Video taken during walk (unable to attend group walk due to COVID19)
"I arrive at the at the meeting point outside of the station and recognise a few people from the previous Meetup. I say hello and we all stand waiting for Bethany to arrive. She describes the route and gives an encouraging speech at the beginning. During the walk, she takes the lead. Although she acts as the social glue and leader, she doesn't interact with the walkers very much. I decide to catch up with her and ask her thoughts."
(Fieldnotes, 1 Feb 2020)
"I've been leading these walks for a few years now. London can be so hectic. For some people it's overwhelming."
"But I've seen people, introverts, really open up. They might come for weeks and not speak to anyone, but then over time they become confident."
Bethany
"As I drift amongst people during the walk, dropping in and out of conversation and at times walking in silence, I wonder if it's something about the act of walking in nature that gives people the space to 'open up'."
(Fieldnotes 1 Feb 2020)