by Penny Lynch
At this time of year, nature is at its fullest. Trees are heavy with leaves, hedgerows are busy with insects and birds, and the days are long and light. It’s a good time for us to pause, get outside, and reconnect with the natural world around us. Before “rewilding” was about reintroducing species or restoring habitats, it also meant something more personal, reconnecting with nature in a way that feels natural.
In Forest School sessions, children often get completely absorbed in what’s around them – the flap of a butterfly’s wings, the call of a bird, or the feel of mud on their hands. They’re not trying to “do” nature; they’re just part of it. Calm, focused, content. We can all learn a lot from that.
You don’t need to go off-grid to rewild yourself. It could be something as simple as walking barefoot on the warm grass, watching the clouds, or picking a few wild strawberries. You might notice elderflowers appearing along footpaths or simply stop to listen to the birds singing. Using all your senses outdoors, what you can see, smell, hear and touch can help bring your mind and body back into balance.
Our bodies run on a daily pattern called the circadian rhythm. It’s controlled by natural light and helps regulate everything from sleep to energy and mood. The morning daylight helps wake us up properly, while the drop in light at dusk tells our brains it’s time to wind down. But when we spend most of our time inside, we miss out on those signals. Just getting outside for a few minutes a day can help reset that rhythm and improve how we feel.
Try letting nature shape your day. Step outside with your morning drink, open a window, notice what’s growing and take your shoes off if you can. You don’t need to plan anything or go anywhere special, just spend a little time outdoors and let your mind slow down.
Rewilding doesn’t mean changing everything. It just means remembering that we’re part of the natural world and giving ourselves a chance to feel that again.
