Look Wild: Kingley Vale Nature Reserve

Ten years ago, on a rainy autumn day, you would have found me tucked into the corner of a sofa, reading a book and drinking a large mug of tea – with no plans to leave my comfy spot. 

Fast forward to life today and it’s all about getting out of the house – whatever the weather –because as any parent or dog owner knows, things will not end well if you try to have ‘a cosy day in’.   

Which is how we found ourselves in Kingley Vale Nature Reserve, in the South Downs National Park, on a damp October day, donning raincoats and wellies and eating egg sandwiches under the shelter of a tree!  

I’m going to be honest, when we first started doing weekend family walks I thought “well I’ll at least get some steps in” but gradually I started noticing benefits other than a high step count. I felt calmer, I breathed more deeply, I had a sense of connection. 

There are good reasons for that. Did you know that birdsong is scientifically proven to regulate your nervous system? To our ancestors, a lack of birdsong was a signal of predators so it makes sense that we would instantly feel more relaxed hearing joyful chirping. When you hug a tree you release a hormone called oxytocin, which produces that uplifting feeling of love and trust.   

I recently learnt a lot about the power of nature walks from Tansy Dowman (@tansyinthewild), who strips away the stereotype of forest bathing and makes it accessible for everyone. She reminds us that you don’t have to dance through the forest wearing a floaty dress and a daisy wreath in your hair to connect to nature – although feel free to do that if you want – you just have to be present and tune into your senses.  

Today, as we wind our way through the magical Yew Tree Trail, we listen out for the distinctive crow of a pheasant, we spot faces in the twisted bark of the incredible 2,000-year-old trees, we breathe in the scent of damp air and we run our hands over the moss and bark.  

Another mindful activity I’ve learned is to take ‘an offering’ on your walk. My son loves this idea. For example, he’d collected conkers on a previous walk so, today on the trail, he gives a conker to each tree he climbs to say thank you. 

Once we’ve finished exploring the Yew Tree Trail, we take a deep breath and start the steep ascent to the top of the hill. Usually I’m so focused on my aching calves that I don’t notice much else! But today I look out for the little signs of the changing seasons and am rewarded with fleshy mushrooms, tiny bright berries, glistening spiderwebs and an array of beautiful autumnal colours.

Before I know it, we’re at the top, invigorated by our climb and ready for the obligatory selfie with the stunning backdrop of the South Downs! 

Then we drive home feeling content, enjoying that perfect combination of rejuvenation and tiredness. So maybe our parents were right all along: the fresh air WILL do us good. What I do know for sure is, after a day out in the elements, the cup of tea on the sofa tastes even better – another excellent reason for an autumn walk!