Go Local

Caithness comes to life in the summertime.  There is so much activity - county shows, kayak adventures, exhibitions, pipe band parades, park runs, highland games, nature walks…not to mention swallows nesting, wildflowers growing, seals bobbing and honeybees buzzing.

Recently, whilst in the waiting room before a medical appointment, I was paging through one of the magazines on the table and came across an article about someone working to restore ponds and pond life in the UK. What stood out for me was the time and attention given to observing these important ecosystems. And I was struck by how accessible a pond development (whatever size!) can be for most of us, whether in the country or the city. 

After doing a bit of research, I came across quite a few other articles about pond restoration. This is largely being encouraged in the south, but what if we brought it to the forefront in Caithness, to strengthen the rich ecosystems we are part of, which is our unique privilege. 

I began to think of the environment in which I live. What immediately came to mind was an area I have previously deemed a big puddle, hidden in the neighbouring field, where ducks paddle and marsh marigold grows nearby. Perhaps I can establish the newly realised pond or wetland and work to protect this unique and important area. At the very least, I can visit it and observe the life in that place, learn more and appreciate better, in a way that many writers have done, such as the Edinburgh poet, Diana Hendry, in her poem called ‘What is the Pond Doing?’

Wobbling like a wobbly jelly

Being a bucket for the rain

Sending flash-backs to the sun

Cheeking the sky

Giving the moon a bath

Letting swans, ducks and winter leaves ride on its back

Licking the lollipop reeds

Pretending to be soup for the wind to stir

Growing stinky skunk cabbages

Drawing wheels and circles then rubbing them out

Plopping slopping slurping spinning

Turning the weeping willows happily upside down

Dreaming of running away to sea

Hiding under a starry blanket of dark

What is the pond doing?

Ponding. Responding.

Since that time in the waiting room, on three separate occasions I’ve heard from three different people about the ponds they are creating in their Caithness gardens. 

It made me think of other opportunities on our doorstep - places that we might observe and nurture.  What possible ecosystems exist on our windowsills, or in the arm of a tree?  What part of lawn could I avoid cutting so that wildflowers can grow and bees can pollinate?   

On a similar note, my mind goes to the fostering of our social and local ecosystems.  I’ve been enjoying the markets popping up along this northern stretch of coast, for example, and appreciate all that the local gardeners, small hold crofters and craftsmen have to offer. After visiting a friendly group of sellers with various stalls set up in Bettyhill Village Hall, I was led to the Hidden Lane in Thurso, a place I’ve visited a couple of times now. It is an encouraging start up with a noticeable focus on community. Last time I visited, a woman was selling delicious fudge to raise money for the Lifeboats - a good reason (and excuse!) to indulge in these sweet treats. These are important platforms that support regional enterprise.

There are other similar initiatives in the north, all which draw on the innovation, creativity, and hard work of local people to provide wholesome food and homemade products - an encouraging counterbalance to our increasingly digitised and globalised world. 

It’s great to reflect on ways to enhance connection to those people and places around us and, in doing so, become more in touch with ourselves and our own need for nourishment of body and soul.