# data[].attributes.body
Walhampton teachers are extremely proud of you and all that you have achieved this half term!

# data[].attributes.body
Chillies appear in a wide range of recipes and are a brilliant crop to grow at home for all of those new recipes that you are planning to try out this year!

Did you know that you can have some control over the heat of your chillies by how much you water them? Chillies that have been allowed to dry out more will generally be hotter than those who have been over-watered.

Give it a try!

# data[].attributes.body
Give these a try - we loved the sound of the 'Bramley Apple and Cinnamon Pancakes'! Delicious!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Flippin' great pancake recipes with Drift-in - Blog | FatFace.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pancake day - we love it! Aside from gorging on tasty treats, it's a great time to get together and have some fun in the kitchen. We took a trip to Drift-in Surf Café in East Wittering, South England to get some inspiration from the experts, who have handpicked a few recipes for you to try at home.

# data[].attributes.body
... the last in our mini-series of relaxations.

Do let Mrs Knight know if you've enjoyed them as we can easily extend the series!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Five minute relaxation: Bedtime chill - Walhampton School Stag Radio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Listen to this 5 minute episode of 'Five Minutes Relaxation' to help you chill at bedtime. Hosted by Mrs Knight.

# data[].attributes.body
The art of stone balancing is simple: head into the countryside, find some stones and then stack them one on top of the other. The stone piles look beautiful against a natural backdrop, but it’s the process of building the structures that brings most joy. Plunge your hands into a gurgling river, its water cold around your arms, and pull a stone from the bed. Assess its shape and feel its weight, then position it on another. Even the smallest creations will bring you closer to nature.

# data[].attributes.body
Beachcombing is a wonderful activity which involves combing the shoreline to see what objects of interest you can see. This could be shells, pebbles, seaglass or one of the seashore marvels listed in the link below...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Beaches can be very specific in what they collect, due to currents, geography and offshore habitats. Some beaches are good for driftwood, others for mermaid's purses.

Here is our expert guide to beachcombing, including things to look out for, how to beachcomb, and best beaches for beachcombing in the UK.

What is beachcombing?

Beachcombing is a soothing activity which involves combing the shoreline to see what objects of interest you can see. This could be shells, pebbles, seaglass or one of the seashore marvels listed below.

Things to look out for on the beach

Abundant on our rocky shores, acorn barnacles lead extraordinary lives. Once the drifting larva finds somewhere suitable to settle, it cements itself headfirst to the surface, builds walls and a trapdoor, and at high tide delicate, feathery limbs emerge from their apertures to sweep the water for food.

2

Mermaid's purse (dogfish case)

Also known as a dogfish case, a mermaid' purse, is generally the eggcase of a dogfishor small-spotted catshark, our most common shark. If the egg is successful, the purse would have no longer contain a yolk but instead be filled by a curled-up pup that would eventually emerge through a slit at the top.

Keep an eye out for the skeletons of pink sea fans,or warty gorgonians. They turn up tangled among the balls of fishing line and other debris that litters our beaches. They're 'horny corals' and despite their plant-like appearance, are actually animals. When washed up, the chalky outer layer, originally pink-orange, has usually worn away. When they're alive underwater, anemone-like polyps emerge from warty bumps on the branches and wave tentacles to catch drifting plankton.

If you look deep inside many clay pebbles you might spot the white shell-tips of a piddock. This 'boring mollusc' drills holes with the toothed front of its elegant shells, drawing in water to increase pressure. Never able to leave its burrow, it's bioluminescent, which is unusual for a mollusc. The Romans used to eat them raw and, in 77AD, Pliny the Elder wrote that piddocks "shine as if with fire in dark places, even in the mouths of persons eating them".

Keelworm tubes are the chalky white scrawl often seen on washed-up pebbles, shells and fishing gear. Like the barnacles, each tube has an aperture and at high tide the tubeworms extend crowns of elegant, often colourful tentacles to feed. They are sedentary and unable to leave their tubes, but gregarious, as the larvae congregate to form colonies.

One of the larger seaweeds, this red, rubbery seaweed is more commonly found along the south coast of England. As the red rags grow they form blades which eventually split.

Occasionally, you may spot a fish eyeball - often picked clean by gulls.

