Nature of London #2
Connect with more nature in London this week (7th Dec)
👋 Hello Londoners
"Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
– Hans Christian Andersen
We’re out of lockdown and on the home straight until Xmas.
We’re in December now, winter has come. The days are at their shortest so keep an eye on sunset times to make the most of the days (and get your Vitamin D).
Last week was National Tree Week – the UK’s largest annual tree celebration! We hope you took some time to appreciate our green friends. I for one enjoyed bowing to a particular beautiful oak that greets me when I enter the park.
I’ve been amazed to see photos of a kestrel in Regent’s Park – one to keep an eye out for!
Have a nature filled week!
Fraser
Highlights from last week.
The trees are naked and there is nowhere for the birds to hide. People were sharing some excellent wildlife including a kestrel.
Something to notice.
When the trees lose their leaves illusive bird species are more easily spotted. Keep an eye out for the UK's smallest bird: the firecrest.
Firecrests have a green back, white belly, bronze 'collar' and a black and white eye-stripe. The males have a bright orange stripe on their heads.
They’ve recently been spotted in Hackney Marshes, Woodford Green, Greenwich Park and Walthamstow Wetlands.
Look in trees and hedgerows around London’s parks. 👀
Plan your nature time this week.
Studies have found spending 2-hours in nature each week contributes to greater mental and physical wellbeing. People who visit nature several times a week report higher life satisfaction.
☀️ Sunrise is around 07:52
🌙 Sunset around 15:51
Monday and Tuesday are looking the best days of the week. Make the most before the dry sunny spells are replaced with rain and cloud.
Nature Events in London this week.
📅 Fantastic Beasts and the Wonder of Nature
The Natural History Museum is opening a new exhibition from 9th December connecting the Harry Potter wizarding universe to our natural world “and how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends and magical creatures for generations.” The event will run to August next year.
Running from 9th December
📅 Nurture through Nature Wellbeing Workshop with Loussin-Torah Pilikian
London Wildlife Trust are hosting A 1–hour Zoom workshop designed to help you reconnect with the trees and the flowers through your own innate relationship with nature.
Friday 11 December 2020 @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📅 Indoor Zoom Meeting - Peter Holden - Birds their Hidden World.
The RSPB are hosting a call about the hidden world of birds. Another Zoom call.
Friday 11 December 2020 @ 7.45 pm
📅 Earth Element Yoga with Rosie Slay
London Wildlife Trust are hosting another great event. In this Zoom event explore your connection to the earth element in this hour long online yoga class
Saturday 12 December 2020 @ 3:00pm - 4:00pm
& More.
Some related nature reading.
🌳 How to do forest bathing
🌳 Nature reserves to visit in London
🌳 Let’s build a solarpunk future: Move quietly and plant things
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