A little bit of hope

By cerianwencraft on June 30, 2024

Yesterday I went with my son and his partner to Marston Vale Millenium Country Park. This place has given me a bit of hope. It lies in what was once brickmaking country. I remember visiting the brick pits on a geology trip many years ago. The chimneys stood out on the landscape for miles. Now it is all gone and very deep pits remained. The environment of this area has been restored by the Forest of Marston Vale. Almost 2 million trees have been planted helped by some of the landowners and more are planned so that there will be 5 million trees. Some of the pits have been transformed into lakes, some as part of a nature reserve and one used for water sports. There is a windturbine which provides electricity for the Forest Centre and also for over 1000 homes. There are cycle paths and paths for horse riding and you can hire cycles there some with carriers for young children. There is also rail access in 2 places. It has been well thought out and I feel that it has given me hope for the future. If one area an do something like this, then others can follow. To see the way in which the land has been restored and the way it has given opportunities for all people, both local and further away to enjoy the outdoors, is a wonderful thing. There is a sensory garden too and a playground for children as well as the Forest Centre with its cafe and shop. All abilities are catered for as well.

So I had a very enjoyable day outdoors in nature and feel much refreshed in mind, body and spirit. This is what we all need at least once a week to help us to deal with our current chaotic world.