{"id":5418,"date":"2021-03-23T17:44:56","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T17:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/2021\/03\/23\/wake-and-smell-roses-how-pandemic-emphasising-importance-nature\/"},"modified":"2021-03-23T17:44:56","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T17:44:56","slug":"wake-and-smell-roses-how-pandemic-emphasising-importance-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/wake-and-smell-roses-how-pandemic-emphasising-importance-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Wake up and smell the roses: how the pandemic is emphasising the importance of nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grateful for its calming green and melodic chirping, credit is owed to our old friends flora and fauna for carrying us through the endless lockdowns.<\/p>\n

Now more than ever, we open our arms to embrace spring\u2019s promise of warmer temperatures and longer days which guarantee to make our pandemic nature walks more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Since lockdown restrictions began, many of us have connected more with nature and wildlife to alleviate anxiety and pandemic blues, and, although this has been more challenging for those living in inner city areas, it has highlighted the importance of nature for our overall wellbeing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Spring blossom at St John’s Gardens in Spinningfields<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A poll by National Trust<\/a> has revealed that 68% of adults agreed that being in nature has improved their mood during lockdown while 55% of the population plan on spending more time in nature once lockdown is over.<\/p>\n

Similarly, a report by The Wildlife Trust<\/a> found that 99% of respondents from Manchester and its surrounding areas said spending time outside and connecting with nature during the virus restrictions has been very important for them.<\/p>\n

Through recent years, Manchester has taken steps towards a greener way of living<\/a>, aiming to improve people\u2019s overall wellbeing and tackle the climate crisis.<\/p>\n

In light of this, praise must be given to the inspiring work by local charities and campaigns committed to restoring nature and our knowledge around its importance.<\/p>\n

Committed to the environment since 1962, The Wildlife Trust of Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside manages a network of 50 nature reserves and key wildlife sites, as well as delivering environmental education to an estimated 20,000 children annually.<\/p>\n

Consisting of approximately 28,000 members, it is a leading conservation charity whose mission is to protect and nourish wildlife, while simultaneously inspiring people to engage with their natural surroundings.<\/p>\n

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This #BeeFriendlyFriday<\/a> we\u2019re celebrating the common carder bee \u2013 one of the latest-flying bumblebees. They\u2019re also thieves! When their tongues are too short to reach a flower\u2019s nectar, they\u2019ll bite into the base and \u2018rob\u2019 the nectar through here instead. #ActionForInsects<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/N9uK86HQvf<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\u2014 Lancashire Wildlife Trust (@Lancswildlife) March 19, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n