An obvious effect of the national lockdown is a shortage of people wandering the streets. When going to parks, high streets and any other public place, the difference in the number of people compared to the pre-Covid era is apparent. The effects of this change on the environment can also be seen - for example, in the newfound cleanliness of bodies of water.
A case of this can be found in Eagle Pond, a pond in Epping Forest. If you visit today, you will no longer find the half-eaten bread crusts and masses of pond algae of the time before the lockdown. Instead, the water is crystal clear, and masses of seagulls, Canadian geese and various other kinds of duck flood the waters. To see the wildlife flourishing is quite satisying, and it is recommended that you pay a visit yourself.
The lack of trash in Eagle Pond, and presumably other bodies of water all around Epping Forest and beyond, can make one think about their actions towards the environment. The contrast between dirty and clean places in nature is striking, and could convince many to rethink their attitudes towards the great outdoors. Now, more than ever, is a time to be concerned about the environment. With the looming threat of global warming and damaging the planet beyond repair, now is the time to pay attention towards what we do outside - no matter how small or insignificant the action may seem.
So if you are someone who throws loaves of bread to ducks or leaves trash in the woods - now may be the time to reconsider. Weigh up the desirability of an environment filled with trash versus one kept as clean as it can be, and the answer will become clear as to which is the finer of the two options.
