Tessa Wardley, author of The Countryside Book, discovers you don’t need to drive miles to get lost in the countryside – a world of natural wonder can be found on the doorstep
Littleworth Common in Esher, Sixty Acre Wood near Chessington and Water Lane in Twickenham. Here in Surrey and West London, we’re spoilt for countryside corners to enjoy. We all have a patch of green within 10 minutes of where we live but, because it’s all around us, it’s easy to take it for granted.
Yet with the warmer summer months upon us, there’s no better time to get closer to nature. Shop seasonally at your local farmers’ market; cloud spot in the fragrant wildflower-rich Stokes Field in Long Ditton; admire butterfly acrobatics at Arundel Close in Hampton; take photos of the birds you see at the wetland centre in Barnes; or simply go for a walk along the North Downs Way.
I fell in love with the countryside later on in life. As a child, I was the one who would moan on walks and dread having to feed my grandparents’ geese. But, gradually something clicked. Holidays spent camping in Exmoor; memories of watching my father flyfishing in Scotland and being wrapped up in a towel on a Norfolk beach; these all left their mark. Now, although I love the excitement of the city, it’s only when I get into a green space that I truly relax.
Outdoor Excitement with The Countryside Book
As well as this direct extract, Tessa's laid out some more abbreviated ideas from her book. With these little snippets of advice, you can learn how to make and fly a kite (up to the highest height), to watch the clouds go by, and to spot elusive wild flowers - along with tips on the best places to do so in Surrey.
This feeling was heightened when I had children: my four daughters (Anousha, Thea, Poppy and Lottie, now aged 9-15) ate, slept and behaved better after a romp up Reigate Hill, a scavenger hunt around Juniper Hill or a den-making session in Banstead Woods. As they’ve got older, so our activities have changed to include bluebell walks through Simms Copse in the spring, and summer picnics on Ranmore Common.
The Countryside Book is about being mindful of our surroundings – pausing to note the flora and fauna, and being aware of how we feel in different outdoor settings. One of my favourite places to go is Hedley Heath. There’s an old oak tree at the top of a hill, which is lovely to climb. Sitting within its branches, supported by their strength and moving gently as they sway in the breeze, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the wonder of nature.
Extracted from The Countryside Book by Tessa Wardley (£14.99, Bloomsbury)
Check out other countryside activities from Tessa's book on our website:
