The Tranquil Otter is a nature reserve. We agree that nature has a role to play in promoting wellbeing of young and old alike. Play is a great way to get your young to be comfortable and happy outdoors. Recently we’ve been following the 30 Days Wild facebook Group established by the Wildlife Trust, which inspired this post.
Nature’s role in wellbeing
A recent post that caught our eye was about the prescribing of “nature” by Scottish Doctors to treat mental illness, diabetes, stress and other conditions.
I can relate to this because earlier this year, I heard about Forest Bathing in Whinlatter Forest, Facebook again. I tried it, for research of course, and can highly recommend it for improving one’s well being.
Nature’s role in wellbeing for the young
The post that was the most engaging and one that we can recommend to parents of children from toddler upwards is the post on Leaf Art. The Facebook post was inspirational in how to engage toddlers upwards in wandering in the woods, picking up leaves, whether from the floor or one’s just hanging on.
Whether you pick leaves from your garden, your park or the woods at the Tranquil Otter, there is much fun to be had. Beata, our housekeeper, invited her children to produce some leaf art.
Check out @lamaestraconsuelo’s Facebook page for great ideas for using leaves and twigs for art and paper mache. Here’s the original post that inspired us:
Nature Reserves on our doorstep
The Tranquil Otter is a nature reserve for bugs and beetles; you’ll notice fallen trees laying on the ground or ringbarked trees. These trees provide a home for insects, which in turn are a draw for the birdlife.
Watchtree Nature Reserve
Watchtree nature reserve provides a safe-haven for birds and small mammals. The Reserve is run as an enterprise and is an excellent place for young children to learn to cycle, roam and enjoy a car-free space.
Natural England manages this nature reserve, which contains woodlands, heathland and grassland. Keep an eye out for roe deer, red squirrel or wood mouse. To see the badgers, you’ll have to aim for dawn or dusk visits. Find out more about Fingland Rigg on the Solway Coast website at www.solwaycoastaonb.org.uk/finglandrigg-wood
