The cycle of the seasons brings such variety to our lives with each having special qualities to anticipate and enjoy: the freshness of spring with bluebells and birdsong; the warm, long days and vivid colours of summer; crunching through leaves in the golden glow of autumn; and wrapping up warm to play in the snow in crisp winter. Animals and plants respond to the rhythms of the year and we're designed to do the same. Sadly modern living and its 'I want it now' culture can lead to us getting out of tune with these natural rhythms. This section will be looking at how we can improve our health and well-being by adjusting ourselves to the seasonal cycle and by enjoying locally grown food while it is in season. Our bodies crave seasonal eating and buying fresh, organic, local food is healthier, helps the local economy and is less environmentally damaging than choosing food flown in from around the globe.

Summer Well-being

Summer is a time when we can indulge our senses, spending long warm days in the regenerative sun surrounded by colourful, fragrant, abundant nature. To deal with the hot weather our taste usually switches towards lighter, cooler foods with plenty of fruit, vegetables and salads. It is better to avoid icy drinks as they are actually not as cooling as room temperature ones because the cold causes vessels to contract so they don't absorb the liquid.

Summer Traditions

What's in season? - links to Eat Seasonably, a guide to what to eat and grow each month. For seasonal recipes try Veg box Recipes.

Wild Man Wild Food - website of forager Fergus Drennan. Lots of tips, seasonal recipes and details of courses.

Harvest Recipes - some of our favourites for using up surplus produce

Charlie's favourite chocolate recipes - good all year round!

Getting in tune with nature

Nature surveys - share nature with your children and become more aware of the seasons by volunteering to record your wildlife sightings and provide valuable information on climate change.

Nature Meditations - simple exercises to help you reconnect with the earth

Nature and Healing by Glennie Kindred

Spent - article by holistic doctor Frank Lipman who advocates treating exhaustion by returning to a seasonally-oriented life-style.

Natural thinking - Dr William Bird's report investigating the links between the Natural Environment, Biodiversity and Mental Health

Backseat Children - Living Street's report arguing that children who are driven to school are failing to develop an understanding of road safety, their environment or their role in the community.

Rewilding childhood - children discovering nature. For themselves

Recommended reading

Animate Earth by Stephen Harding

"Increasing evidence suggests that both physical and mental health are improved through contact with nature. Yet people are having less contact with nature than at any other time in the past. This has to change!"

Dr William Bird, Natural England's health advisor