By-the-wind sailor often have blue, jelly-like base and tentacles, and on some the sail, too, is rimmed with iridescent blue. Each tiny sailboat, no more than an inch high, is actually a colony of hydroids. They live in vast flotillas on the open ocean and the blue pigment protects them from the sun.

Another eggcase that survives long after hatching is the common whelk eggcase. These form when whelks gather to spawn. Each small capsule contains hundreds of eggs, although the first whelk to hatch in each pouch then eats the rest. When the eggcases are yellow, they often contain live whelks. Another name for the eggcases is 'sea wash balls', as sailors once used them for washing.

10

Sea grapes (cuttlefish eggs)

Sea grapes sometimes wash ashore in spring and summer. These near-black spheres are cuttlefish eggs, stained with sepia - their mother's ink (and also the name of this species of cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis). It's the same ink that Leonardo da Vinci used to jot down ideas in his notebooks. Occasionally an egg misses the inking and it's possible to see the tiny white cuttlefish growing inside.

11

Mermaid's purse(cuckoo ray eggcase)

The dark, horned mermaid's purses are the eggcases of skates and rays. They all differ slightly depending on which species laid them. The Shark Trust (www.sharktrust.org), which runs The Great Eggcase Hunt, has some really useful resources online to help identify any you encounter and recording your finds on their website can help locate possible nursery grounds and contribute to shark conservation.

Skulls and bones can by trickier to identify. This slender, elegant one on the right is a guillemot skull.

How to go beachcombing

Best kit to take beachcombing

Take a tide table, bags for finds, a camera, wellies and warm clothes. A penknife, hand lens, specimen pots and anti-bacterial hand gel are also useful.

A good book for help identifying finds is handy. The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the Strandline by Steve Trewhella and Julie Hatcher is particularly useful.

When is the best time to go beachcombing?

Any time is fine, but there are usually richer pickings after storms.

Where is the best place for beachcombing?

As Britain's prevailing winds are from the south-west, the UK's west-facing beaches are particularly good.

Best British beaches for beachcombing

Durdle Door, Dorset

This natural wonder soars out of the cliffs like a dinosaur curled around a stretch of beach and wonderfully clear water. The whole of the Jurassic coast is popular for fossil hunting, but as the site is a World Heritage site it is important not to take what you find.

Reach Durdle Door via a short walk along the South West Coast Path. West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5PU.

Herne Bay, Kent

Visitors from across Europe flock to Herne Bay to search the fossiliferous beds. Shark teeth, mostly belonging to the Stratiolamia macrota, are the most prevalent type of fossil found. For the best chance of finding natural treasures amongst the sediment, head to the beach at Beltinge just east of Herne Bay, and walk further east towards Reculver. Visit during spring tides when water levels are extremely low, allowing visitors to search a wider area of the shoreline.

Redcar, North Yorkshire

The ease of access, café and proximity to town make Redcar the ideal location for young fossil collectors. The absence of cliffs and crashing waves also makes this a relatively safe environment for little ones to run about on, while the shingle surface means it's easy to spot ancient shells on the surface. Although the nature of the environment here means that discoveries might not be particularly exciting for the more experienced collector, the bountiful numbers of bivalves washing up on the shore will excite new collectors both young and old.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beachcombing guide: things to find along the seashore and best beaches in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Beaches can be very specific in what they collect, due to currents, geography and offshore habitats. Some beaches are good for driftwood, others for mermaid's purses. Beachcombing is a soothing activity which involves combing the shoreline to see what objects of interest you can see.

# data[].attributes.body
Go on then!

# data[].attributes.body
Try something just a little bit different! Fluffy and delicious home-made crumpets!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An easy recipe for fluffy and delicious crumpets - perfect with a pot of tea.

Made with a yeast batter and cooked quickly in metal rings on a griddle, crumpets are a particularly traditional English teatime food with an unusual dense and spongy texture. They are best served fresh and hot, with plenty of good butter and perhaps some jam.

Crumpets, like muffins and teacakes, freeze beautifully, and if you aren't going to eat them on the day of making it is a good idea to freeze them as soon as they are cool and then toast them straight from the freezer on a defrost setting.

This recipe is an extract from The Perfect Afternoon Tea Recipe Book by Antony Wild and Carol Pastor (ISBN: 9780754834519, Lorenz Books, £15).

