"Ever since I was little I've loved walking in the countryside. In fact, before I could walk, I enjoyed the countryside. At least I enjoyed it most of the time.
My dad would take me for a walk in the forest straight after school. He said I could name all the trees we passed. To me forests are magical places, full of life. They're like other worlds; worlds where you can escape everyday pressures and get away from the rush of modern day life. I've always lived by forestry or a good place to walk. When my friends come round, I often drag them out for a walk with my two black Labradors: Nelly and Lucky.
Right next to my house there is a path lined with twisted beech trees. My two best friends and I have found the perfect branch to sit on and talk nonsense. Once we sat there for two hours chatting away. My favourite place to walk is a forest on top of a mountain above my house. The trees are packed closely together so the floor is covered in pine needles. It is also a breeding ground for mushrooms and things that go bump in the night!
The forest is a great place to play hide and seek because it is so dark and your feet make no noise on the ground. I find it magical. I've recently discovered the joy of winberry picking. I love searching for the biggest, juiciest, tastiest berries and then gobbling them up before the birds can.
My whole family loves going for walks and this year we're going camping in Snowdonia. As long as it doesn't rain for two weeks like it did in France (not amusing!) it'll be brilliant."
Alexandra Blow
