This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
As Nature starts to shrug off the winter and Spring really starts to take hold, it makes one appreciate how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country. As we also start to shrug off the pandemic and the Government gradually lifts lockdown, we have more freedom to appreciate our countryside and all that it has to offer. It has been a lifesaver during this past year for so many of us. A walk in the countryside has been an absolute tonic – something I have appreciated much more since I became a 50 plus woman and my National Trust membership has enhanced this love of walking.
I want to sing praises to the National Trust – a 125-year old organisation unique to this country that allows all of us to enjoy pockets of land and houses that we might not otherwise get to see.
In England and Northern Ireland, National Trust gardens, parks, and countryside sites remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. I have a few National Trust gardens close to me and one, Grey’s Court, which I regularly walk around for my daily exercise during the lockdown. However, very soon, we can start to venture further afield, and a National Trust garden is a wonderful place to meet friends for a walk. They are also hoping to open the houses on 17th May.
If you want to find out which gardens and parks are currently open click HERE.
Caring for these places of beauty takes hard work, and with the member’s and visitor’s ongoing support, they will be able to continue to conserve the parks and countryside, gardens and historical spaces that we all love. This includes 780 miles of coastline, thousands of listed buildings and over 200 gardens.
I have been a National Trust member for many years, and whenever I am visiting friends, I try to visit a local National Trust house and/or garden. A couple of years ago, I was staying with friends in Dorset and visited Kingston Lacy and Brownsea Island. Both of these I just walked in the grounds and enjoyed the immaculately kept outdoor areas whilst others from our party visited the house as well.
Listen to exclusive audio interviews
Every season, if you are a member, The National Trust produces a magazine posted to you. However, they also produce an hour-long audio version of each magazine, covering the magazine’s main articles and includes extra behind-the-scenes chats with their contributors. It’s ideal for those with visual impairment or anyone who wants to hear exclusive interviews.
Click HERE to listen to the latest one for Spring.
Blossom Watch
Blossom is one of the first signs that spring is well and truly on the way, and is a welcome sight of colour after the frosty winter months. From the pinker hues to the cloudy white, these delicate blossoms are a joyful sight and a reminder that warmer days are on their way.
Blossom is not only beautiful to look at; it also supports a variety of wildlife. Take a moment on your daily walk or run to look out for birds, butterflies or bees that might be attracted to blossom trees down your street. The National Trust is asking you to share the beauty of blossom on social media. Upload pictures of your local blossom, tag the location of where it is and use #BlossomWatch to spread the joy of spring with others.
Let us know of beautiful National Trust parks that you have enjoyed walking around during this past year.
For more information on becoming a member of The National Trust click HERE