Step 1

Sift the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl and stir in the yeast. Make a well in the centre.

Step 2

Heat the milk with the measured water in a small pan or in the microwave until lukewarm. Pour the milk into the well and beat or whisk vigorously to make a thick, smooth batter.

Step 3

Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, until the mixture has a spongy texture.

Step 4

Heat a griddle or heavy frying pan. Lightly oil the hot surface and the inside of three or four metal rings, each measuring about 8cm/3½in in diameter. Place the rings on the hot surface and leave for 1-2 minutes until hot.

Step 5

Spoon the batter into the rings to a depth of about 1cm/½ in. Cook over medium-high heat for 6 minutes, until the surface is set and holes have appeared.

Step 6

When set, carefully lift off the metal rings and flip the crumpets over, cooking the second side for just 1 minute until lightly browned.

Step 7

Lift off the griddle and leave to cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining crumpet mixture.

Step 8

Just before serving, toast the crumpets on both sides so that the surface is quite hard. Butter and serve as they are or top with a spread or jam of your choice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An easy recipe for fluffy and delicious crumpets - perfect with a pot of tea. Made with a yeast batter and cooked quickly in metal rings on a griddle, crumpets are a particularly traditional English teatime food with an unusual dense and spongy texture.

# data[].attributes.body
... the third in our new mini-series of relaxations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Five minute relaxation: Feeling calm - Walhampton School Stag Radio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Listen to this 5 minute episode of 'Five Minutes Relaxation' to help you feel calm. Hosted by Mrs Knight.

# data[].attributes.body
Take two minutes in Cornwall...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seasalt soundscape-escapes: from coast to moor

# data[].attributes.headline
Everything you ever wanted to know about Hedgehogs!

# data[].attributes.subject
Everything you ever wanted to know about Hedgehogs!

# data[].attributes.body
... on National Hedgehog Day!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Hedgehogs are one of only three animals to hibernate in the United Kingdom.

2. Baby hedgehogs are called 'hoglets'.

3. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, rather than milk they prefer that you to leave out cat or dog food and water for them.

4. Hedgehogs have very bad eyesight but their senses of smell and hearing are impeccable.

5. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures meaning they only come out at night.

6. A hedgehog can run over six feet per second, that's about as long as your bed!

7. In one night hedgehogs can walk over two miles.

8. Hedgehogs are insectivores, meaning they love the bugs in your garden.

9. A group of hedgehogs is called an 'array'.

10. Hedgehogs haven't always been called hedgehogs, a long time ago they were called 'urchins'.

11. They have between 5000-7000 spines on their back which raise and lower if they feel threatened. Hedgehogs will curl up in a ball when they feel threatened and use these spines to protect themselves.

12. Hedgehogs enjoy foraging around in bushes and the undergrowth, that's how they got their name.

13. Hedgehogs are known as a 'gardener's friend' as they eat all the insects that nibble on our much loved plants.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1. Hedgehogs are one of only three animals to hibernate in the United Kingdom. 2. Baby hedgehogs are called 'hoglets'. 3. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, rather than milk they prefer that you to leave out cat or dog food and water for them. 4.

# data[].attributes.body
Nerves of steel required!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Ridge is the brand new film from Danny Macaskill... For the first time in one of his films Danny climbs aboard a mountain bike and returns to his native home of the Isle of Skye in Scotland to take on a death-defying ride along the notorious Cuillin Ridgeline.

A Film by Cut Media - www.CutMedia.com

Music:
Blackbird
by Martyn Bennett
Taken from the album GRIT
Courtesy of Real World Records

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great game to try on a woodland or coastal walk!

Choose a colour – lilac, mustard, deep-green, yellow – and try and find it on your next trip out to the forest or the beach. It may take a minute or two to get going, but once you spot one creature or plant with your chosen hue, you’ll soon find more!

