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A Jersey teacher is working to open islanders' eyes to the "little things that tick along all around us" in the hope of inspiring them to slow down and embrace the natural world more.
Science teacher and yoga instructor Shannon O’Connell runs the ‘Nature Nurture Jersey’ page on Instagram.
Shannon's passion for nature has always been with her, “be that learning about it or being out in it”.
“I think it’s so important for people to connect with the natural world local them to help stay present and grounded in our ever busy lives,” Shannon said.
“I am also keenly interested in health and wellness. There are countless studies that link exposure to nature and positive mental health and wellness outcomes. It is a well established and perhaps under-used resource.”
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Pictured: Shannon started the profile earlier this year.
After attending several local events and reading many books on these themes, she decided to create the account to share her learnings with others.
“I collect snippets of info from local experts here in Jersey from events put on by National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Blue Badge guides, Société Jersiaise and others; and my own biology background comes in handy too!” she explained.
“I think it’s so important for our mental health to tune in to our surroundings and the present moment. The more we know, the more we notice.”
The description on the page describes it as “a collection of ideas and inspo on being kind to yourself, nature and the planet” and Shannon said it aims “to cultivate a slowness and to encourage followers to notice the small natural gifts our island has to offer.”
“From the granite wall Pennyworts around town, to the squabbling Oyster Catchers on our shores. How many spiders did you notice on your last walk? When was the last time you looked up at a trees leaves and tried to name the species? When did you last watch a sunset?
"This isn’t about shaming, life is busy, the aim is to provide gentle encouragement for people to slow down and notice."
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Pictured: One of Shannon's recent post featured the New Moon.
Recent posts have featured the New Moon, Purpletop Vervain, an Oak Eggar Moth, Rozel’s rock pooling spots and even microscopic images of moss squeezings, along with some interesting facts about each.
When deciding what to share, Shannon said she doesn’t set out to feature anything in particular. Instead, she said it tends to be guided by what she learns “and the item appears!”
“Of course, the patch of wildflowers, rock pool creatures or picturesque landscape had been there all along, but I think we can miss it when we don’t tune in and notice.
“We don’t all have the luxury of time for a day-long walk along the North coast to spot the seabirds, but it doesn’t all have to be grand. Even a balcony or patio garden have a wealth of things to notice if you know where to look. Noticing nature is a quiet and underrated practice, but reaps great rewards.”
“I think people find my posts calming and informative,” she continued. “We may only be a small island, but Jersey has a wealth of species, history and beauty to offer. This account helps a person to notice a little more often, the little things that tick along all around us when the emails are flying in, and you are rushing around running errands."
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Pictured: "I hope the posts allow followers a moment of stillness in the hectic day-to-day," Shannon said.
“I hope the posts allow followers a moment of stillness in the hectic day-to-day. Whether it’s a reminder to drop your shoulders and breathe, or to tell you about the little-known and clever Missing Section Orb Weaver spider that lives in most gardens and ‘fishes’ for its flying prey," Shannon said.
“I think there is something calm to be found in transporting yourself away in thought somewhere on the island where the tide is rolling in, rock pools are flooding and the marine creatures are springing into activity, when you’re stuck in tunnel traffic and the interest rates have just gone up again."
The Nature Nurture page is a reflection of two things Shannon likes to do: to “be kind to herself, nature and the planet”, taking long walks and keeping herself learning – along with yoga, of course.
“I think there is something so special in the wonder that children experience when they learn about the natural world and many of us lose it along the way to adulthood, but we don’t have to,” she said.
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Pictured: Each week Shannon visits “a blue or green space”.
Each week she also tries to visit “a blue or green space” and spend time there.
“There have been countless studies on the benefit of being in blue spaces (water environments, such as seaside and reservoir) and green spaces (parks, meadows or forests) on our mental health and well-being,” she said.
“Whether it’s a stroll with a podcast along St Aubin’s Bay, or around Queen’s Valley with a friend or sat with a Colleen’s Cafe coffee watching the waves at Greve de Lecq.”
As the autumn just started and with the weather becoming less agreeable to long walks outside for some, Shannon noted islanders are lucky to live in a place with “such diversity of seasons”.
“I think they all have opportunities to be embraced,” she said.
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Pictured: A walk through St Catherine's woods is one of Shannon's recommendations for the winter.
“Winter often gets a bad rap, but I love how it encourages us to slow down, turn inward and reflect. All over the world animals slow down in the colder months, it’s completely natural to feel more lethargic in the shorter, darker days. We don’t have to shame ourselves or fight it. Nature can help us embrace it. There are loads of ways we can connect with nature in winter months.”
Here are Shannon’s suggestions for this winter:
Walking through St Catherine’s woods on a pleasant spring day is lovely, but if you don’t go in winter, you’ll miss the fantastic fungi or moisture covered moss. It becomes a different place. Prepare for the cold and wet and you’ll savor a warm bath in the evening that extra bit more.
Grab a warming hot chocolate at Mad Mary’s at Bouley Bay and sit in the shelter to watch the ocean.
Put your wellies on, or even carrier bags(!), and take a walk around Waterworks Valley under the trees.
Join a National Trust talk or walk advertised on Eventbrite or the National Trust for Jersey website.
Visit the lovely plant ladies at Ransoms Garden Centre and treat yourself to a houseplant to bring a little nature indoors.
Even just sitting near the window with a cup of tea on a rainy day, taking in the sounds.
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