Community, craft and conversation at Land of Oak and Iron 

Sonja Tebay’s Story 

I have so many memories of spending time with family on ‘Nature Walks’. From days in the warm sun and days walking through ice and snow. We have all enjoyed the fresh air and the chance to see the birds and see the glorious colours of all seasons and feel free and able to enjoy the moments to relax and forget the stresses of the day.  

Bolam Lake would be our go to place for the safety of our children. The lake always looked spectacular with swans and ducks swimming along. The chance to stand on the jetty and be closer to them too. 

The ‘forest feel’ always seemed enchanting so many different trees and shapes to hide behind and admire. In the Spring the snowdrops and then the daffodils displayed a landscape of vibrant beauty to the eyes. 

On all our trips over the years we have countless photographs capturing the season and the days we spent there. 

Our children are now older and have families of their own and all look back fondly at the days we were there. We now have grandchildren and are fortunate enough to continue our visits to Bolam Lake, it’s a place that has allowed us to enjoy nature and experience the lovely nature we have around us. Bolam Lake continues to improve its facilities to cater for all that come to visit.  

For most of us the chance to walk and freely engage with fresh air, trees, and beautiful flowers can be a tonic and makes us realise how lucky we have been. Green spaces are a vital part of our lives. 

William Tebay’s Story 

Our first grandson was born in 2019 just before the onset of Covid. Having just retired, my life had turned upside down. 1 year I was working with lots of people, the following year was a day filled with silences. Walking in Dinnington and surrounding areas was my salvation.  
But that wasn’t quite enough and my outdoor life with my grandson was my true salvation. We were in a bubble together and our walks in the countryside were so rewarding. I was the teacher and he was the inquisitive pupil and simple things like finding the bees became a daily challenge. Even now when he comes to visit me 5 years later, his first question is “can we find the bees grandad?” Our time together made the ordinary days seem like very special days. The countryside made our bond together and it will never be broken.  

Tiff Edmunds’s Story 
I’ve moved back to the UK after nearly a decade abroad in November 2019. My partner and I moved into a new village and were not overly familiar with the area when the pandemic began and we went into lockdown. The immediate area and back garden became my own heaven away from what was a difficult time for everyone. 

I spent so much time exploring walking routes, trapsing through fields and along rivers or into woodlands. 

This time reminded me of a childlike joy I had forgotten and became my center. Spotting deer, learning new bird species and finding mushrooms were the glimmers of hope I needed to get through an isolating time and remain an important part of my grounding activities.