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 /|\

Hip hip

 

One of the wild fruits of the forest that appears to have done really well this year are the Dog Roses (Rosa canina), their bright fruits, or hips, can be seen throughout the forest. Rose hips are packed with goodness including high levels of vitamins C, B and E, along with a wide range of other beneficial compounds and have long been utilized as a consequence. During world War Two Britain relied on Rose Hips for their Vitamin C; school children, Guides and Scouts, and Women’s organizations were encouraged to collect the hips, which were subsequently sent for industrial processing; in the autumn of 1941 200 tons, or 134,000,000 hips made 600,000 bottles of rose hip syrup. We could do with re-learning many of the foraging skill of our elders and ancestors; really, we should never have abandoned the suite of foraging/bushcraft skills that sustained us for millennia.

Moo

I don't remember cattle roaming the forest as they do today when I was a child; today they're everywhere, on the open in heathland, in the wetland bottoms and amongst the unenclosed forest stands. I don't remember ever walking through woodland and coming face to face with a solitary cow like we did this morning. I'm sure they didn't, and that the cattle have been introduced, or re-introduced, in recent decades; or if they did the practice has become far more widespread. They may have been about and I just remember them, or the forest like that; I'm not infallible. Don't misunderstand me, I’m not complaining either, I welcome increased animal diversity out here. I'm just saying.

Git orf moi land!

I've noticed, or maybe I've just perceived, a slow decrease in the volume of people in the forest this year; the Covid years 20/21 saw visitor numbers explode, as the forest suddenly became everybody's favourite place. I'll admit to being worried about that, the consequences on nature, damage to the infrastructure (for what it is), and the ambience of the place; as well as, if I'm honest, my own selfish interests. After all, this is my forest; git orf moi land! Of course it's not, I'm just being silly, but I'm sure you know what I mean; we all enjoy a very personal relationship with the land we're connected to, so it's only natural to fear that land and relationship jeopardized by change, especially when you see it threatened, and the forest did see increase wear and tear, damage, animal issues as well as rubbish. I understand that a lot of those negative behaviours were through much of society's lack of socialization to the natural world, but negative they were nonetheless. Although as the opportunities of the wider world opened up again, and the reality of the winter forest became apparent, for many the glamour of the forest wore off; lightweights. There's still more folk about than there used to be, and that's cool, I'm not really a 'nimbyist'. I imagine many of those folk have had their hearts stolen by the forest too; it feels like they're kindred spirits if you will, rather that encouraged here as a 'tourist destination', or through convenience or lack of alternative. Anyway, again Geoff and I can walk for miles amongst the stands rarely seeing another soul, and between those we do pass a knowing smile is shared, kindred spirits like I said. I would like to reiterate though..... git orf moi land!

Dyer's Polypore

 

Dyer's Polypore or Dyer's Mazegill (Phaeolus schweinitzii) is a weird looking velvety/felty skinned, irregular capped brightly orangey/yellowy coloured fungi which favours the roots/base of conifers, it's parasitic and eventually will be the death of the host tree. As I say, it's a weird looking fungi; this is a young example, they can look very different when mature, Turkey Tail fungus-ish (only ish), though larger, thicker and velvety. The name 'dyer's' originates from it being used to dye yarn,  depending it's age, the mordant used, a fabric to be dyed, various shades of yellow, gold, orange, green and brown can be achieved. 

Parasols

All over Spy Holms at the moment Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) are appearing amongst the heather.

Autumnal chill

Autumn has properly arrived in the forest, for the first time in a long time you could feel the early morning chill; it was also the first time I've needed to layer up for our walk since spring. Lovely out though; we ended up doing a 14.1 mile route, and were back before midday.

Highland Water

 

Our walk this morning was from Millyford Bridge out along Highland Water as it winds it's way through Holmshill and Highland Water enclosures, and back. Highland Water throughout it's course is probably the finest riverside walking in the forest, and definitely my all time favourite; and today in the fading warmth of the autumn sun the walking and scenery was simply stunning. Soul food.

Beefsteak

Beefsteak mushrooms (Fistulina hepatica) are popping up all over the forest; distinctive in colour and soft fleshy appearance they're easy to spot growing most predominantly on Oak and Chestnut; many you'll find are quite small, although they can grow to a fair size; they're so distinctive that you're unlikely to be able to misidentify them. They're also edible cooked or raw, though I'll be honest they're not to my taste, too weirdly sour. Remember, never collect any wild food you're not 100% sure of it.

