Getting Back To Normal!
Do we want to get back to normal? What IS normal?
Our lives and social systems have been paused and it is time to return to some sort of normal. Humans are very curious, learning is something that we all want to do, whether it is learning algebra, playing the guitar, how to fix our bike or how to cook Grandma’s special Christmas cake. So getting back into the swing of going back to school shouldn’t be too difficult. Humans also love company and collaboration so slipping back into the rhythm of seeing friends and sharing conversation with them should be a doddle. However, perhaps you will miss certain things about being in lock down, like spending more time together as a family or being able to get up and go for a jog before settling into your day or taking your dog for a walk at lunchtime… all things that will change when we get back to normal.
Change comes from people trying something different and making alterations from the foundations up, so why not keep those important things woven into your day. Set your alarm a half hour early and take that jog before school or before starting your homework in the evening take your dog for its walk. Whatever it is you do not want to lose from your lock down lives try and squeeze them into your day.
Neglect Of Our Relationship With Our Natural World
One good thing to come from our imposed lock down is that many of us have spent more time outside. We have heard your stories about growing flowers and fruit and vegetables, looking at the birds and butterflies and taking an interest in the subject that is our environment.
We can see that this pandemic has been caused by our relationship with nature. The greats like David Attenborough, Erin Brokovic and Sunita Narain have all been talking for many years about how we, the human race, treat our planet. Large scale agriculture and farming techniques, the use of chemicals on our crops, the condition of our soil and seas, the use of plastics and the throw away society that we have become. There is plenty of opportunity for you to get involved with the natural world and our environment both at school and at home.
Take a look at some of our interesting links below to see how you can make a difference.
WWOOF – A World Wide Movement linking volunteers to organic farms to create cultural and educational experiences.
Plant a tree – Even out your carbon footprint.
South East Rivers Trust – Help to clean up a river near you.
Wild About Gardens – Create a butterfly border.
Love Bats – Help bats to live, create a batty neighbourhood.
Wild About Worms – Yuck, but they are so important to keeping our soil in good condition.
Create an urban habitat for wildlife. Why not try to make some of the following to have in your garden or local outdoor space:
Bird boxes
Bat Boxes
Invertebrate habitats
Towers
Cities
Loggeries
Habitat Walls
Bees
Reptile hibernaculas
Meadows
Ponds
Nesting rafts
You must get permission from the landowner if you are hoping to use an outdoor space that does not belong to you. Many councils are actively seeking out projects already that will help with biodiversity, so if you get in contact with them you may find that they have a volunteer group that you can join.