# data[].attributes.headline
Walhampton teachers are missing their brilliant students so much...

# data[].attributes.subject
Walhampton teachers are missing their brilliant students so much...

# data[].attributes.body
We can't wait to see you soon!

# data[].attributes.body
Close your eyes and just listen...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unwind with 20 minutes in nature | Springwatch - BBC

# data[].attributes.body
Florence will get you through!

# data[].attributes.body
Pop this in your pocket and see how many you can tick off!

# data[].attributes.body
Eggs & Bread is a cafe like no other, based in Walthamstow, East London. It boasts ‘the smallest menu on Wood Street’ – only boiled eggs, toast, jam, porridge, tea and coffee are available. It’s self-service too! At the end of your meal, you pay what you like.

With an estimated 28% of Londoners living in poverty, this cafe is aiming to balance out the inequality seen so often in our big cities.  If you want to pay, the donation box is discreetly placed next to where you put your dirty plates, so no one will see how much you put in (or don’t). If you can afford to put something in the box, you can also pay for the breakfast of others who might not be able to pay. As Eggs & Bread say, “Everyone deserves a good start to the day”

# data[].attributes.body
... the second in our new mini-series of relaxations! Give it a try!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Five minute relaxation: Feeling confident - Walhampton School Stag Radio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Walhampton School Stag Radio Five minute relaxation: Feeling confident Listen to this 5 minute episode of 'Five Minutes Relaxation' to help you feel confident. Hosted by Mrs Knight.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best ever chocolate brownies recipe | BBC Good Food

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A super easy brownie recipe for a squidgy chocolate bake. Watch our foolproof recipe video to help you get a perfect traybake every time.

# data[].attributes.headline
Check in with the AWESOME Mrs Pickance...

# data[].attributes.subject
Check in with the AWESOME Mrs Pickance...

# data[].attributes.body
... and learn to design, draw and paint a spectacular garland. Such a brilliant project plus loads of cool and creative arty tips! Thanks Mrs P!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Loom | Free Screen & Video Recording Software

# data[].attributes.body
Scrapbooking is a brilliant and creative way to record all your favourite things - from recipes to photographs to quotations, to name just a few!

Pick up a scrapbook for a few pounds or use a notepad you already have at home. Then gather together some colouring pencils and pens, a variety of papers, some scissors, glue and tape and lay it all out on the table.

Dig out a few old photos and start by sticking them in - write a few dates and notes around the outside.

Then the rest is up to you - stick in maps, recipes, famous quotations, sketches, postcards, dried flowers, pieces of materials... you can stick in some envelopes to use as pockets to keep/hide things away in too!

# data[].attributes.body
Try our new mini-series of relaxations! The first one is 'Feeling good'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Five minute relaxation: Feeling good - Walhampton School Stag Radio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Listen to this 5 minute episode of 'Five Minutes Relaxation' to help you feel good. 5 Hosted by Mrs Knight.

# data[].attributes.headline
Check in with your teachers ANY TIME....

# data[].attributes.subject
Check in with your teachers ANY TIME....

# data[].attributes.body
Nothing better for a stormy afternoon!

# data[].attributes.body
Try one of these...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As we take our first careful steps into 2021, it's hard not to feel a little scarred by the last year and all it's thrown at us. Many of us are still working, studying or shielding at home, a lifestyle that continues to challenge our resilience and general wellbeing. With a new year comes new hope, however, and here at Paperchase, we want to kick this off by sharing eight activities you can do to stay calm.

1). Journaling

The main root of our stress and anxiety often comes from feeling out of control. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks which become harder to sift through and pin down once they pile up. To take back control we suggest getting a journal to write in. By putting pen to paper, you can cut through the chaos and see your thoughts as a physical thing in front of you.

More often than not these thoughts aren't nearly as scary as you think. It is the build-up of stress and anxiety that can make you feel like your brain is overflowing. The act of writing everything down is almost like clearing junk from your emails - it removes anything out of your control and brings into focus everything you can control. Plus, going back to the simplicity of pen and paper gets you away from screens and allows you to think without any flashing, pinging distractions.

2). Puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to relax and give your mind a new focus. These don't have to mean jigsaw puzzles, although these are very therapeutic, it can be anything that tests your ingenuity, knowledge and problem-solving. Sudoku and crosswords are good examples which offer high levels of engagement. They allow you to forget your own worries for a while and get stuck into the problem at hand. They also provide a feeling of accomplishment which in turn gives you a boost of positivity and confidence. By regularly practicing this kind of logic you are more likely to apply the same level-headed thinking to your everyday life.