Mornin'

 Mornin' m'deer.  

Solace

Cultural modernity is draining, man, the constant hum of the human world is omni-present and insistent; opportunities to mentally over stimulate oneself are boundless, and rarely manifest feelings of well being or inner tranquillity; an endless projection of anxiety or anger generating 'news and views' is available 24/7, negative emotion by design. The forest has long been my antidote to cultural modernity, my green prozac; and walking is my daily rehabilitation and re-armouring before returning to the world of man. I know I can't be alone in my views on contemporaneity, nor in finding solace in the arms of the green world.

Black Water

On this morning's walk it was a relief to see Black Water flowing again; what a difference a couple days make, eh. Geoff certainly approved. Of course, it's nowhere near maximum flow, and still easy to cross via numerous gravelly patches, but still, good to see.  

Lost and found

Archaeology is rubbish the title of one of the Time Team's books reads, and of course a lot of the time it is, other times it's things that are purposely deposited or more often though lost. I can't remember the number of knifes I've found in the forest (and I've lost a few too); often quite degraded and well beyond use, they were once a persons beloved and much used tool. I came across this example today just beyond the bank of Red Rise Brook, in a spot I've passed hundreds of times; yet I've never noticed this old knife lying there, and it's clearly quite old judging by it's condition. I suppose it's well camouflaged colour wise which may explain why I'd not clocked it previously, that or it may have been recently disturbed by animals from the nearby undergrowth. It's an odd looking knife, with a blunt rounded tip like an Opinel No7, I can't make it out; I suppose it could be a razor or similar. Left exposed it'll not make it to become a future archaeological find, that said even buried in these acidic sandy soils it wouldn't last beyond an ephemeral stain. Interesting find though; I'll keep my eye on it.

Black 'still no' Water

Well, the rains have done little to fill to the forest's streams; and I was right to question whether the flow I saw up stream in Blackensford Brook would've made any difference down stream...it clearly hasn't. I first noticed that most of the forest's streams were bone dry gravel back in July, now into September I'm searching my memory to remember a season like this, where gravel bottom were on display for so long. Although there are watering spots in the forest, they're few and far between, I can only imagine how the woodland inhabitants have navigated this drought. Here's hoping for the clouds to deliver something more substantial.

The Wounds of Mata Hari by The Locker Room Cowboys

 

The Locker Room Cowboys (much in demand bassist Andy Budge, renowned multi instrumentalist John Garden and psych legend Icarus Peel) return with the release of 'The Wounds of Mata Hari'; what would best be described as a 5 track mini album, or maybe a extended single? Either way it's more of what we've come to expect from the finest psyche/rock band you've probably never heard of, The Locker Room Cowboys, top quality original music with an engaging and unique sound. Now I could, a have been known to overly wax lyrical about bands and releases I like, often turning my posts into superlative synonym soup; always with justification I may add. Still, nobody needs that. So, simply put these fellows have again done what they do best, created a nice set of diverse sounding tracks; all well written, perfectly crafted and performed, along with being tidily produced they're literally music to your ears. Cracking stuff! Get over to Bandcamp toot suite and buy 'The Wounds of Mata Hari'; whilst you're there fill your boots with everything else they've released, it's all good. Why this band aren't better known is a mystery to me and an affront to music. The Locker Room Cowboys first album 'The future came and stole our dreams' dropped during the pandemic and was criminally overlooked as a consequence, criminally I say!  In my opinion it remains one of the best albums I've heard in years, always a welcome and rewarding listen; wade through my review here. 

Burley Old

Burley 'very' Old; in fact one of the oldest enclosures in the forest.

Red Bolete

 

I'll admit to wondering how much of a mushroom season we'd enjoy after our arid summer; though I've been pleasantly surprised by the range of fungi forcing their way through the hardened forest floor; of course a few mushrooms does not a good season make. On one of the broad grass tracks which cross Burley Old we came upon a cluster of small red boletes; I didn't want to disturb them after what must have been a heroic effort, though I think they may have been either boletus pinicola or boletus versicolor.  The grassy track bisects coniferous and broad leaf blocks, pinicola favours the former whilst versicolor the latter. That said, they may have been another variety, as I didn't examine them and so could not give a definitive identification.

