Savouring Simplicity with The National Trust

Last year we made the very wise decision of becoming National Trust members, it was about time because we have visited some many NT properties over the past couple of years we would of saved loads had we been members. Deciding to join was probably one of the best decisions I've made for our whole family in the past year, in fact its a god send for me. I am passionate about the boys having natural childhood and proving a playground to grow and develop in, away from novelties and cheap attractions that can occasionally be found at other countryside parks.

What I love about my three local NT properties - Dyffryn Gardens, Tredegar House and Aberdulais Tin works and waterfall is their focus is on the conservation of the areas, bringing them back to life and encouraging children to be apart of that. My boys can be quite a handful, my youngest is in a very active stage of toddlerhood where he is moving a hundred miles an hour but with complete disregard for his own wellbeing so these places offer a safe but wild space for us to connect with nature without modern distractions.

This week the weather has been pretty dire in Wales, in fact it's not been fantastic since the start of summer but we have made the best of each day, getting out in-between showers (and also get caught in some too). But yesterday there was a point where it had been pouring down all morning, we had exhausted nearly every craft box, colouring book and the TV was on trying to keep to wide eyed boys entertained while I spent an hour picking up lego and puzzle pieces. At this point I just thought we have to get out and to a place that I know is the exact opposite, the simple to the manic, the calm to the storm and that was Dyffryn Gardens. So on went the waterproofs and out we went.

We spent arrived fairly late in the day so it was very quite and perfect for us, we had two hours of bliss, running down hills, getting muddy and taking in all the wonderful produce that was growing in the gardens and nearly coming to harvest. We spotted loads of Bear caterpillars which turn into Tiger moths and we also kept our eyes open for butterflies as they are doing a big butterfly count. We were pretty lucky with the weather,  just light showers every now and then which I think had put people off visiting this hidden gem, which meant for a nice quiet afternoon for us.

I wasn't asked by National Trust to write this, we are simply very passionate about what they do and I am so grateful for them providing these spaces that allow simplicity for children and adults to just enjoy nature and nothing else. On  days when the clutter and manic feel never ending escaping to on of their properties is something I am so grateful for.