Where the Wild Berries Grow

Ripening in the Hedgerows FeelWell Nutrition

Berries are wonderful to forage; sloes, wild strawberries and beloved blackberries are examples of what may be right under our noses, in the hedgerows. There is so much beauty, besides, when you take a closer look while walking on a quiet country road.

There may be overhanging branches, blossom-laden. Ferns and thick moss at your feet. Birds bustling, raindrops hanging from drooping leaves or sitting in perfect spheres. This is the place for mindfulness. The question is, what to focus on, in this present and alive moment; raindrop, bird, leaf, flower, berry? Or, indeed, breath it all in?

These photos were taken on the Bog Road in Ballysaggart, Co. Waterford on one such mindful walk. The solitude here at the foothills of the Knockmealdown mountains affords nature her full voice and display. Mindfulness made easy; only to listen, watch, smell and touch the springy moss!

Springy Moss FeelWell Nutrition

We may think clocking up the steps/ kilometers is the best or only way to walk or move indoors or outdoors. And that regardless of surroundings the exercise itself is all that really matters. A 2011 systemic review ‘Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors?’ (Thompson Coon, J. et al), however, revealed that ‘Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy’. Link to review:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21291246/

Green Exercise, as it is termed, requires more study but this connection with nature is very interesting indeed and points to it’s positive influence on our physiology; both mental and physical.Regarding the possible physical benefits of Vitamin G (yes, another new fun term!) see an interesting comparative study at:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6143402/

This older study, conducted in 1984; ‘View through a window may influence recovery from surgery’ (Ulrich, R.S.) compared the recovery of 23 surgical patients ‘with windows looking out on a natural scene’ and 23 surgical patients ‘in similar rooms with windows facing a brick building wall’. Which group recovered faster post surgery and took fewer pain killers? You got it, the one’s who had a room with a view!

While studies may not be conclusive in this area at present, the exciting new research and the application of emerging therapies, such as Forest Bathing and Earthing, are garnering more and more attention.

Meanwhile, why not get out and immerse in nature? Explore the hedgerows, enjoy the changing season and forage for supper in the process! Places like the Bog Road in Ballysaggart, laneways, country roads, places where the wild berries grow… await.