Life feeling slower in January makes a lot of sense when you think about what’s going on in nature. Many plants lay dormant, ponds stand still with frost, and while we can still hear and see some feathered friends, many of their mammalian cousins are focusing on rest and keeping warm. Nature wants us to slow down, so talk of ‘New Year, new me’ feels counterintuitive.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas for making the start of your year a bit wilder:
Sit spot (C) Katrina Martin/2020VISION
The concept of a Sit Spot is pretty straightforward: Find a comfy spot in a green space you can easily access, and sit there for at least 20-30 minutes once a week. Being sat in one place in nature for this length of time lets wildlife get used to you being there, so you’ll be more likely to see who you’re sharing this space with.
You can use this time simply to sit and observe the nature world around you while being mindful of the way you breathe and how your body feels at that moment in time. Some use it as an opportunity to start a nature journal, and document the changes you notice – which plants emerge at different times of the year, the number of birds who make the nearby oak tree their home, or when certain butterflies come to visit.
Picking a Sit Spot in January can set you up for months or even years of wild moments. It's not a big change, but it’s a practice that can strengthen your connection with the nature on your doorstep – and it doesn’t cost a thing, only the time you’re able to give.
(c) Peter Cairns / 2020 Vision
Whether it’s getting out to a reserve that’s new to you or venturing into a wild topic or skill that sparks your curiosity, there’s something incredibly gratifying about planning the ways you can fill your cup with nature.
You can take this slower period in January to reflect on the moments you had in nature last year which stood out to you, and think about how you’d like to build on them or take your love of wildlife that step further.
At Avon Wildlife Trust we have courses, talks and events lined up across the coming months, with more added to our website as the year goes on, so there are plenty of opportunities to have a moment of wildness with likeminded people.
We can also help you discover more wild spaces on your doorstep, both with the nature reserves we care for and the wild spaces we shine a light on through Team Wilder.
If you want to help create a world where nature to thrive, you can take a small action in January that will make a difference for wildlife all year round
This month you can join Avon Wildlife Trust as a member from just £1.50 a month, thanks to our half-price January offer. By joining as a member, you’ll be part of a movement of people who are helping to create more homes for dormice, bumblebees, kingfishers and many other species who call our region home.
