Grief Observations, Richard Adams Nature Diary.

As the grief grip takes hold, I tried to start reading again. My brain can’t concentrate for more than 5 minutes at a time. I ended up grabbing my old copy of Richard Adams’ A Nature Diary. Easy, I thought.

‘This,,, is not a catalogue of rare and seldom seen things but an authentic day-to-day record made during a calendar year… I simply wrote down what I saw or heard every day…. There is always something to enjoy in nature, even in January or November.’ Richard Adams.

I always did used to write down what I saw and heard during the day and called them observations when I wrote about them on here. I think as life is now so staggeringly different, maybe I need a small outlet of just looking at life in a very quiet and basic way.

Richard Adams dedicated his book to his father. So I will dedicate my attempt at a year long, maybe longer nature diary to my dad. It is going to be a way to work through the grief and sadness of his death.  

Dad taught me all about nature, plants and birds and took such pleasure in growing things and showing me the giant spiders that lived in the garage as a kid.

A grief nature diary. Starting today, 8th January 2026.

The snow has melted overnight but a big storm called Goretti is on the way. I doubt it will hit here. Whilst making my cup of tea at breakfast time, I spotted my garden residents. Dunnock, Wren, Wood pigeon and two Blackbirds fighting over territory. They really do not like the cheaper seed I put down.

Works car park at dinner, heard a Great tit rattling round the trees. A Robin came to visit and a Long tailed tit scared him off.

Had to pick up my dads signet ring from the jewellers. I cried when I tried it on and it fitted. The lady in there was very kind about it all as I blew my nose over all the paperwork.

Saw strange people life in the town centre. Bought a cheese and bacon savoury and listened to the Starlings in the trees outside Specsavers. Life invariably carries on.

Once the Song thrush starts to sing me out of work at 5pm. I will know the spring is coming.