We've recently collaborated with a wonderful local charity Green Connections who create opportunities for equal and inclusive access to a great range of green-themed activities. The charity aims to spark joy amongst people in Hertfordshire, whose worlds have closed in because of ageing, disability, illness or other change of circumstance and form a meaningful connection with nature.

One of the ways the charity do this is to send out ‘Green Letterboxes’ full of activities to get the recipients engaging with their local wildlife, always considering the varied ability and needs of the many people they support. Some of our team wrote bird-themed postcards, capturing a mindful moment in nature and these have been included in the charity’s mailing to provide an opportunity for recipients to have a moment of interaction which they might not regularly have. They can also take a bit of inspiration from the sender and feel encouraged to enjoy the nature on their doorstep.

Here are some examples of those messages – we hope that they will inspire you to stop, notice, see and listen – to appreciate the wonderful feelings of wellbeing that such natural interactions deliver. And if you are enjoying this special moment why not share it with a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour too and let them benefit?

Finding calm with birds

“I just listen out to the birds calling at dusk and dawn. If you’re awake and have difficulty sleeping this is a great pleasure.”

Slow down and take a moment

“Sometimes I sit quietly by the lake and watch the swans glide by, the Heron stands so still and slowly, I slow down too. Just to breathe in the air, listen to the birds, the breeze, and feel part of this little piece of nature.”

Discover an enjoyable pastime

“Hello, I thought I’d share my favourite activity for a January day with you. Every year, the RSPB puts together their annual Big Garden Birdwatch, a citizen science project that collects data on birds and other wildlife. For the last 6 years, I have made myself a cup of tea, got my binoculars and the bird identification sheet that the RSPB has sent me through the post and spend a lovely few hours counting the birds coming into my garden. My friend does the same thing, just in the park next to her flat. Why not give it a go yourself?”

“I take time to fill my bird feeders each week and delight in watching Blue Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinches and Greenfinches fly in for their snacks. It never gets boring especially when I see a Great Spotted Woodpecker with their flash of bright red on their heads.”

Find company

“I am writing this in the garden and whilst I do so I have company – a very noisy and chirpy Robin, making it clear to any other birds listening that this is his (or her) territory!

“Other than the wind whistling through the trees, it’s the only noise I can hear. Tuning into nature makes me realise we are never alone – there are lots of other creatures we interact with, enjoy and admire.”

Make your connection with nature what you want it to be

“My fave bird is a Robin. Someone told me they are someone who has passed coming back to say hello and I like to think exactly this! They always make me smile and reflect on loved ones. I also have a love for Blue Tits after rescuing a fledgling, years back, and taking him/her to Tiggywinkles. I have a Blue Tit that visits my window and eats little bugs off the windowsill outside. Sometimes I wish I was a bird! Enjoy bird watching, I hope they make you smile too!”

Wonderful initiatives such as ‘Green Letterboxes’ highlight the value of nature to our health and wellbeing, which is an important aim here at the Trust too. If you would like to support the work they do, you can find out more here.

Do visit our Nature for Wellbeing page to discover the many more ways you can interact with nature to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits – there is so much to be gained!