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From dip to difference!

In this write-up from our Wilder Lives Manager, Kristen, discover how cold-water swimming can make us feel good while showing that we’re all part of the natural world.

From morning dips to beach litter picks and water testing, the Bluetits Chill Swimmers show us how feeling good outdoors and caring for the places we share with wildlife go hand in hand. 

I ventured out of Somerset and into the Dorset National Landscape to visit a group of local women who are part of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers cold water community. This social swim community now have over 150 groups worldwide with two of these in Somerset.

Having had a beautiful journey over the hills and spotting a number of roe deer and a bird of prey on the way, the crisp blue skies that greeted me in West Bay set against the beautiful Dorset Coastline provided a stunning backdrop for an incredible afternoon of swimming, stories and fun! 

Swimmers in the sea

The beach was quiet apart from a few dog walkers and those sitting enjoying the winter sun. As the group gathered ahead of their swim, some scanned the beach for litter and collected a bag of plastic, rope, googly eyes, bottle tops and lids to take away – a respectful ritual I’m told, that has formed part of the swimming routine for some. We were welcomed so warmly with kind words of support, and it felt like we were part of the group instantly. 

Central to all of this was the recognition that when cold water swimming, people really feel part of nature. Perhaps due to the immersive nature of it - an activity that so clearly engages physically, mentally and socially - people described how grounding it can be, with full moon and sunrise swims helping to deepen this feeling of being at one with the natural world.  
 

They told us about the sense of community and support it provides them, and the fact that it’s non-competitive and often full of song, camaraderie and cake!
Kristen Lambert

The group were keen to share some of their incredible wildlife experiences including comb jellies and guillemots, the resident seal popping up to say hello, herring gull rescues at sea, swimming with dolphins on Christmas Day and ospreys and kingfishers.

The swim happened pretty quickly – there was no messing around getting in – steadily walking into the water while casually chatting to one another. Most stayed in the water for about 10 mins with some donning goggles and swimming to the cliffs and back while others gently swam while taking in the beauty of it all. It was clear that those connections with one another and the sense of one-ness with nature that they’d described were happening right before our eyes!

A hand showing plastic picked up from the beach

After drying off, hot drinks and homemade shortbreads and flapjacks were offered round. A sense of cosy togetherness was felt after what was a pretty special shared experience. 

While some then headed home for a warm shower, others stuck around to take some water samples at high tide as part of the West Bay Swimmers Action Group’s commitment to test for sewage spills and other chemicals that could make wildlife and swimmers unwell. 

It's clear that this beautiful group of people benefit in so many ways from cold water swimming but their passion to take care of the places and the nature and wildlife that hold meaning to them is central to this experience. They without doubt demonstrate how intertwined nature and human beings are.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re inspired...

  • There are two Bluetits groups in Somerset: one in West Somerset (Minehead to Blue Anchor Bluetits) and one based centrally (Somerset Bluetits).
  • Cold-water swimming can be challenging and is best done with experienced swimmers for safety.
  • Always check water quality before swimming – whether in a lake, river, or the sea. Surfers Against Sewage provides up-to-date safe swimming maps. 
  • Always remember to swim without disturbing wildlife and take all rubbish home with you afterwards.
  • If you are interested in testing water quality in your community, a number of organisations are often looking for volunteers, including Westcountry Rivers Trust. 
  • Anyone can get involved in a litter pick and there is plenty of coastline in Somerset if you choose to do something on the beach this winter. Read our top tips on doing a litter pick or beach clean. 

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