Wellness with Bethany (Head of Skills Policy & Generation Logistics)

“Wellness with…” is our ongoing series that takes a closer look at Logistics UK staff and the hobbies that support their wellbeing.

As part of our commitment to giving the logistics industry easy access to trusted mental health and wellbeing resources, we hope these stories encourage others to explore something new.

This week, Bethany, shares her experience with her hobby of Birdwatching.

What first inspired you to start birdwatching?

Birdwatching started as a simple excuse to get outside. With a desk job keeping me indoors or in the car most of the week, I realised how easily the very many grey days we have had recently would slip by without any real reason to step outside. Birdwatching gave those days a purpose. Even when the weather wasn’t inviting, the idea that there might be something interesting to spot – a flash of colour in a hedge or a call from the treetops – was enough to get me out the door and into the fresh air.

Where do you usually go birdwatching?

I live in North Norfolk and have lots of nature reserves within a 30 minute drive, as well as a beach within a 10 minute walk – so I couldn’t live in a better area for it!

Do you go birdwatching on your own, or with other people / as part of a group?

I go with my wife, and we are also members of a local group, “Birds and the Belles”, which is an all-female birding group that aims to enhance the experience, representation and safety of women in the birdwatching community.

How often do you go birdwatching?

I try to go once a week, but as the nights draw out, I’m hoping to get to the beach after work more!

How long have you been birdwatching? Do you improve at birdwatching as you do it more?

I started in January as a New Years resolution to get out more (in addition to my standing resolution, which is to try new food!). You absolutely improve as you go – there is a fantastic free app, Merlin, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which helps complete novices identify birds by sight (even a grainy photo!) and by call. Download it and stand in your garden or local park – it’s brilliant!

Do you have any long‑term goals or targets related to birdwatching?

I’d like to see a Bittern (strange looking, you can tell they are dinosaur descendants!), but I’ll never be someone that dashes out at 4:30am to drive 200 miles to see a bird…so I’m hoping one pops up locally! I would also like to make some local friends – we moved to the coast in 2021, so COVID rather hampered our social life at that stage, so I’m hoping birdwatching will help me find my people here.

In what ways does birdwatching support your mental health?

Birdwatching supports my mental health by giving me a reason to slow down and step away from the pressures of daily life – getting outside and focusing on the sounds and movements of birds helps clear my mind and reduces stress. It encourages me to be more present, something I am not good at, so noticing small details in nature that I might otherwise overlook helps. The quiet time outdoors, the satisfaction of spotting or identifying a bird, and usually, the lack of mobile signal creates a sense of calm that I find restorative.

Would you recommend that others take up birdwatching, and if so, why? Do you have any tips for someone looking to start casual birdwatching?

Get the Merlin app! Binoculars don’t have to cost a fortune – you can always upgrade if you get into the hobby. Get some cheap outdoor clothes (Vinted is great!) so that you’re warm and dry (or cool and dry!) no matter what the weather is – and don’t forget sunscreen in all weathers. Finally, don’t worry about knowing everything straight away – the joy is in the learning!