When dealing with mental health issues, how helpful is nature as a coping mechanism?
A Welsh woman and newly turned author, living with PTSD for a decade, has found comfort in spending time in nature during the pandemic. It has also helped her develop a fondness for photography and motivated her to pen down her first book; fulfilling a childhood dream.
Ceri Leigh was involved in a road accident ten years ago that significantly affected her life. She found inspiration within nature to pen down her first book during the pandemic. Her debut novel, Life on the Floodplain: A Garden Wildlife Diary 2020, recounts a year of observations and her time spent in her rural Welsh garden.
The accident caused the development of flashbacks, seizures and anxiety in her. This is why her book also addresses this larger story of trauma, mental health, and talks about the healing influence of nature that helped her develop new hobbies. Often overlooked, the healing powers that being in a green space can have on our well-being is immense.
Video by: Neuro Transmissions; Neuroscientist Alie and clinical therapist Micah
Ceri Leigh, knew little about PTSD before it happened to her. “It can happen to anyone in the blink of an eye.” However, she found great support in the locals who knew of her situation and how hard it had been for her over the years to even step out of her home. “Not everybody understands PTSD. There is still a lack of awareness about it. So, to have that much local support was wonderful.”
Being diagnosed, she found it difficult to concentrate for longer intervals, and it was hard to figure out how to begin writing, after which she thought of simply journaling her everyday observations about wildlife and nature. “I thought, what if I just write it as a diary?”
She started journaling her observations and photographing everything she observed from the beginning of 2020. “I started by writing for as long as 10 minutes a day, and gradually moved it to a half-an-hour routine,” she said. This hobby worked as a great coping mechanism, and it turned into everyday practice.
Her home is tucked between the valleys and the Usk floodplains. This gave her plenty of opportunities to jot down observations about migratory birds, the blooming of spring, and the withering orange leaves of Autumn. “I thought about all the people that might be reading it. I wanted to show people the landscape, especially with plants,” she said.
A former Natural History Museum manager and an ardent nature lover, her passion for photography has gotten her photographs displayed in local exhibitions, such as the Found Gallery, in Brecon, Wales. Apart, from writing and photography, Leigh believes that regular physical activities such as walking, swimming, and practising yoga have also given her a lot of soothing.
Anyone who wishes to take the plunge and pen down a book of their own, Leigh is very keen on encouraging them to do it. “I’d suggest just do it. Just start writing, and that’s the big step. Writers tend to think they can’t do it and they don’t proceed any further. But, just write from your heart and that will reflect on what you’re writing,” she said.
5 Best Places in Cardiff for Nature and Photography Lovers
1. Rumney Great Wharf
One of the best places in Cardiff for birdwatching, Rumney Great Wharf is one of the best places in Cardiff for bird watching. It is also a great walk for family outings, with plenty of diverse wildlife to see. Some of the birds you can spot here are the Ring-necked Duck, and the Pacific Diver. It’s almost ideal for a visit in any kind of weather, as long as you don’t mind a bit of mud. You will also find links to other nature trails here.
2. Garth Hill Viewpoint and Nature Reserve
An easy ramble that’s accessible from Cardiff, you can start climbing the Garth Hill from Taff’s Well railway station. At only a tad over 300m, the hill top offers wonderful views and it’s not a hard hill to ascend, even for first-timers. You should be able to easily view 360-degree views across Bristol Channel and the valleys of South Wales.
3. Nant Fawr Meadows
The Nant Fawr Meadows is an unbelievably beautiful part of the green corridor along the Nant Fawr stream, connecting the centre of Cardiff with the countryside to the north of the City. It offers gorgeous routes for walking and exploring Llanishen and the Lisvane reservoirs The land is managed by local residents who are interested in nature conservation and value this beautiful area. It is one of the best places in Cardiff for nature photography. You’ll find different communities of plants and wild-flowers, spread across three meadows.
4. Forest Farm
Forest Farm, located on the banks of the Taff River, is full of surprises. You can find a diverse mix of ecosystems, including woodlands, scrub, hay meadows, ponds, and marshlands, as well as sections of the historic Glamorganshire Canal.
5. Salmon Leaps
The Salmon Leaps is a 11.1 kilometer loop trail located near Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan. It features beautiful wild flowers all along. Situated close to the countryside, the rolling farmlands are easy to walk on. You’ll also find a long river pool in the woods beneath Castle Drogo, within the premise.