Blashford Lakes – my sanctuary. An interview with Trevor, our ‘robin-whisperer’

When did Blashford Lakes become such an important place for you?

Blashford Lakes is a little jewel of greenness and beauty. It was one of the first places I ventured out to with my Dad when I was recovering from my second mental breakdown back in 2013/14.

I always remember we were sitting in a lake facing hide and had two Bitterns fly from the other side of the lake straight over the top of us. I didn’t know then how important this place of beauty would become to me. Years have passed now and I am off all medications and have been for some years now the only drug I crave is nature.

What has helped your struggles with mental health?

You see when I was going through my second mental breakdown all my worries and anxiety were constantly spinning around in my head, the only time when it wasn’t was when I was surrounded in green, with my camera around my neck. Photography and nature gave me a distraction and a focus, when I was taking my photos it gave me some much needed headspace.

How does visiting Blashford Lakes help you?

Nature, photography and Blashford are still my self-help therapy tool to this day. Blashford has even become more important to me as I’ve got two little feathered friends, Mr and Mrs Robin.

I’ve been hand feeding this ‘on and off’ couple of love birds for a couple of years now. This year Mrs Robin went off with another fella, and Mr Robin went off with another lady for the mating season. Both have now been dumped, bringing Mrs Robin back into the fold slightly to the annoyance of Mr Robin. I’ve had a talk with both of them and hopefully we’ve come to an agreement to let bygones be bygones….. it’s almost like being on Eastenders with my two little friends!

Blashford Lakes will always have a special place in my heart. I did my Sky News interview from here earlier this year as I feel so much at home here. Nature is a healer and still helps me to this day, take care all who read this.

Mrs Robin – Photo taken by Trevor

Thank you so much to Trevor for befriending the Blashford Robins, and for taking the time to talk to me about how important nature, and connecting with nature is for our mental health. The whole team here at Blashford is so glad that we are able to offer people a place of sanctuary during difficult times, it really is a wonderful place. Chloe – Assistant Edu Officer

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Natural Wellbeing

We know that a strong connection with nature has countless benefits for people’s health and wellbeing, which is why we began Natural Wellbeing sessions here on the reserve last year.

The sessions run every Friday from 11am until 2.30pm and use the natural environment to promote adult health and wellbeing, so are particularly beneficial for people who are suffering with mental health conditions. Participants are able to get involved with cooking and sharing an outdoor lunch over the campfire, wildlife watching, outdoor craft activities or they can just simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the woodland with the company of others.  If you would like to join us or know someone who may be interested, please get in touch on 01425 472760 or BlashfordLakes@hiwwt.org.uk – we like to know who’s coming so we can make sure we cater for the right number and any dietary requirements.

These sessions are now being supported by local Co-op stores as part of their Local Community Fund, and if you are a member of the Co-op you can support Natural Wellbeing every time you shop!

Every time a Co-op member shops in their stores for Co-op own brand products from now until end October 2018, they can raise money for our Blashford Lakes Natural Wellbeing sessions with 1% going towards the project. The money raised will be spent on the staff time, materials and training needed to run the weekly sessions.

You can help to raise funds to support this important work by:

1. Becoming a member of the Co-op here. It costs just £1 and will give you other benefits too like 5% back on Co-op own brand products.
2. Choose Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust as your charity: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/14604/
3. Use your Co-op card at the till every time you buy Co-op branded products

 

Please help us to raise as much to support this valuable project as you can! Thank you!