Spring is in the air and the bluebells are out. I am slightly obsessed with Bluebell season and go out of my way to see as many as possible. They are so beautiful and I think them only lasting two or three weeks a year makes them even more special. I have managed to incorporate bluebells into every walk and run over the last couple of weeks, my family think I am a little crazy.
Over half of the world’s population of bluebells grow in the UK and they were voted as the UK’s favourite wildflower in 2015. They are protected meaning that digging up wild bluebells could lead to a large fine. Any trade in wild bluebells could land a £5000 fine per bulb. According to folklore, bluebells ring at daybreak to call fairies to the woods. In medieval times, archers used the sticky sap in bluebells was used to stick the flight feathers to their arrows.
The growing warmth and sunshine brings an air of optimism, summer gives so many more opportunities to get out and about and do and see more, the bluebells mark the start of this. I am genuinely excited and I have quite a few things planned from outdoor swimming to foraging.
I have started Trail running with a lovely friend and on cold (although now turning warmer) Sunday mornings this has been amazing, enjoying it so much. We have done a few good distances and will hopefully do many more over the next few months. The countryside and fresh air feel so good for the soul and we are currently seeing lots of lambs, ducklings and other spring babies. I made the decision to defer my trail marathon to next year as there has been too much happening over the past six months but I am taking that as an opportunity to do some other things.
Go out and explore, make it a habit and don’t find excuses not to go. We have found so many public footpaths I never knew existed in towns, villages and countryside (plus a sewage works once but we won’t talk about that!). Many within walking distance from home but also a few a short drive away.
Another big thing I am doing is ‘Breast stroke to Front Crawl’ swimming lessons in open water in June and July. I honestly cant wait! This is so far out of my comfort zone and a little scary (okay, I mean terrifying) for a slow and steady breast stroke swimmer but also exciting.
I love having things in the diary to look forward to and I am seeing what I can take my boys along to. I suggested foraging last week expecting some comments along the lines of ‘what crazy thing is mom getting us to do now’ but instead got interest and agreement, I am taking advantage of this and booking a course before they change their minds!
Life is much more normal now and, hopefully, we can put a difficult few months behind us to look ahead. We are optimistic and full of hope, plans and ideas.