3). Exercise

The endorphins released when we exercise are an evolutionary trick that reduces our pain and discomfort and maximizes our pleasure so we can continue to function despite injury or stress. This makes exercise a fantastic tool in relaxation, by reducing some of the emotional intensity we're feeling, clearing our thoughts and letting us deal with our problems more calmly. Even better, the range of activities that fall under exercise means there's something for everyone, whatever your background, environment or fitness level. Simply going for a walk or doing an exercise class at home are easy ways of getting your body moving and those endorphins pumping.

4). Music or Podcast

Something you could tie into your exercise routine is listening to music or podcast. Lift your spirits by playing your favourite music, or tune out of the world by listening to an uplifting podcast. One of our favourites includes the 'Happy Place' podcast hosted by Fearne Cotton. Each episode is dedicated to a celebrity guest who chats about their busy lifestyles and how they get through feeling blue. There are a whole host of podcasts that touch upon a range of topics, so we suggest finding one that best suits you.

5). Reading

If you prefer to go screen-free whilst you relax, then why not settle down and read a good book? Research has shown that reading lowers blood pressure, heart rate and feelings of stress just as effectively as yoga and laughter. This is a much healthier alternative to watching TV or Netflix which can cause greater cognitive decline later on in life, affecting both language and memory. Reading on the other hand strengthens these skills and gives you the opportunity to step into someone else's world for a while and get lost in their words - whether fiction or non-fiction.

6). Have a Bath

Another leisure activity that has proven to boost mental wellbeing and provide a sense of calm is having a nice long soak. The warm temperature of the water relaxes the skin tissues and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the water around you. Research suggests that the right temperature is one that's only slightly higher than our own body temperature, with twenty minutes being the magic number in optimizing your soak. This provides enough time for the water to ease your aches and pains and for your mind to relax. Any longer and you could start to feel dizzy.

Make a bath part of your routine and maximize the benefits of a ritual. Rituals help give a sense of structure and security to our day and can help us feel more in control of our hectic lives.

7). Connect with People

Similarly to exercise, we also get endorphins from socializing with others. As social creatures, we thrive in communities, something that's become hard to access in lockdown. Thankfully modern-day technology has made it easier than ever to connect with people near and far. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to someone. Voicing your stresses can make them feel less intimidating and more manageable. By gaining a different perspective you can tackle the problem head-on and not feel so alone in doing so. This kind of support is a great way to calmly move forward with your day.

8). Breathing Exercises

Finally, something quick and easy you can do from anywhere that has proven to lower stress in the body is breathing exercises. By practicing guided breathing you can trick your body into doing what it does when you're normally relaxed. It helps reduce tension in your body and sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. To get started you might want to consider downloading an app like 'Calm', which offers audio and visual guides on breathing and meditation. Or the NHS website has a short step-by-step article on calming breathing techniques.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As we take our first careful steps into 2021, it's hard not to feel a little scarred by the last year and all it's thrown at us. Many of us are still working, studying or shielding at home, a lifestyle that continues to challenge our resilience and general wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Birdsong appeared to be louder during the UK's lockdown due to a decline in man-made noise.

While it is pleasant to listen to, could something bigger be going on inside our brains when we hear tweeting and singing from parks and gardens?

Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe, a lecturer in environmental psychology at the University of Surrey, looked at how bird sounds may restore attention and alleviate stress.

Eleanor says, 'I was inspired to do this research because of an opinion piece in the Guardian by Pete Brash. He was speculating on how bird sounds might help people through the darkest days of winter.'

The first of her three studies consisted of an online test with 174 British residents listening, rating, and commenting on 50 different bird sounds from the UK and Australia.

The research found some bird sounds offered relief from mental fatigue and stress. This depended on the type of bird and what respondents associated it with.

For example, one participant found the gentle sound of chickens comforting following stress. It reminded her of when she would dig in the garden and her chickens would gather around, waiting for her to throw slugs at them.

Another participant associated the sound of wood pigeons with long, hot summers during her childhood which prompted feelings of enjoyment.

However, some bird sounds can also have the opposite effect. For example, pigeons in cities can be perceived as an annoyance and hearing their sounds could provoke a sense of irritation.

