Wellness Matters 10.06.23 Changing Environments

I holidayed in Dumfries & Galloway, where the sun shone, the sea glistened and hedgerows greeted R and me with mile upon mile of fluffy cow parsley, rosebay willow-herb and red campion. Championing this panoply of wild floral abundance and stretching across fields and hillside, the soft pinks and white of May or Hawthorn Blossom, created a suitably pleasing backdrop.

We had ventured up to Dunskey Castle on the outskirts of Portpatrick, no mean feat for R who has a fear of heights, as the path led us over a wooden bridge straddling steep rocky cliffs with a lethal drop to crashing waves. I spotted a wild orchid, which I photographed to add to the myriad pictures already taken. I love wild flowers and their domestic cousins, and have spent the past few years sourcing flowers and plants which do well on the East Coast. It’s a matter of trial and error and what might seem happy one season, fails to return the following year.

There have been some surprise floral visitors to my garden, which I assume have been delivered as a seed by the wind or a visiting bee from the Lodge Grounds. Some never flower again, although I can be guilty of forgetting what is planted and where, when I attack the weeds with my trowel and gardening fork.

Having left it for a week, I was looking forward to a few days in my garden, tidying pots, pulling weeds, and creating a herb garden. I got off to a great start on Tuesday and was making steady progress. However, during the course of my activity I became aware that a baby crow had somehow found its way onto the top of my log pile. Not thinking twice, I put some seeds and water near it and carried on with my business. Within a short while, an adult crow, presumably the mother, appeared on my roof and started cawing to its chick. Deciding it was best to leave them to it, wee dug and I headed to the front garden, so I could read my book. All was peaceful for 20 minutes or so until I was disturbed by the coos, squawks and hackles of pigeon, seagulls, and magpies who all seemed interested in the fate of the fledgling crow. I’m not afraid of birds, but this did leave me somewhat unsettled so I went indoors.

I was more aware of the crows cawing loudly during the day but paid no heed until Wednesday morning when, upon returning from a lovely walk to Drift Café , with a good friend, I was dive-bombed several times and sustained a small cut on my head from claws or a beak. This wasn’t fun at all and having seen me safely inside, my friend drove home. She hates birds and was very shaken. I was also quite shaky and began to feel somewhat trapped, which is in sharp contrast to the freedom I am used to in my own home and garden.

Time to consult The Oracle - or Google - and get some more information on crow behaviour. Suddenly it all fell into place: the parents were being naturally protective of their offspring and had mounted a vigil to ensure its safety. I contacted the ELC ranger who agreed to see what she could do, but in the meantime, and in order to be safe I had to disguise myself when entering and leaving the garden: crows have the ability for facial recognition and I was clearly the target.

This turn of events has unsettled me, and even though I know why the crows are behaving the way they are, it is of little comfort, while I am in the midst of it. Interestingly, the crows' antics put me in mind of several young people I have known over the years who would kick out, shout, swear and appear ‘scary’. The behaviour of these young people was because they carried a trauma that was too big, hidden and which deeply scared them. They weren’t given strategies or time to heal and so either withdrew or turned their fear towards others. From recent conversations I have had with those in education, we continue to fail a significant minority of young people who have lost a sense of safety in their community and have nowhere to go, either withdrawing or turning against peers or family members. However, when a school becomes a community and the community becomes a place of learning, all working collaboratively and cooperatively, fear can be abated. One such school is Dunoon High School, whose headteacher, David Mitchell has proactively engaged with the local community, empowering staff and pupils alike. You can read just how that has been achieved here: High Dunoon, how one Scottish school empowered its staff and pupils by Gillian Hunt, Educational Consultant.

I chose to leave teaching for a number of reasons, but I know that had I been better supported by local authorities and some senior staff, my experience might have been different, and I could have been better prepared to support those young people who were so traumatised. Over the past three years, when coaching senior leaders in education, I often hear about high stress levels and, often, a lack of support which only serves to further undermine leadership and autonomy. I want to keep good teachers in schools. I want to see more headteachers like David Mitchell from Dunoon High School stand up, ask for help, be unafraid and lead by example. David has shown what can be done with the support of the local community, staff, external business, charities and third sector organisations. He has belief and passion.

There have been some horrific stories of extreme bullying on the news recently, and we have to ask how many young people will the current education system continue to fail? Oftentimes, those who want to support are forced to turn a blind eye, communities have become inward looking, unless apportioning blame towards each other, and those who are responsible for the current dire state our education system refuse to change and be accountable for a new generation of young people who have been through a pandemic, are relentlessly bombarded with negativity on screens and who learn in a completely different way than most of us did. I want good teachers to stay in the profession and turn against the tide, because it is the right thing to do for all of us.

If you are keen to experience how coaching can help you to overcome barriers or issues which are holding you back, please get in touch:

Email charli@catchinglightwellness.co.uk

Mobile: 07477 017717

In the meantime, at home, I can be patient, carry an umbrella, look out for the fledgling - who, yesterday, hopped between the dense undergrowth beneath mature ash and sycamore at the rear of my house, and is currently sunbathing on a chair near my front door. I was advised to throw down monkey nuts as I move around, and this seems to have reassured the parents that my intentions are good. Having acted on good advice I no longer feel afraid. Change is possible.

If you are keen to experience how coaching can help you to overcome barriers or issues which are holding you back, please get in touch:

Email charli@catchinglightwellness.co.uk

Mobile: 07477 017717