Written by:
Sophia de Sousa
Despite my London address, I’m fortunate to live near a park full of apple, plum, cherry and pear trees as well as plentiful crops of blackberries. There is also a river that is home to various species. Walking my dog regularly in these spaces creates the opportunity for me to connect with nature, to see the seasons change. I joke with my family about “walking the crops” every year, inspecting the blossoms and then the fruit as it grows.
Walking along the river is similarly satisfying, watching the plant life change with the seasons and keeping an eye out for signets and broods of ducklings in the spring. (Fortunately my dog is far more interested in her ball than she is in them.)
I am extremely aware of how privileged I am to have this on my doorstep.
I am also painfully aware of how this little paradise is so compromised by people and our systems around it.
The north circular roars past this park, belching noise and air pollution. Sadly, there is an enduring problem of people littering in the park and along the river. There are also clearly some people living rough in the park (a relatively safe haven with bountiful fruit supplies when in season) and sometimes sleeping bags, clothes and other discarded items are left behind. Some park users irresponsibly barbeque or light camp fires. One little section of our local woods recently suffered a damaging grass fire and I am surprised it does not happen more.
Perhaps the most upsetting of all of the challenges and disregard for our natural environment comes from the systematic and now institutionalised dumping of sewage into the river by our local water company. On some days, you can see it and you can smell it. Though my dog is partial to a swim, there are days/periods when it would be at risk to her health, and frankly just plain disgusting, to let her indulge.
Sometimes, it is frankly amazing to me that there is any wildlife living in or on the river at all.
Our natural environment miraculously perseveres, but we all know that it is struggling. Why should it have to work so very hard for its survival? As Europe burns and glaciers melt, isn’t it time we people all tried a little harder?
Sometimes the enormity of our climate crisis can be overwhelming and make us feel a bit helpless. However, we can start by being a bit more purposeful about our relationship with the natural environment around us in our everyday lives.
I received a lovely little poster from a local climate action group through the door not so long ago. It encouraged us all to use our gardens or any outdoor space to give nature a helping hand. I thought it was brilliant because it illustrated little things that we can all do or be more aware of.
From simple things like making stone and log piles or providing drinking water for animals, birds and insects, to mindfulness about littering and pollutants, there is a lot that each of us can do to help. We can make more of an effort with what we throw away and how we recycle or dispose of it. We can grow more fruit and veg, and compost our food waste, regardless of whether or not we own a garden or frequent an allotment.
And let’s all get a bit more indignant and demanding of our politicians (whatever our political affiliations) about the state of our waterways and other natural environments, and the systems and policies in place that have allowed things to get this bad while shareholders continue to profit. Enough is enough.
Our natural environment offers us so much, but it is struggling. Let’s stand up for it and all try to do our bit.