Celebrating the natural world in an and around Whitchurch

We are now midway through a year which sadly continues the turmoil of the previous two.

Thanks to the global pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine we are all sadly living in a far different world to the one we left in 2020.

How simple life was then and few, if any, would have predicted all that we have experienced, and continue to endure, since.

Yet we endure and we find ways to make life meaningful because humanity has always found a way.

We are fortunate to live in such a peaceful part of the world.

However the events of the past few years have shown us that even rurality is no defence to the impact of global events.

Solace has always been available in our countryside.

Who has not found peace and answers to their problems by walking around their homes in the beautiful land which has always provided a backdrop to our communities?

Who has not forgotten their troubles at the sound of a bleating lamb or in the smile of a dog?

Even with the soaring cost of living crisis, these things cannot be taken away or charged for.

They are simple pleasures and it is these that make up life.

So if you are down this weekend and want to pick yourselves up then you could do far worse than venture to the hills and ask yourself 'how green is my valley?'

Feeding time for this fieldfare. Picture by Laura Butler.

A chaffinch takes some time to reflect. Picture by Steve Beech.

Saint Alkmund Church. Picture by Tim Dickenson.

A close up of nature. Picture by Gary Leroy Crawford.

Sun sets on another busy day. Picture by Brian Roberts.

Pheasants feeding. Picture by Steve Beech.

Out and about in the countryside. Picture by Caroline Barrett.