NEAR NATURE
by contemplativeinquiry
I have never been much of a wilderness person. In times past I have foolishly used this to feel like a lesser Druid. ‘Near nature’ is my habitat. It is a world of parks, streams, canals, accessible hills, woodlands and former rail tracks. Human artefacts of varying vintages are very much part of the scene. These places keep on giving. Over the last couple of days a touch of frost coupled with brighter light has changed the feeling tone of a generally wet and clouded winter. Pictures celebrate this bounty.
contemplativeinquiry 
I’ve seen merlins, kingfishers and other people have seen otters on that bit of canal. wildness does not have to mean away, or inhospitable! Lovely photos in this blog.
Thanks Nimue. You have always had a particularly keen eye for the area.
I like the idea of wild nature, but rarely have access to it. I see nature as all-encompassing, and try to think holarchically — if I’m using that term correctly — recognizing that even the most artificial environments are of course part of nature. I like the phrase “near nature.” As a city-dweller who aims for nature reverence, it’s a helpful term, and new to me. In a few moments I will take a walk around the building where my office is located. I will walk alongside an interstate highway, clogged with automobiles, and over a concrete drainage canal. Yet even in such a milieu, I can see and be struck by the awe and wonder of “near nature” which is still Mother Earth after all.
Thanks for this comment Bart. I agree about nature including everything also about cityscapes.