One of the many things I love about having children is the way it has encouraged me to take a closer look at the world around me. They point out so many little things when out and about that I might not have noticed otherwise. Stopping to study an ant on the pavement; a bee buzzing about in the flowers; a ladybird on a leaf. Dandelion clocks have to be picked up and blown; sticks and leaves are there to be collected. My life as a parent is more hectic in many ways, but more leisurely in others. There is time to stop and stare.
Parenthood has also encouraged me to learn more about things. My children constantly question everything they see – “what’s that, Mummy?” “what’s it doing?” and, of course, the endless asking “why?” Sometimes I have the answer, but often I don’t. Finding out the answer to those questions teaches me new things too.
I’m not very good at identifying plants and insects. I can manage the basics – ladybird, snail, caterpillar, butterfly, daisy, dandelion, buttercup. There are things that I know I was taught the names of as a child, but I’ve forgotten them. White clover (the flowers, not the leaves – I can identify those!) and ribwort plantain being two examples.
With Jessica feeling better yesterday, we spent the morning at Bekonscot model village and the afternoon enjoying the sunshine in the garden. We spotted lots of bumble bees in amongst the wild flowers at Bekonscot; a snail shell on the ground and some tiny bee hives in one of the miniature gardens.
Back home in the garden, we’ve been taking a closer look too. I spotted this pretty moth which I found out is a small purple and gold mint moth (Pyrausta aurata). There are lots of ladybirds to be seen and we also spotted some harlequin ladybird larvae on the nettles. There are periwinkle flowers growing by the side of our garage in the front garden. The pyracantha has been attracting the honey bees.
There is so much wonder in the world when I look at it through my children’s eyes. It’s lovely to take the time to stop and take a closer look at it all.
This year we’re taking part in #30DaysWild – a challenge from the Wildlife Trusts to get outside each day in June, do something wild and connect with nature.
