what’s around me. Spotting bright fungi, or the first flowers holds a certain delight, and growing to know the habits of birds and animals, the growing seasons of plants makes me feel so much more attuned to the seasons. It’s a simple pleasure, but one I will never tire of, and there’s something to celebrate with each changing season of the year. However, it is a hobby which can seem quite daunting to begin with. How do you know just what to look out for? What do you start with? Trees? Birds? Ferns? Whilst I am no expert, I am lucky to have two parents who will patiently tell me time and time again the name of things. Yep, as a thirty-something year old daughter they probably thought they were past the whole ‘What’s that? And that? What’s THAT’ stage. So my plan is with each issue to list some things that are in season for you (and I!) to spot whilst out and about, and we’ll hopefully learn together. Seen anything that I mention here? We’d love to see your photos – use our hashtag #simplytogthermag