Cultural perception also played an important role. One participant associated owls with superstition, fear and death, however in many cultures' owls are revered, symbolising wisdom, intelligence, and endurance.

Levels of mental restoration also depend on the type of sound made by a bird.

For example, the melody of a songbird was well-received as it sounded musical and pleasant.

However, the call of a magpie generated stress as it was loud and raucous which reminded some participants of intentional aggression.

Other factors that affect how restorative birdsong is included sound level, frequency, complexity, pattern and familiarity.

Eleanor says, 'People like listening to bird sounds which are quiet, high frequency or have a level of complexity such as a melody.

'If bird sounds are loud, non-melodic, rough, simple or boring, people find them unpleasant or stressful.'

The type of person listening to the bird sound also influences the outcome. Those who appreciated nature benefited the most whereas those who preferred to remain indoors or were noise sensitive felt an indifference or had a negative response.

While bird sounds can be helpful for mental health, it depends on the bird, the sound it is making and the type of person who is listening to it.

This means that if birdsong were to be used to help with mental health therapy, it would need to be tailored to individuals.

Why does some birdsong have a restorative effect?

There are a couple of theories as to why nature has a healing effect on us.

The first looks at evolution and proposes that humans have a genetically built-in preference for nature, having spent thousands of years roaming the wilderness before constructing towns and cities.

Environments that contain resources such as water, plants, and animals are places where we feel best as they indicate that we can thrive.

Hearing birdsong signals life is already present in an area, and depending on the type of sounds made, implies safety.

The second theory considers how our brain processes information and focuses on certain tasks.

For example, think about ignoring colleagues having a conversation while you work in a shared office. The longer you do it, the more mentally fatigued you become.

The theory suggests nature helps us overcome tiredness as it is an easy, and often pleasant, thing to focus on. It gives us a break from other cognitive challenges in the environment, allowing us to replenish the energy we have lost.

Proof of nature's influence on mental health and wellbeing

There is growing evidence that shows spending time in nature can help with mental health overall.

One popular paper written by Roger Ulrich in 1984 looked at how a view of nature from a hospital room could affect a patient's recovery rate.

As a teenager, Ulrich suffered from kidney disease and spent a lot of time in his bedroom. He noted that the pine tree he could see out of his window helped him get through his worst days by banishing feelings of gloom and prompting positivity instead.

Later in life, he questioned 'which groups of people experienced a lot of emotional duress and might benefit from a view of nature?'

This formed the basis of the research, 'View through a window may improve recovery from surgery'. The study found those with a nature view required weaker pain relief medication and fewer dosages after surgery. They also had a shorter length of stay in hospital.

Ulrich's research supported the initial theory that nature reduced stress.

This has been validated by multiple other research projects since and has altered the way hospitals are built.

Eleanor says, 'Through my research on restorative potential of birds sounds, I was able to show that bird sounds can create similar relaxing experiences as seeing nature or going for a nature walk.

'I was able to find out how different properties of sounds create the link between sound and wellbeing.'

Eleanor's research is one of the numerous new studies which supports Ulrich's findings.

Interacting with nature improves memory functions, reduces depressive symptoms, and enhances creative abilities.

It also diminishes feelings of isolation by making us feel more connected with the world.

Nature provokes a sense of curiosity and wonder, and fosters a sense of value for ourselves, others, and the world - all of which helps us live more meaningful lives.

Spending time in nature makes us feel more grateful of all the benefits it offers us and instils an urge to protect it.

With the rapid decline of biodiversity worldwide, exponential rate of plastic pollution and climate change looming over us, this is important now more than ever.

How can we reconnect with nature?

Walking in the park, bird watching, gardening, fruit picking and feeding animals are just a few easy ways of interacting with nature.

The key is to use all of our senses to notice nature around us. This may seem difficult in large, built up cities but nature usually finds a way of interweaving itself into the environment.

This could be a potted plant on a cracked windowsill, the smell of wet earth after the rain or a birdsong carrying in the wind.

Eleanor says, 'Noticing things in the environment is related to positive psychological outcomes and has received attention in mindfulness literature.

'Being actively involved in nature experiences can increase connection to these places and create bonds with environments that can be revisited again and again.'

Helping to keep natural spaces litter-free by volunteering to clean up your local green space or beach is a great way of getting involved, giving back and making a difference.

