Starting the season with happiness
Welcome to Seasons in the City, a newsletter written by me, Charlotte Cassedanne. You may have noticed the signs already. A handful of bright yellow daffodils bobbing precariously at the foot of trees imprisoned in concrete pavements. The scent of pale-pink magnolia wafting from people’s front gardens. Cotton-candy like cherry blossom leaning over fences…Spring is nearly here. And this newsletter isn’t all about flowers, promise. It’s about cities, and rekindling our connection to nature while living, working, and growing in them.
After a six year hiatus out in the suburbs (shout out to Staines-upon-Thames), my fiance and I decided to move back into London. Unusual I know! Most people seem to be trying to leave London which does make me question our life choice. We’ve settled in the up-and-coming Elephant and Castle area of South London. Over 300,000 people from Korea, Brazil, Greece, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and many many more nationalities call this corner of London home. The streets are busy. Brazilian butchers rub shoulders with Turkish barbers, West-African shops sell everything from fresh fish to peanuts next to Eritrean restaurants, a Xianjiang restaurant opens at night in a former Victorian sausage shop, and a British bakery operates from a church crypt. I was yearning for London’s buzz and diversity and Walworth has it in buckets!
But what I’m really missing from living out beyond the tube zones, is nature. And I know other Londoners do too. Living in a busy capital of 25 million people, it’s too easy to miss the seasonal changes. But humans, like all animals, are wired to notice and live around these. We may have strawberries in supermarkets all year round, but don’t they taste so much sweeter in summer?
So in this newsletter I will be shining a spotlight on how the seasons change in the city. From profiling lesser known green spaces to celebrating community groups helping rewild London, seasonal festivals and food to ancient wisdom. I'll also share seasonal tips, events and activities in other cities, countries, and sometimes countryside. Keep reading for Spring ideas!
Happy International Day of Happiness!
It doesn’t surprise me that the United Nations chose the first day of Spring as the International Day of Happiness (20 March). Spring is renewal, regrowth, hope. After cold, dark winters in the city, more light, budding leaves and the promise of warmer days stirs the soul. It also reminds us that we, and nature, are more resilient than we think. The earth may have looked barren, the trees dead. But look how they come to life.
5 Happy Things to Do in London this Spring
- Go cherry blossom hunting 🌸
There’s something so marvellously exciting about spotting candyfloss trees in London streets and parks. Kaylie @girlwiththeredbob shares the best blossom spots and sometimes organises a Blossom Social so you can discover them with other budding photographers. A great way to meet new people and capture this fleeting seasonal moment.
- Do something for Earth Hour 🌍
On 23 March every year, the lights of major landmarks, businesses and homes go off at 8pm for Earth Hour. There’s lots of ways you can use that hour to enjoy time on our planet. I love the idea of hosting a sustainable candlelight supper with friends, a chance to talk about climate change and what we can do about it in a more relaxed environment.
- Visit a bamboo garden at Somerset House 🎋
Until 28 May, you can visit a free bamboo forest to disconnect from the hubbub of the city, draw bamboo leaves and experience the restorative power of nature, designed by Hong-Kong based artist Zheng Bo.
- Go on a wellbeing and art walk in Newham 👣
Did you know doing new things develops our bravery, flexibility and creativity? It’s worth making the journey to Newham just for that! Join this free one-hour wildlife, art and heritage walk along The Line, London's public art walk running between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. Taking place every Thursday at 11am.
- Get down to the river for the Oxford-Cambridge boat race 🚣🏽♀️
I always feel like this event, which takes place on 30 March, marks the beginning of Spring in London. Even if you’re not into rowing, watching a race or two is lots of fun and can then be followed by a leisurely walk along the Thames river path. A great way to reconnect with nature.
Two Supper clubs for Spring 🍽️
I love a supper club. It feels so special to be eating a seasonal feast made for one (or two) nights only and sharing that experience with strangers. These two are celebrating the best of British Spring produce such as asparagus, lamb and new potatoes and rhubarb. Delicious.
- “Nature’s Kitchen” at The London Cooking Project, Battersea. Wednesday 18 or Thursday 19 April. 5 courses and two drinks included, £60 per person.
- La Fromagerie, Marylebone. 8 and 22 April. 3 courses, £45
