#MyBiosphere: Lyn Merriman

In our regular feature in Isle of Man Newspapers, authors from different walks of Manx life offer a personal perspective on #MyBiosphere. This month Lyn Merriman, a member of The Manx Bluetits, writes:

Growing up I became accustomed to the easy access to nature. Be it forests, beaches, hills or glens; we had it on our doorstep.

Growing into adulthood, although I always appreciated the beauty, variety and serenity of our Island, I do think I took it for granted. Then came lockdown. Life became work/home/work. Family made it enjoyable but I began to miss what I hadn't realised I needed. I began to relish in the freedom as it became available. In the absence of usual activities I returned to a childhood love of swimming, and the sea was the only option. I'm now so glad it was.

Having always hankered to sea-swim but not being a good swimmer plus having an aversion to squeezing into a wetsuit, I had thought this would never happen. However, that winter, an inspirational 'just do it' friend set up Manx Bluetits. I became the 2nd Founder member. And so it began! 

So now I swim regularly through the summer and winter, come rain or shine and even at night. Full moon and sunset swims are just magical. And there really is something exciting about getting dressed in a car park, by torchlight, in the rain ...honestly!  

As well as bringing me more confidence and a whole host of wonderful new friends and interests, swimming has rekindled my love and total awe of the Island, its environment and wildlife. In the sea you literally see the world from a different angle. Landmarks look different, changes in the light appear more distinct and change the look of the landscape and the water - sometimes minute by minute. The sea is so clear and it's surprising how much variety of colour there is in seaweed, rocks and pebbles and even the water itself. It is so peaceful out there too. Wildlife is always close wherever you are and at sea is no different. Often we don't see any marine life except for perhaps a tiny fish or crab, but such a variety of birdlife surrounds us every time. Seals will often watch quizzically as we keep a safe and unimposing distance, it's their home not ours, sometimes even then it's so still that you can hear their breathing!

People ask me 'where's your favourite beach?' and my reply is always 'the one I'm at!' Each has its own special beauty and character.

People also ask 'but what about Jellyfish?' -They're beautiful!' I keep my distance but they don't keep me out of the sea any more than a bee or wasp would keep me out of a park. 'Pollution?' The sea is cleaner than it ever was when I swam as a child and unless it’s obvious I don't see it as a barrier to my swimming.

One hope for the future is for us to have an accessible inland freshwater lake or reservoir as freshwater feels different and this would bring a different aspect of nature and surroundings, while enabling us to dip when sea conditions don't. 

However, whether that happens or not I will continue to swim and enjoy the beauty of swimming in nature as often as I can. 

My words can't fully describe the exhilaration, enjoyment and peace that comes from being in the sea. If you haven't already experienced it, then why not try?

Find me at a beach near you or through Manx Bluetits Facebook page.