Going Green

"Walking In The Woods" is a very trendy activity right now. Whether you are indulging in the Japanese practice of shirin-yoku [aka forest bathing], worshipping outdoors at a Forest Church, enjoying a peaceful day off with someone you love, or merely looking for the Gruffalo, forests are definitely the place to be right now.
Last week we could not decide whether to walk in the New Forest or walk along the sand by the sea - so we compromised with a visit to Upton Country Park at Poole. Time to walk in the gardens, to walk amongst the trees, and walk by the water.

We began by walking through the walled garden - this has such beautiful flowers- we saw lots of butterflies and bees. Bob took many photos on his camera, and I used my phone. But it was important to stop and appreciate the beauty, and not just take pictures.

Leaving the garden area we walked through the woods, stopping to smile at a little cherub cheekily nestling in the undergrowth.
As we moved away from the garden and house, there was less 'outside noise' - traffic, people etc - and more birdsong, insect buzz, and leaves rustling.
So peaceful.
A Japanese professor, author of a book on shirin-yoku has found that regularly immersing yourself in nature has both psychological and physiological benefits - healing for the body and mind.

Here are the trees as we got closer to the water's edge [Upton Lake is part of Poole Harbour]
We could look across the reeds to the water.

I took three photos and my phone kindly made them into a panorama shot!

The reeds waved in the gentle breeze, and we could hear birdsong [we think it was a Reed Warbler- but neither of us are very good at ornithology]

Bob took these two close-ups of the tree bark.
I was conscious of being very relaxed as we strolled in the sunshine, and I was glad of the opportunity to soak up more Vitamin D.

Don't you just love those mega-deckchairs! 

Back to the house. Imagine having that view of lawns and trees from your bedroom window!
There were lots of gardeners working very hard to maintain the grounds.
This Georgian Mansion [I really must move on from this period of history!] was built by the Spurrier Family - but then owned by the Doughtys. 
The Doughtys decreed that their island should be open to the residents of Hamworthy - and the whole coastal stretch has been declared an area of Special Scientifc Interest and given Ramsar Status. [clic on the link to find out more about this international body which works to protect wetlands and wildlife]
It is rumoured that there is a tunnel beneath the house, which leads all the way to the waters edge - and that in the 1960s, loot from the Great Train Robbery was hidden there!

It was a beautiful day, spent walking among the trees - certainly true refreshment for body, mind and spirit
When through the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees...and feel the gently breeze... then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee "How Great Thou Art!"