Fruitless

Less than a week ago we celebrated second harvest, the fruit harvest, though out in the forest that harvest has been poor. On my roams, at least anyway. Usually at this time of year the fruiting shrubs are well served with fruit. Not this year though. With hardly a Sloe to be seen, naked Hawthorns as the norm, unripe Blackberries and a Crab Apple tree still holding its' fruit a rare sight, the forest is a disappointment for forager and wildlife alike.

Lughnasadh

 

I swear the wheel of the year's accelerating, or maybe it's just the requirements and pace of modern life. Whatever. The blessing of Lughnasadh and first harvest is upon us. Raise a toast, the energy of the green man is spent, his time at an end (for now), his sacrifice will feed the tribes. I'd like to hope that folks literal and metaphorical seeds have born fruit, though a cursory glance about reality indicates that in both natural and human realms it's clear things aren't quite right, and they might not have. Still, we're always grateful for any bounties the fates bestow. Lughnasadh blessings to all. /|\ 

Roe harvest

The harvesting of Roe enclosures' Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) which began at the back end of last year is moving on at a pace. I reckon maybe 2/3rds of the trees are in the process of being removed in parts, the timber stacks on the sides of the tracks are piling up.

Autumn equinox

 

I'd intended we get up and out early doors to observe the autumn equinox sunrise, although the heavy rain that greeted me when I looked out of the window, told me there'd be no sunrise to see today, encouraging me back under the covers. Later though we made it out into the forest to observe Mabon, a transitory point of balance before we enter the darker half of the year, and the was forest was, as you'd expect, glorious walking. And, what better way to celebrate the autumn equinox and second harvest, that with a feast of autumnal forest fruits; nature kindly provided some Ceps (Boletus edulis) which I appreciatively harvested.  I wasn't greedy, I only collected what I need for a couple meals, and I gave thanks to the forest and the elements, grateful for their bounty. The days are getting shorter now as the year is winding down, one more harvest then we're done for this cycle. Equinox blessing to y'all /|\

Thinning Wilverely

Forestry work has continued throughout Wilverely's mosaic woodland. Some blocks of mosaic have been clear harvested, others thinned, whilst others having only their younger coniferous members taken, their cut and graded trunks line the forestry tracks. It's dramatically changed the woodlands appearance, opening up stands and revealing long hidden vistas. Some blocks will be replanted, after all the coniferous stock is merely cash crop. In the thinned out blocks the remaining bigger coniferous trees will have space grow to their full potential and in a few years the floor beneath them will be thick with self seeded offspring. Other blocks where the remaining trees are deciduous ones will no doubt be left to develop as open woodland. I have a coniferous mosaic block which I'm particularly fond of in Wilverely, it's matrix feels perfectly balanced between tall maturing trees and a dense under-story in various stages of growth. It's quite the magical space, hidden away in it's cool shade the dense juvenile conifers muffling the outside world you're immersed in a green world, perfect to sit a while and take some time with the forests coniferous community.  So far it's been spared the woodman's axe.

 

Samhain

As the last harvest's almost gathered in and the light of the day grows ever shorter, the veil thins. It's a time to take stock, to look back, to count our blessings and to remember those who've gone before. It's a time to be grateful, to give thanks. I hope the fates have been gentle to you this difficult year, that your harvests are what you'd desired and your metaphorical barn (and physical one, for that) is full to the rafters. As darkness's reign begins we'll dream our dreams of spring. Samhain blessings y'all. x

Harvest moon

So far this year has been particularly good for full moon fires, clear evenings, little wind and mercifully, dry, tonight was no exception, what a beautiful full moon and what a perfect night for a fire.  Such a timeless pursuit, and always rewarding.

Lughnasadh

A bumper wheat and barley harvest's here, 

                 and with it fresh bread and beer.                  

And still there are two harvests yet to come, 

before the growing year is done.

Lughnasadh blessings y'all.