ONE YEAR ON. One year ago I arrived home on March16th, the last Antarctic cruise of the season cancelled as the World went into lockdown. Coming into the Heathrow there were no checks, the UK behind other countries starting to lock down. Restrictions were still a week away. Looking back, just one week earlier would have made a lot of difference. Few of us expected to be in the same position one year on, travel and socialising looking bleak for months yet. It has been so tough with the work I was passionate about, gone As a ' seafarer' I have no furlough, and with savings no chance of Universal credit. At least I have a bit of naturalist work and survey work in the UK, but not much. It's been the first time I have had all this spare time at home in ages. So it has been frustrating not being able to for a drink in a pub with a large group, dance, go to a gig, attend a workshop or a talk (zoom is OK but it is not the same). Or what I always liked to do, get in the car and go off exploring wildlife spots and contacting a friend on route (often last minute!). If it was in another part of the country, crashing out at their place and having a chat. I have been lucky to have my own house and garden, to go for local walks and bike rides, like along the Hogsmill river and the other open spaces we have in Epsom and Ewell. Also exploring the Surrey Hiils and to drive further afield when restrictions were at a lower level, even getting to the Breacon Beacons. But thinking of some seafarers and staff on cruise ships, single but active people like me, who rent out a small flat, apartment, or room, with little to explore locally. For them the last year has been like an open prison with no release date, with no income and paying for food and rent. Here is to the end of lockdown, across the World, and we must all strive to protect our local green spaces, and wilderness areas at home and abroad, and a better health system for all. #ewell #hogsmillnaturereserve #hortoncountrypark #epsomcommon #nonsuchpark #priesthillnaturereserve #wildgardens #gardenponds #gadventures #g_expedition #noblecaledonia #ptga #polartourismguides #kevthenatureguide #antarcticambassadors (at Ewell) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeoUtyj2at/?igshid=1vs1jbsqv37oq
