How’ve you found the last few months?

The coronavirus situation has been life changing for everyone. We’ve been in the situation where we’ve had a life changing personal event, the birth of our twins (who arrived seven weeks before lockdown), coincide with a life changing global event.

You envisage what your first few months with new babies will look like; introducing them to friends, taking them to different places, and getting them to Cornwall as often as possible. When Logan, our first child, was born, we took him to every beach on and around Penwith. I expected to do the same with the twins but that just hasn’t been possible.

Fortunately, we did sneak in one trip to Cornwall just before lockdown so they have met their grandparents. Usually, we’d be down frequently so it’s been strange.    

Where have you spent lockdown?

We’re very lucky as we live by the Chiltern Hills and River Thames, so we’ve been able to access outside spaces. Our daily walks were by the river, which is really peaceful.

We have missed Cornwall enormously though. At this time of year Cornwall is just very special. It’s just before visitors arrive in large numbers but after the battering winds and storms of late winter. You can get out on the coastal path and not see anyone. Steve and I live a very outdoor lifestyle and Cornwall’s the place for that.

I still feel very tied to home and always miss Cornwall when I’m not there, but it’s been especially tough when you’re not actually allowed to visit! My family run an ice cream shop in Newlyn, which thankfully reopened in June. When younger, we’d go for walks along the prom at Penzance and that’s still something we do whenever we return – ice cream in-hand and trying to spot the seal who’s often there!

How have you spent your time in lockdown?

Despite the difficulties, we’ve really embraced spending it as a family. It’s the first time that Logan, who’s almost two, has been aware of the changing seasons so it feels like his first proper spring – we’ve been showing him the plants and encouraging him to listen to birds. That’s been lovely.

We have a canoe so have been on the river lots. We can put the twins in a sling and Logan in a lifejacket to explore the water around us and feed the animals, which Logan loves. It has been amazing to see the river explode with life. We’ve seen swans with their cygnets, ducks with their ducklings, and geese with their goslings. Because we haven’t been able to go anywhere and have been on the river more, we now recognise the individual animals – particularly the ducklings.    

That sounds amazing! What wildlife have you seen on land?

We have lots of wildlife all around. There’s a badger sett just up the road and we sometimes have foxes in the garden. We also have some rescued hedgehogs that we’ve been feeding, which will be released soon.

What have wildlife and nature meant to you in recent months?

We’ve barely turned on the TV since lockdown started! We’ve become quite obsessive about sitting out and see what’s going on – which is great for a toddler! He’s just fascinated.

We’ve had this outdoor experience which we’re incredibly grateful for. We’re very aware that not everyone has easy access to a garden or outside space, which must be tough. But that’s one of the special qualities of Cornwall – you’re rarely far from a beach, lake, wood or quiet footpath.

I’ve had access to nature and wildlife from our home and grew up surrounded by it in Cornwall. They’ve always been and always will be a big priority.

Talking of Cornwall, what are your favourite beaches?

Steve and I got married at Prussia Cove. I’ve always loved it and Piskies Cove just around the corner. I’ll always have a soft spot too for Sennen and Porthcurno, which are both glorious.

And finally, what three words would you use to summarise on how nature has made you feel in lockdown? 

I’d have to go with relaxed, entertained and interested.