We’re lucky, because we live in a suburban area now, surrounded by parks, the river and the beautiful Surrey hills within just a few miles drive.
But I used to live in cities when I was younger and had no family. As much as I loved the convenience of living in a big city with the career I wanted, going out on the weekends, studying and just generally enjoying a very different and busy life – I always missed nature.
Long walks in the park, day outs on the countryside or even walking the dog are very benefical both emotionally, physically and psychologically. Apart from trips to the seaside and to working farms there’s some other, less obvious things you can do to be reconnected to nature.
1. Guerrilla gardening
Or maybe just help some friends out with gardening jobs. There are a lot of Facebook groups and council sites for people wanting to do some gardening, wanting to make their town or city greener and healthier.
2. Get an allotment
This is of course a little bit of a commitment but it has lots of benefits. You’re not only gardening, you’re producing food and it can be a great hobby. It saves money for you too. It’s very social and educational as well: you can make friends with your allotment neighbours, you can take the whole family so children can learn how food is being produced.
3. Make your own urban oasis
Turn your balcony, patio or even indoor conservatory into your own mini oasis. Buy some nice plants, lovely garden furniture and add your own taste and style to it. Nothing’s better than having a little oasis on your own. Here’s a great little guide with lots good ideas: How To Create An Urban Oasis
4. Pick your own
Just outside of London you can find a lot of family friendly, little working farms and orchards, where you can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. Lovely summer fruits from June till August or pumpkin in autumn. It’s fun, it’s cheap and you can take the children too. Get your freezer and preserving jars ready!
5. Volunteer
You can actively protect nature: join volunteer communities to tidy up green areas, beaches or riversides. Lots of parks are always looking for volunteers, not only gardeners but other skilled people too for various permanent or temporary positions. Dedicate your skills and time if you can.
This is a collaborative post.
9 comments
Fab ideas! We live in the country side and I love that nature is on our doorstep. That said, I would love an allotment!!
These are great ideas, I love the idea of getting an allotment! I love going to theegarden centre and picking indoor plants depending on the season!
We’ve been thinking about getting one too.
These are lovely ideas and totally agree you can bring the outside in even if you are tight on space! #familyfun
#thesatsesh I have the reverse issue – i grew up in London and now ‘adult’ in the countryside…so perhaps I should write a post titled “don’t panic Topshop deliver” lol. I agree though that being near nature is a total game changer for our minds and our bodies, stress seems to be eaten by a brief walk in our local forrest.
Excellent ideas here, inmist say I had never heard of guerilla gardening but why not eh. An allotment is a great idea but like you say lots of work. Once you’ve started though I think it becomes a labour of love. Thanks for joining us at #familyfun
These are lovely ideas and can cross over I think. #FamilyFunLinky
What great ideas for city folk like us! We are so fortunate to be surrounded by one of the largest parks and hiking trails in the US. We love the outdoors and a life in the city still allows for that! Add to that fab list, get a dog and walk! <3 #familyfun xoxo
Hoping to get a dog as soon as we managed to buy a house! Hopefully soon. Looking forward to the big walks.