Mums Matter - Winter Wildlife, Wonder & Listening Differently

A Nature Walk with Russ

This week’s Mums Matter session gently reminded us that sometimes the most powerful learning doesn’t come from doing more - but from slowing down, listening, and noticing what’s already around us.

Delivered by Time to Connect CIC, in partnership with Forest Frontiers and supported by Bolton CVS, the session was led by the ever-knowledgeable Russ, whose nature walks have quickly become a highlight of the programme.

And once again, he left both mums and children captivated.

As Jan summed it up perfectly at the end of the walk:

“He is an absolute treasure. I just want to listen to him all day.”

A walk that felt like a story unfolding

The session took the form of a gentle winter nature walk, where Russ guided the group through the forest, stopping not to rush information, but to invite curiosity.

There was no pressure to memorise facts or label everything correctly. Instead, Russ modelled something deeply reassuring for parents - especially mums who often feel they need to know the answers.

It was okay not to know. It was more than okay to wonder.

As the group moved through the woodland, Russ brought the forest to life through stories, questions, and observations that were as engaging for adults as they were for children.

Robins, holly berries and how nature works with us

One of the central themes of the walk was robins - a bird many of us recognise, but perhaps don’t fully understand.

Russ shared how robins often rely on humans in winter, following gardeners as they dig and disturb frozen soil, giving the birds access to worms and insects they wouldn’t otherwise reach.

For the children, this sparked fascination.For the mums, it offered something deeper - a reminder that our actions matter, and that we are part of nature, not separate from it.

The group also learned about holly trees, discovering that holly has two genders, and that berries only grow on female trees when there’s a male nearby. It was one of those moments that quietly blended science, storytelling, and wonder - sparking questions, surprise, and a few “I never knew that!” moments.

Touching, noticing, listening

Throughout the walk, Russ encouraged everyone - children and adults alike - to use their senses.

• Listening carefully to birdsong and learning how different calls sound

• Touching tree bark and noticing patterns and textures

• Looking closely at leaves and understanding why some trees shed them in winter

• Talking about why birds preen their feathers and how it helps them stay warm and healthy

These weren’t formal lessons. They were shared discoveries, woven naturally into conversation.

One mum reflected that it didn’t feel like being taught - it felt like being invited into a deeper relationship with the outdoors.

Learning without pressure

What stood out most was how accessible the session felt.

Russ gently addressed a fear many adults carry - the idea that nature can feel intimidating because we don’t know the names of trees, birds, or plants.

Instead of labels, he encouraged description.

What does it look like? What does it remind you of? What do you think it might be?

This approach opened up imagination for the children and lifted pressure from the mums. It allowed everyone to engage confidently, without feeling they might “get it wrong”.

A calm that carried through the group

As the walk continued, the group noticeably settled.

Children slowed their pace, stopping to watch, listen, and point things out. Mums relaxed into the rhythm of walking side by side, sharing quiet observations and small conversations.

There was no rush. No expectation to complete an activity. Just presence.

That calm - something so many parents crave - seemed to ripple through the group.

Why sessions like this matter

This nature walk perfectly reflected what Mums Matter is all about.

It wasn’t just about learning facts about birds or trees. It was about:

• Giving mums permission to slow down

• Reducing the pressure to have all the answers

• Creating shared moments of wonder between parent and child

• Rebuilding confidence in being outdoors - even in winter

• Showing that learning can be gentle, relational, and joyful

For many mums, the session felt like a quiet reset - a reminder that connection doesn’t need structure, perfection, or performance.

Sometimes, it just needs space.

A treasure indeed

As the session came to a close, there was a shared feeling of gratitude - not just for the information shared, but for the way it was shared.

Russ didn’t just talk about nature. He helped everyone feel part of it.

And judging by the messages afterwards, one thing was clear:

This wasn’t just a walk. It was an experience that stayed with people long after they left the woods.

As one mum said simply:

“So interesting. I could listen to him all day.”

And that feeling - curiosity sparked, pressure lifted, connection strengthened - is exactly why these sessions matter so much.