Research shows altruism has a number of positive effects on mental health, including boosting happy hormones, instilling a greater sense of purpose and helping us feel more connected with the world.

Ecotherapy is a form of therapeutic treatment led by a trained professional. It involves doing activities in nature and aims to improve your mental health through a series of exploratory activities in nature.

Modern lifestyle may have distracted us from all the fascinating ways nature replenishes us, but it's not too late to reconnect and enrich our existence in this world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How listening to birdsong can transform our mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Birdsong appeared to be louder during the UK's lockdown due to a decline in man-made noise. While it is pleasant to listen to, could something bigger be going on inside our brains when we hear tweeting and singing from parks and gardens?

# data[].attributes.body
Create your own masterpiece at Tate Paint - it's fantastic!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.title
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Happy News: stories to make you smile - CBBC Newsround

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
De-Graft brings you this weeks Happy News and he's feeling all Christmassy, so sit back and enjoy some stories that'll put a smile on your face!

# data[].attributes.headline
The Walhampton 2021 London to Edinburgh Reading Challenge...

# data[].attributes.subject
The Walhampton 2021 London to Edinburgh Reading Challenge...

# data[].attributes.body
Coming soon!

# data[].attributes.body
Oh go on then....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Luxury hot chocolate with mix 'n' match toppings

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Set up a little table outside with all the toppings, then let people help themselves to create their own take on the ultimate hot chocolate

# data[].attributes.body
Tune in to Mr Miell at 7.45 every weekday and feel FANTASTIC!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Walhampton School Stag Radio - Live Radio and Podcasts from Walhampton School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Weekly podcast episoides from the children at Walhampton School, Lymington,

# data[].attributes.body
Superb TED talk about identity, culture and new perspectives..

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content.

By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
America Ferrera: My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hollywood needs to stop resisting what the world actually looks like, says actor, director and activist America Ferrera. Tracing the contours of her career, she calls for more authentic representation of different cultures in media -- and a shift in how we tell our stories. "Presence creates possibility," she says.

# data[].attributes.body
Cornwall: one of the most beautiful places in the world...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Relaxing Beautiful Scenery and Sounds of Cornwall - Beautiful, Dramatic Beach

# data[].attributes.body
Add your own colour to these summer Scilly sketches!

# data[].attributes.body
1. Thanks to their signature long necks, giraffes are the tallest living animals in the world! They can grow to the size of 3 adult humans standing on top of each other (around 4-5 metres tall)

2. Despite their necks being incredibly long, giraffes only have seven vertebrae in their necks, which is the same number of bones we have in our necks! Theirs are of course longer.

3. Why are giraffes so tall? It helps them see predators like lions, which gives them a bit of a head start if they need to run away.

4. Giraffes are herbivores, which means they only eat plants! They have extra-long tongues to help them reach the tops of trees and pull the leaves down.

5. While it’s really important that we humans drink lots of water to stay healthy and hydrated, giraffes only need a drink every few days. It can be a difficult task trying to bend down to drink from watering holes with such long legs and neck! They get lots of water from the leaves they eat to make up for it, though!

6. A group of giraffes is called a tower. They are very social creatures and will usually hang out in groups of around 15 giraffes.

7. We’re not sure who childbirth is more painful for – the mother giraffe or the baby! Giraffes give birth standing up, which means the calf gets a big drop to the floor when they come out! But, these are strong babies – they can stand up by themselves on 30 minutes after being delivered.

8. In the wild, giraffes can live up to 25 years, but in captivity they’re known to have lived for up to 40!

9. There are in fact, 4 different species of giraffe. The Northern Giraffe, Southern Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe and Masai Giraffe.

10. Just like every human has a different fingerprint, giraffes have different spot prints on their bodies. These different patterns have helped researchers to identify giraffes in the wild when studying them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Miss Knight's 5 Top Tips for Happiness and Wellbeing...

