Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
3rd July 2021
Bramble Ramble
I don’t actually do much gardening at this time of year. But before all the people who have recently asked for my gardening services, contact me to say ‘You said you were too busy …’, let me explain.
For the last few weeks – and the next few – any work done in my garden and for most of my clients can hardly be described as gardening but more like ‘fire-fighting’. I appreciate it is still done in a garden so for those pedants out there (nothing wrong with that by the way), it is of course technically still ‘gardening’, but it feels so far removed from the good-for-your-health and creative side of horticulture.
My best friends are now string, secateurs and my coveted Japanese extending shears as it is just about keeping everything in check. I use the long shears to clip off the unwanted suckers and rogue brambles from the most beautiful wild rose hedges and other established shrubs – I’ll dig the brambles out in the winter (I promise myself).
Why on earth can’t they process brambles into some sort of super–food? I want whatever is in that sap. At this time of year – where most gardeners are definitely feeling the pressure – the brambles are growing quicker than the pressure on Matt Hancock to resign.
Traditionally blackberry leaf tea is used for a sore throat, sore gums or mouth ulcers and the leaves are high in Vitamin C, and of course the berries will be warmly welcomed a little later, but these aren’t even useful brambles with flower-heads which provide nectar and will bear fruit, they are just monstrous bramble tentacles.
I also take the time to clip grass and other competitors from around the beautiful naturalised foxgloves and mulleins. I know the ‘mighty mechanised’ think I’m mad clipping away with my shears and secateurs but it is honestly the best way to keep things looking natural whilst also getting the best from them.
Bee Protective
Earlier this week I was asked by a researcher for BBC Radio2 if I would be prepared to speak to Zoe Ball about their Save the Bees Campaign – I said, ‘Of course’, but then had a little bit of a rant about how frustrating I find it that we have to ‘save’ and ‘rescue’ the very creatures that we have endangered in the first place. I am a bit fed up with the self congratulatory excitement around these campaigns – it should be innate to care for our wildlife – be it bees, hedgehogs, our rivers, woodlands, bats, swifts and swallows – the latter are losing their natural habitats of empty barns and sheds as we are stealing even more wildlife habitat and ‘developing’ them into Air B&B and ‘outdoor offices’. People are killing bumblebee nests as they are ‘too close to the front door’, or ‘where we sit’. Whatever happened to sharing?
I appreciate these campaigns ‘raise awareness’ – as a friend pointed out, a lot of people who used to scream when they saw a bee are now, “Hello Bee– you okay? Can I get you anything? Need a drink? A cushion? Want to borrow the car?
You get the gist. But seriously, my point is that we shouldn’t have to save and rescue, we should just protect.
‘We’ll be in touch,’ said the researcher.
“I doubt it,’ I replied.
If there is any part of your life plan that relies heavily on your ability to please people and say the right thing, I highly recommend that you do it before the menopause, as your ability to do so afterwards will be severely restricted. Trust me.
The Wye-ld Side
According to Outdoor Swimmer magazine’s annual report, interest in “wild swimming” – which refers to ‘swimming (or dipping) in rivers, lakes, pools or the sea typically in more out-of-the-way locations’, has increased 94% between 2019 and 2020. A study published in British Medical Journal Case Reports provided the first case report that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression. The theory behind this is that one form of stress – ie the shock of cold water – adapts the body for another, in this case the stress response associated with depression and anxiety.
No surprise then that it has been referred to as ‘Britain’s new craze’, but it’s hardly a new craze for the River Wye’s ambassador, Angela Jones, who has been swimming in the Wye for over 30 years. Angela fondly refers to the Wye as her office, home and playground and I would say it’s her best friend too. She has recently collated over 30 years of relevant experience and knowledge to write and publish a beautiful, informative book ‘Wild Swimming the River Wye’.
Full of essential safety tips, stunning wildlife photos and everything you need to know before ‘taking the plunge’, it is an essential handbook for all those interested in swimming outdoors. Although, as the title suggests, the book is based on the river Wye and covers different aspects of specific stretches of its bank and water, it also contains lots of essential advice for outdoor swimming in general. It’s not just pertinent to those swimming the Wye, but suitable for all those wanting to enjoy wild swimming and it’s many benefits – anywhere.
The benefits are well documented, but as well as an advocate for the ‘sport’, Angela is an advocate for nature itself. She points out that respect and regard for the very surroundings that avail themselves for our enjoyment should be paramount. Nature provides us with the most incredible opportunities for relaxation, healing, recreation and growth, and it is essential that we respect her gifts and generosity.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and as well as being a regular face on TV promoting the heath benefits of wild swimming, Angela has also recently featured on Panorama for her tireless efforts to combat the issues of river pollution. You can still watch The River Pollution Scandal on iPlayer.
Currently, she is also looking for sponsors and volunteers to help provide and use the water testing kits respectively, for both the rivers Usk and Wye. If you can help please contact her through her website https://run-wild.co.uk/
You will also see all the upcoming events and courses Angela is running (or swimming) and can buy a copy of her book through the website too.
I highly recommend the book and an experience on the Wye’ld side.
Thanks, I needed to hear a like mind xxx