It is solved by walking
Two weeks in Robin Hood country. Plus: virtual coworking this week.
Happy Sunday! I’m back from two weeks housesitting in the Midlands and left my heart in Harlow & Thieves Wood - stomping ground of Robin Hood who stole from the rich to give to the poor.
It’s glorious - 200+ hectares of mostly pine with little trails everywhere. You can walk and bike ride for miles into the wider Sherwood Forest area. DH Lawrence called it the “country of my heart”. I feel very connected to it too - spent most of my childhood out here. Did my dissertation on him, many moons ago.
I went for a wander, watching the butterflies dance and listening to the birds. Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy. So energising, and I loved feeling like a dwarf looking up at these towering trees. Shedding their skins and starting over - a crunchy carpet of pinecones. Inhaling that earthy, woody, herbal smell I can’t get enough of.
Scots Pines can live for up to 700 years - puts life into perspective and makes you realise how small and unimportant you are. We’re just “dust in a lion’s paw,” as Paul Theroux said.
I walked along this main track until it forked off into smaller paths, then turned back—no signs. Didn’t feel unsafe but was conscious of being alone without an alarm or spray.
It is solved by walking
In The Tao of Travel, there’s a chapter called ‘It is solved by walking’. If you have a problem, leave the house and walk it off. Something will shift and you’ll find a solution. Ideas bubble up when you let your brain relax. I felt inspired to do a voice note - love working in motion.
I’m trying to get away from feeling I’m not being productive unless I’m sat at my desk, on the laptop - a habit drummed into me from years of office work. We have the tech to work from anywhere, so why not feel free? Get inspired by nature. Let your voice replace your hands.
I crossed over the road into Thieves Wood, part of a highway linking Nottingham and London called the King’s Great Way. Where wealthy travellers were robbed. More beautiful walks and also a popular dogging spot, mother tells me. I didn’t see any action or outlaws, but I did see loads of litter…
Empty sandwich boxes, vapes, and plastic bags of dog poo stomped into the ground and hung on branches like baubles - why do people do that? No one’s going to clear them up. There aren’t enough bins - no one wants to carry poo for miles.
Also, someone had dumped a massive pile of rubbish—old furniture, clothes, an office chair (we’re all trying to escape it). A few folks standing around staring at it, really dispiriting. I went back the next morning to film it for you and it was all GONE!
Thanks to Archie Ford for starting a crowdfunder to help an 80-year-old farmer facing a £40k fine and prosecution. It’s raised almost £60k and shows the strength of feeling. Things need to change.
Can’t wait to go back and explore some more - I want to walk the Robin Hood Way.
Nika xo
👩🏻💻 Body double with me - virtual coworking
This week’s feel good focus session is waiting for you! I’m hosting this for paid members on Wed 15 Apr, 12-4 pm.
I’ll be working on client stuff and my newsletter. Come for all or part of the session – be lovely to see you. Will pop the link in the chat.
I'm testing out Buggyverse - a free social study platform with rooms, timers, and focus tools. Community-first and non-profit. Love the mission and happy to help with beta-testing. 🙏
