If there was one advantage to lockdown, it was having the time to notice and appreciate nature. You may have seen features on social media showing animals exploring deserted towns or plants and trees taking over new areas. You no doubt witnessed some of this for yourself or, inspired by others, may have even taken to growing something at home. Either way, nature definitely benefitted from our actions.

It is important for our planet that this continues and does not become a ‘one off’.  As more trees are cut down and vegetation cleared, there is evidence of a developing problem particularly in regards to the reduced quality of soil in our country. With this in mind, you may want to consider spending some of your Christmas break growing something- anything at all- to help give back to nature. You don’t need a garden, just a window box, tub or carton will suffice. And you don’t need to spend a fortune on seeds-often, things you have in your kitchen cupboards will suffice such as dried peas or spices such as coriander seeds.

Countryfile recently launched their Plant Britain campaign in which they encourage you to do just this. You may have seen local children planting trees in Styal.  They are asking everyone to record it on an interactive map and are offering the opportunity for more people to help their presenters plant trees. Check it out on the BBC website.

And if you need any more persuasion then listen to Tom Foolery’s The Great Realisation ( now available in book shops) of if you have small children check out films like The Lorax.

 Together we can all do our bit to make the world a better place.