The science behind our need to be closer to Nature and creating environments where human beings can thrive This post is a prelude to a series of reviews on five of Erich Fromm's books exploring Human Nature with scientific knowledge on what it means to love ourselves and each other, and why we need to live closer to Nature in natural environments in order to thrive. The books I have re-read after many years include To Have or To Be, The Art of Being, The Art of Loving, Man For Himself and Escape From Freedom. They are listed at the end of this post. Today, I am sharing two main concepts or ..read more

An exquisite account of Nature in the fields of England through the seasons In 1972, concerned about the natural environment and the quality of our food, Richard Mabey wrote the first edition of Food For Free as a cheeky, challenging, a snub to domesticity as much as domestication. This remarkable book, was born of an increasing belief that foraging might be an excellent way to reconnect with the wild. As foraging has become common currency on TV food programmes and restaurants with courses and guided walks available to search for and collect all manner of wild foods, some varieties have be ..read more

A poem about a magical place where wild Wood Anemones grow An ancient path, worn, steps rooted, Following an old stone wall, to the rocks above; Penny Pies, Moss and Lichen growing side by side; In early Spring, as Nature opens with new life. At the top of the path, the trail flattens, New Wild Garlic leaves line the way in patterns; Going on to twist and turn like a ribbon; Along the curve of the river, as leaves sparkle and glisten. Two mighty Oaks, doorway to a magical place, A steep track leading down to the water‘s edge; A path soft with fallen leaves and dampened soil; Winding steps ..read more

Wise words about the wonders of wild food how best to eat them Discovering, collecting and preparing wild foraged food is a process that teaches us how to connect more closely with Nature and how to enjoy her abundance through the seasons. There is something about cleaning, storing, preparing, cooking and eating wild food you have gathered yourself that brings so much joy and many benefits. We know that the art of going organic requires us to revisit, reshape and adapt our way of living to accommodate a more holistic approach to life. It takes time to learn so that we understand how best we ..read more

Gathering and preparing food to eat from Mother Nature's store cupboard  I felt inspired to write this post as I have been making a concerted effort at the start of this new Spring Season to spend more time learning about, foraging for and preparing wild food to eat and enjoy as part of my natural organic diet. I have always dabbled at foraging as certain crops of wild food have presented themselves to me over the years. I have learned a lot about certain fresh herbs to forage and grow for my herbal teas and detox remedies. This is a continuing and unfolding journey which I am delighted to ..read more

A poem about connecting to the love and joy Mother Nature brings If you love Mother Nature; She will love you too, in abundance; With unlimited gifts of beauty, healing energy and nourishment. When you feel happy; Mother Nature will smile with you; In any weather, see her sparkle, feel her resonate around you. When you feel low; Mother Nature will lift and comfort you; Feel the ebb and flow of her gentle waves within you. When you feel anxious; Mother Nature will reassure you; Helping you take away your stress and grounding you. When you feel fearful or afraid; Mother Nature will protec ..read more

An exquisite account of Nature in the fields of England through the seasons Meadlowland is a wonderful book that takes you to the heart of the English countryside to experience the flourishing, blossoming and dying down of Nature through each month of the year. John Lewis-Stempel tells the story of Nature as it passes through the seasons in an ancient meadow on his farm. As an addendum in the final chapter, John recalls how he first became interested in Nature. He was a boy given to rambles with his black Labrador dog. Usually alone although sometimes with cousins or friends, John donned an ..read more

A summary of things to watch out for and enjoy in Nature through April At the beginning of April our woodlands, hedgerows and gardens burst into life in an abundance of flower buds, opening bulbs and fresh new leaves. In the early morning the Dawn Chorus is in full swing as Dandelions, Buttercups and Daisies adorn lawns, fields and verges with their brilliant splashes of gold. April comes from the words 'Aprilis' (Latin), 'Aperto' (Italian) or 'Aperire' (Roman) meaning to open up . In history, it is recorded that April came before January and February and was the second month of the Roman c ..read more

A poem full of love and awe for Nature as she wakens and unfolds Welcome April, home of Venus and love; Sacred Aprilis of Aperto, it’s time to open up ; As Aphrodite melts the cold in our fertile soils; Growth quickens, as Nature wakens and unfolds. Welcome April, as we revel, feeling reborn. Endeared by flower buds opening, birds singing at dawn. Our gardens, fields and hedgerows burst with energy and life. Mother Nature brings abundance, after Winter’s frost and ice. Welcome April, no fools on this bright day. Only joy with so much adventure coming our way. In cascades of loving memorie ..read more

The perfect cleansing herbal tea for the start of the Spring season There is no better way to make the most of the early Spring season than by collecting new Nettle Leaf tips for making fresh herbal tea. Fresh Nettles contain powerful nutrients that help to cleanse the blood and inner organs. It's a great way to start the day. Foraging for Nettles is fun. Its makes for a perfect excuse to go out for a walk and look for the freshly growing tips that grow in hedgerows, around the edges of fields and so many other places. Remember to take a thin pair of gloves or something to protect your ha ..read more