To live in the Countryside or the City?

At heart, I am a Londoner! I was born there and lived in London until I was 11. I had such a happy time, had a great bunch of friends and neighbours, the community was amazing, I loved the diversity, I loved having everything in walking distance and the London transport system was brilliant.

We then upped sticks and moved to Exeter, Devon. Still in a city but it was completely different. I had a cultural smack in the face, I really struggled with the lack of diversity. I didn’t settle well and I was glad when, after a couple of years we moved to the outskirts of Plymouth.

• 

• 

Plymouth, still lacking in diversity was by the sea which was glorious. I settled straight into school life and made amazing friends who are still my friends today. My school had a Combined Cadet Force which I loved doing, so many amazing opportunities. I also completed the Ten Tor’s expedition on Dartmoor and by doing so means that Dartmoor has a special place in my heart.

• 

Now I’ve had my family, we live in a small town on the edge of Dartmoor, 20 minutes drive away from the city of Plymouth.

Since lockdown started, it has been amazing. We have woods right on our doorstep and can walk straight up onto Dartmoor, there are also two ‘downs’ close by, so for our daily exercise we have been spoilt for choice. I know there are some lovely parks in London, ones that we used to walk to when I was a child, but my goodness, the open space of Dartmoor and being close to the sea has helped enormously with my cabin fever.

As you know, Edward has autism, so this lockdown has presented us with a fair few challenges. Again, having these huge open spaces on our doorstep has made life a lot easier. Edward hasn’t got a clue about how to social distance, he will quite happily smack a stranger on the bum (not appropriate at the best of times let alone during lockdown 🤦🏻‍♀️😳) So thank goodness, we were able to take him out without the fear of him getting too close to people.

Now that the government have decided that we can drive out to places, we have made the most of even more beauty spots all within a 30 minute drive from our house.

We have visited other places on Dartmoor and been down to Mothecombe beach. Edward can just run around as he pleases and I don’t have to worry about him running into the road or getting too close to other people. I have always loved these places but since lockdown, they have come to mean so much more and I will never take them for granted again.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

So would I ever move back to the big city with my family?

At this moment in time, the answer is no. Whilst I miss the buzz of the city, since lockdown, I have been truly grateful for the beautiful part of the world that we live in that has enabled us to get out into open spaces, to lift my soul and reduce my cabin fever.

I believe that it’s better for Edward and autistic children in general to live in the countryside. Edward is in his element when he is able to run free in the countryside and on the beaches. There is so much to keep him occupied. He loves running in and out of the sea, throwing pebbles in the sea, picking up sticks and throwing them in the river.

I understand that the countryside could be challenging for some autistic children who are sensory avoiders. All the birds tweeting and things buzzing round your head etc can be an issue. But for us the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Let me know of your experience of lockdown with regards to your daily exercise.

Also let me know what you think? Is it better to live in the city or the countryside? Does it make a difference to autistic children?