# data[].attributes.subject
Miss Knight's 5 Top Tips for Happiness and Wellbeing...

# data[].attributes.body
1. Good Thoughts
2. Good Eats
3. Good Moves
4. Good Connections
5. Good Hobbies

# data[].attributes.headline
If you're not quite feeling yourself today...

# data[].attributes.subject
If you're not quite feeling yourself today...

# data[].attributes.body
...try some doodles and drawings

# data[].attributes.headline
If you're a fan 'How to Train your Dragon' or 'The Wizards of Once'...

# data[].attributes.subject
If you're a fan 'How to Train your Dragon' or 'The Wizards of Once'...

# data[].attributes.body
This wonderful talk by author, Cressida Cowell, will light you up!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Prepare to be inspired by Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell. She'll chat about her Children's Laureate Charter, her latest book The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times and How to Train Your Dragon (also a film and TV franchise). Cressida will also give writing and illustration tips - we need the authors and illustrators of the future!
Teaching materials for this event can be found here
Byddwch yn barod i gael eich ysbrydoli gan Fardd Plant Waterstones, Cressida Cowell. Bydd yn sgwrsio am ei Siarter Bardd Plant, ei llyfr diweddaraf The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times a How to Train Your Dragon (sydd hefyd yn gyfres ffilm a theledu). Bydd Cressida hefyd yn rhoi cyngor ar ysgrifennu a darlunio - mae arnom angen awduron a darlunwyr y dyfodol!
Gellir cael deunyddiau addysgu ar gyfer y digwyddiad hwn yma

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Prepare to be inspired by Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell. She'll chat about her Children's Laureate Charter, her latest book The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times and How to Train Your Dragon (also a film and TV franchise). Cressida will also give writing and illustration tips - we need the authors and illustrators of the future!

# data[].attributes.headline
Walhampton teachers are missing their wonderful students...

# data[].attributes.subject
Walhampton teachers are missing their wonderful students...

# data[].attributes.body
We can't wait to see you soon!

# data[].attributes.headline
Mr Miell's favourite track for feeling good...

# data[].attributes.subject
Mr Miell's favourite track for feeling good...

# data[].attributes.headline
Mr Hamilton-Foyn's favourite song for getting up and getting active...

# data[].attributes.subject
Mr Hamilton-Foyn's favourite song for getting up and getting active...

# data[].attributes.body
Awesome tune!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
When you're in the club and you're hungry...

# data[].attributes.body
The decrease in car and air traffic at the moment means that we can hear so much more of the beautiful spring birdsong. Check out this wonderful website to help you identify all the magnificent birds in your garden. Click here for week 1 - Robin, Wren, Song Thrush and more!

# data[].attributes.body
...yum!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best ever chocolate brownies recipe | BBC Good Food

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A super easy brownie recipe for a squidgy chocolate bake. Watch our foolproof recipe video to help you get a perfect traybake every time.

# data[].attributes.body
Try this little chill-out activity anywhere outside in nature...

• Notice 4 things that you see: Rest your eyes on these 4 things, take them in one at a time
• Listen out for 3 sounds that you hear: Really tune into each sound; let each sound come to you
• Focus on 2 things that you can feel: The wind on your skin, the material of your clothes on your body or your feet on the earth
• Pay attention to 1 thing you can smell or touch: The earthy smell in the air, the smell of spring blossom, the touch of a tree trunk or bush, a stone, a leaf or the grass…

# data[].attributes.body
Spend some time colouring in these beautiful classic boats from artist Claudia Myatt...

# data[].attributes.body
Give this delicious recipe a go at home!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put each pizza base on a baking sheet and spread each with half of the passata. Arrange the tomatoes on the top in rings or wedges of colour and add the broccoli and the olives, if using. Squish the mozzarella cherries (bocconcini) a little before dotting them over the pizzas, then drizzle 1 tbsp pesto over each.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put each pizza base on a baking sheet and spread each with half of the passata. Arrange the tomatoes on the top in rings or wedges of colour and add the broccoli and the olives, if using.

# data[].attributes.body
Get up and dance!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pharrell Williams - Happy (Official Video)

# data[].attributes.body
Get away to the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Isles of Scilly with this soundscape...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seasalt Cornwall: Isles Of Scilly Soundscapes

# data[].attributes.body
Click here to try this very special 4 minute relaxation. Get comfortable and reeeeeeeeeelax.... ahhhhh

# data[].attributes.body
Click below for a stellar list of brilliant tunes chosen by all your favourite teachers....

# data[].attributes.body
"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home..."

Click below for free Audible audiobooks...