Is the price of petrol putting you off travelling to enjoy the countryside?

Deb London · #1 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 06:59 AM

I now plan days out to conserve petrol. With the cost of living such as it is, there is no way I can afford to travel to nature reserves etc like I used to. And the cost of a tankful has risen considerably. When stuck in traffic, the fuel efficiency plummets. To go anywhere after work, I leave very early to avoid the jams. I also stress about wear and tear on the car and other associated bills.

Am I the only one out there who is concerned that enjoying my hobby to its full potential means less money to spend on other things (like food)? Is anyone else wondering if its worth it? Watching wildlife is supposed to be a hobby that anyone can enjoy, even on a strict budget. This is true, but I now want to see the rarer species and travel further to get the same "kick" as before. I visited to Blean Woods recently and was to early to see the Heath Frits. It was really sad to realise that another trip would be a luxury too far.

Just wondered if anyone else is in the same boat as me.

davecatt · #2 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:17 AM

Hi Deb
I'm very lucky in that respect as well as being close to several areas of interest I am able to travel on my bus pass

Would it be possible for you to join a group or society that organises wild life watching trips? Or get together with friends to share travel costs?

I hope you find a solution. Good luck
Dave

Deb London · #3 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:26 AM

Thanks Dave. In that respect you are lucky. And for my sins I get reduced price travel to most places in London. But it's when I want to get away from here that I feel the restrictions.

There are some coach trips run by the LNHS. But I have to be very flexible as I am helping care for someone at the weekends. Organised trips have been a no-no for several months. The car was always the solution. Long weekends away, going where you like.....those were the days.

Red Robin · #4 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:34 AM

I hugely sympathise with your predicament, Debs. I guess you have to pick and choose very carefully where and when you go as funds allow.

I'm probably a rare beast (Robinus rufus) on WAB in that I'm a performance car enthusiast and petrolhead. My car runs exclusively on expensive high octane petrol and never does more than 28 mpg but I wouldn't have it any other way as I enjoy driving every single mile.

I lived in central London for nearly 30 years and strangely wasn't that bothered about visiting the countryside as I had a big garden and cycled while training as far as Surrey and Sussex very regularly. I'd been brought up in the countryside and London was just a long chapter. I've retired to the countryside (and got divorced!) and now do as I please. Even living in the very beautiful West Dorset there are other countryside places I want to visit. I'm going to visit a friend who has a house high up on Exmoor soon and also drive to the Valley of the Rocks etc. It's a rock rescue trip

.

Have you seen Chris Packham's book "Wild Side of Town"?

artdemole · #5 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:34 AM

These days,not being so nimble I park and walk.Also fortunate in having the bus pass.Though most ambling is very local so as not to use the car too much.Not many car shares for walking.But then you would have know every one for that because of safety.

Deb London · #6 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:41 AM

Red Robin, I want people to tell me how badly they suffer, not how fast and free their driving experiences are. ROFL

(I'm only pulling your leg).

Yes, I could indeed read more. LOL

Thanks aDm. Car-sharing is a bit dodgy - true.

Red Robin · #7 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb London

Red Robin, I want people to tell me how badly they suffer..

....Ah, I'm one of those possibly annoying people who sees a silver lining in every cloud and always thinks positive. Chris Packam's book highlights just how much wildlife exists in cities and towns if you know how/where to look. But IIRC you have a nice garden. Still, I know it's not the same as stunningly beautiful rolling countryside - Am I helping you to suffer?

Paul mabbott · #8 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 09:06 AM

I also like to look on the bright side: I hate cars and travelling in them so welcome anything that gives me an excuse to travel by more sustainable, comfortable and interesting means!
I look forward to the day when I can walk in the countryside without the haze of car fumes and the sound of motorways.

Deb London · #9 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 09:24 AM

Interesting views. Thanks both.

For the record, I am indeed very lucky in many ways and I know it. But sometimes we have to change. Our ideas, our way of thinking; in effect to let go. I just wondered if anyone else was "letting go" for the reasons stated in my OP.

To abandon the car because of the pollution you cause is very noble indeed, I think. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has done that or thought about it. (I'm guessing Robin, ermmmm, hasn't!!!).

Paul mabbott · #10 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 09:41 AM

I haven't driven a car since I was 20 (and that was some time ago). I'd like to say this was a matter of principle but it was simply that I went to live in London and a car was absolutely unnecessary. Since being up here I also use public transport and my feet as much as possible..... but if I said that I don't drive on principle, again, I would be lying: my wife drives from necessity and it would be antisocial of me not to keep her company ... and do the navigating.... but one day it may just become too expensive ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb London

.........To abandon the car because of the pollution you cause is very noble indeed, I think. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has done that or thought about it. ..........