My Journey from The Fens to Lewes

Finding Solace in Nature: My Journey from The Fens to Lewes

Growing up in a small farming village in The Fens, I didn’t fully realize how much I thrived in quiet places, surrounded by trees and open spaces. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to understand how deeply these environments resonated with me. Moving to Lewes was one of the best decisions I’ve made. This small, tight-knit town has allowed me to stay connected with a community while also giving me the space I need to retreat when necessary. With The Downs right on my doorstep, I couldn’t ask for a better balance.

Right now, I’m in the process of launching my treatments and products at Big Beauty in Hackney, London. It’s exciting to travel up to London every week, meeting new people and immersing myself in a different environment. But I have to admit, I find it challenging. London is a world away from the quiet tranquility of East Sussex. The city feels more cutthroat, tiresome, and often disconnected from the sense of community that I’ve come to cherish.

That said, I have experienced powerful pockets of community in London, especially in places like Croydon, where I worked with refugees. The sense of togetherness was palpable, often rooted in their shared cultural experiences of “home” and the difficult journeys they had endured to reach the UK. But as a native visitor, I sometimes felt disconnected and isolated, even in the midst of these tight-knit communities.

For me, the outdoors has always been my therapy and my fitness. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the exhaustion that comes from walking for miles, knowing that it’s just you and your legs carrying you forward. I cherish the simple, very British act of saying hello to everyone who passes by, despite knowing nothing about them. And of course, the well-deserved meal at the end of a long hike, which is always better when shared with someone.

Hiking in the UK holds a special place in my heart. It brings people together, creating an unspoken bond among those who walk the same paths. It’s also a powerful remedy for loneliness, offering a chance to reflect and process whatever challenges life throws your way. Over the years, hiking has helped me navigate difficult times, whether I’m hitting the trails with a loved one, a friend, or on my own. I’m incredibly grateful for the clarity and peace it has brought me.

Nature is free, always available, and it never fails to open up my mind.

— Felicity Stuart-Menteath