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Ian’s walking story

“Walking is great for our mental and physical health – but it’s also the best way of appreciating our what we have on our doorstep.”

A small group of people stand on a beach looking out over the water.

Ian, our Policy and Campaigns Officer, shares his perspective on walking during the colder seasons…

I think everyone finds things harder when the days are short and the weather not so great.

It’s tempting to curl up in front of the fire and keep warm – but I find that’s even more enjoyable if I have been for a walk first.

I live near the coast in Fife, where winter means skeins of pink footed geese and, at high tide, curlews and oystercatchers on the fields, park and football pitches.

“Whether we are in a park, woodland or countryside, there will always be wildlife to see.”

You see more at walking pace – or if you take time to stand or sit still. If you sit quietly the wildlife will often come around you. In winter this might be mixed flocks of small birds – blue tits, great tits, and long tailed tits. You might see a treecreeper working its way up a tree trunk and then flying to the base of the next tree.

If there are trees with berries, like rowan, you are likely to see redwings and fieldfares – thrushes that visit for the winter. If you are really lucky, you might even see a waxwing!