4 activities to get you closer to nature

I love living in the countryside. Being able to look out the window and see fields, trees, birds and other wildlife makes my soul happy. I lived in London for a good few years and eventually decided city life really just isn’t for me – I missed being closer to nature.

These days I live in a small village in Kent and couldn’t be happier. My family have always been outdoorsy types. I spent the majority of my childhood school holidays spending time camping all around the UK and sailing on the Norfolk Broads.

Now as an adult I still love spending time out in nature, whether that be walking my dogs every morning across the local field, going camping every year with my parents or getting excited for an upcoming trip back to the Broads in a couple of months.

If you’re more of a city type or a ‘townie’ like my fiance is (he doesn’t like getting wet, muddy or slobbered on by dogs), I have four activities that I encourage you to try to help you get closer to nature.

Hiking

Hiking in the outdoors is a great activity and one of the simplest ways to get more active. Hiking has many positive effects on both the body and mind. Walking and hiking can increase the strength in your muscles, reduce the risk of dementia and reduce the feeling of stress. I find walking my dogs every morning almost meditative and love it when other local dog walkers join in for a friendly chat while our dogs play on the field.

You don’t need any special skills to get into hiking, you just have to be able to walk and know where you are and make sure you have the right supplies and suitable outdoor clothing. Along the way, you will be able to quiet your mind and reconnect with nature. Whether that is looking up into the canopy of trees above you, marvelling at wild animals that run across your path, or looking out over an incredible vista at the top of a mountain.

Skiing

Among the myriad activities that draw us into the embrace of the natural world, skiing stands out as a unique and exhilarating way to connect with nature during the colder months. Gliding through pristine snow-covered landscapes, with the crisp mountain air filling your lungs and the panoramic vistas of untouched wilderness stretching out before you, skiing offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the quiet majesty of winter. Val Thorens, nestled in the French Alps, epitomizes this magical experience, boasting the highest ski resort in Europe and offering skiers of all levels the chance to carve their paths in its expansive, snow-clad terrains. Check this website for Val Thorens Transfers.

It’s not just a sport but a journey that brings you face-to-face with the serene beauty and raw power of the natural world. From the gentle slopes that welcome beginners to the challenging terrains that thrill the experienced, skiing brings you closer to nature’s heart, offering moments of introspection and awe amidst the tranquil silence of snow-laden trees and the exhilarating rush of descending slopes. It reminds us of the importance of preserving these beautiful landscapes for generations to come, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection with the environment that sustains us.

Fishing

Although I don’t fish anymore, I spent many a summer alongside my Dad in the wee hours on the Norfolk Boards with my eyes carefully watching a float gently bobbing along the water. I enjoyed spending that time with my dad which, although was quiet so we didn’t scare away the fish, was real quality time.

I also really enjoyed watching the various birds swim or fly overhead and admiring the fish that we caught. We mostly caught roach, bream and perch but we would get the occasional eel too! When you’re getting started out with fishing it’s best to visit a proper shop where they can teach you about the equipment required as a lot of it is specialised. For example, you will want to visit a carp tackle shop if you’ll be fishing for carp.

Camping

Putting up a camp and staying outdoors for some time can be a fantastic activity to get you back to nature. Plus, you get to spend quality time with your family and loved ones. I love camping. In fact, I have been camping almost every year since I was born! My family spent many fun holidays exploring the UK with our tent in tow and I have lots of great memories. We still go camping regularly and will be returning to our favourite campsite in Salisbury in the summer.

Over the years our camping has gone from traditional canvas tents with metal poles to tents with flexible plastic poles (both of which took at least an hour to get all set up) and now my parents have invested in a camper van to make things a little easier and faster to set up. I love sleeping in a tent, particularly when it rains and the gentle sound sends you to sleep. Whether you camp in the wild or on a campsite, there’s no way to escape nature when you’re in a tent!