Juniper

 

I didn't know just how rare this Juniper Tree (Juniperus communis) was. To me it was rare as it's one of only two I know, turns out it's one of only two Juniper in the entire forest, and at over 400 years old by far the oldest, an ancient tree. I came across an article from 2001 when curators from Kew had visited in order to take cuttings and collect seeds to preserve its' genetics, and propagate new trees to repopulate the forests' community. The piece included a photo of the tree, it's obvious the tree has declined, but the photo really drew in to focus how much. I'd noticed, but not, if you know what I mean.

Dames Slough

 

There's been extensive clearing and restoration across Dames Slough, you wouldn't believe that this time last year all this was densely planted conifer, they've done a really good of the clearing and restoring too. I look forward to seeing these new (old) landscapes develop.

Missing mushrooms

One consequence of our continuing dry spell is a massive reduction in the number of mushrooms about, both volume and species. Yeah, you'll see some about, but they're few and far between, and more importantly for the most part they're not the mushrooms you're looking for. If we don't have some sustained rain soon, the mushroom season will be over before it starts.

 

Drought endures

 

I don't get exercised by climate change any more, that's not because I don't accept anthropomorphic climate change, or at least our contribution, more that it's so outside of my control that I have no choice but to relegate it in the pursuit of sanity. I do what I can, what's within my remit. Still, I can't help but feel concerned seeing the forest this dry at the end of September. Isn't right, man.

The pigs are out!

The pigs were out to Pannage at Mill Lawn this morning. Pannage is the ancient tradition of allowing the commoners pigs to range the forest searching for nuts, which in excess can be poisonous to the forests' horses and cattle. The season began earlier in September and will run until the end of November. This drift were very friendly, approaching determined to give us a thorough once over, upon realizing we had/were nothing of interest they made off. Take care though, some pigs can be a touch feisty, chasey even, they've had me running on more than one occasion.

Archdruid Rollo

Stalwart of Druidism, Archdruid of Stonehenge Rollo Maughfling presides over this mornings Equinox ceremony; he presided over the first druid ceremony I attended way back in 1988. Nice chap. 

Autumn Equinox Stonehemge

It's only when you escape the light pollution of suburbia that you're reminded just how beautiful a clear night sky can be. Over Salisbury Plain the night sky was black as tar, the universe spread out across it, countless stars shining radiantly. On the cusp of change a bright shooting star streaks across Fargo Wood, and as I approached the stones so did dawn. While the sun had begun its' transit in the east, clouds neared from the west, the combination creating a spectacular backdrop of colour and texture for those assembled at Stonehenge for the Equinox. Amongst the stones druids performed their rites, while others perform rhythmic drumming or chanting, others simply sit or stand in contemplation, waiting; eventually the sun does appear, greeted by collective whoops and cheers. It had been too long since I'd seen in a Solstice or Equinox at Stonehenge, and amongst the stones it really felt like coming home. Altogether a perfect Equinox morning. Equinox Blessings /|\