Autumnal heathland

The wheel turns and it's that time of year again when the forest's heathland begin adopting their autumnal hues. I love all the forest's seasons, why wouldn't you, though of the four it's got to be autumn with it's vibrant radiant colours that really stirs the soul; the greens endure though slowly fading through myriad tones; the bracken steadily browns through yellows and oranges as it bows out; and throughout the heath clumps of imperial purple heather add majesty to this picturesque landscape. This is just the beginning of the march to fall.

Acorns

Unlike yesterday's Chestnuts, the small acorns I wondered whether would amount to much back in July have done just that, and are currently shaping up to provide a hearty feast for the commoners pigs soon to be released into the forest for pannage.

Chestnuts roasting?

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? I'm not so sure. Sweet Chestnuts (Castanea sativa) haven't amounted to much yet. I know we're only just approaching collecting season and there's remains time for them to develop; though they still look on the itty bitty side to me. Of course, I'm always happy to be proven wrong.

Crab Apples

It looks like a good season for Crab Apples (Malus sylvestris), many of the forest's compact shrubby trees are festooned with small green and red fruits. The small apples are bitter to say the least, although that doesn't rule them out as a wild food resource; most commonly they're made into jelly to be served with pork, or roasted also to be served with meats; they're also a good source of pectin so a great addition to jams. The bark and wood are none too shabby either, the bark for creating a yellow dye and the wood is very good for turning. Though the tree and it's fruits are most valuable to the forest's wildlife; the flowers are a boon for pollinating insects, the leafs provide food for caterpillars, especially those of moths; and all manner of birds and woodland mammals enjoy the tart fruits. All round it's quite the forest provider.

The Illustrated Tree

Our route this morning took us past the illustrated tree; a wonderful old man of the forest, and undoubtedly a tree of note. It's always a pleasure to reacquaint oneself with such a magical forest inhabitant, especially one so gnarly and magnificently patterned. It's also a relief to find him still standing it these stormy times; that said, he is fairly well protected by the surrounding trees.

Berry Wood

 

We were 4 miles out by the time we reached Berry Wood this morning, the early rays of the sun were just beginning to stream through the stands, and the forest was stunning. Sunday walks are our early doors walks, we're literally out walking at the crack of dawn, which means we have the forest to ourselves, particularly through the summer months; there's not many folk out and about that early, we've just the forest's wildlife for company. Suits us just fine.

Mill Lawn

Mill Lawn Brook is the only forest stream that I know that has continued to flow throughout this arid summer. Teaming with small fish and fry it's a popular haunt for Herons and Egrets; there were three on the hunt here this morning, a testament to the brooks health and abundance. 

CFC Canadian Forestry Corps?

I stumbled upon two interesting pieces of graffiti on the same tree, and both similar are in nature; J.Liafe CFC, and on the opposite side W. (the other initial lost to bark scaring, although possibly a T, as part of the top remains) CFC. CFC, eh? The nature of the graffiti gives me the impression that it's a good few decades old, and the fact that both CFC's are carved in the same unique style suggests that they're contemporary with each other.  After an internet search I came to the conclusion that CFC may well stand for the Canadian Forestry Corps; the corp was active in Britain (mainly Scotland) during both world wars; the nature of the graffiti ie. how it's stretched, scared and aged is very reminiscent of other Second World War examples. The Canadian Forestry Corps, nicknamed the 'Sawdust Fusiliers', was a corp of the Canadian Army who although given basic training were not expected to participate in combat, all things forestry and timber was their bag. There was a saw mill close by in Denny Enclosure between 1939-1945 which was said to be the only mill in the forest capable of handling 'large diameter timber', so although primarily stationed in Scotland, it is conceivable that Canadian Forestry Corps members with their experience and knowledge of dealing with large timber could have been employed in the area (I know some were stationed in Surrey). More research would be required to confirm that any members were stationed in the forest, and of course it could also be they were just passing by* or on leave. 

* During a cursory search I did come across this interesting reference:  'After the landings in Normandy in Jun 1944, ten companies eventually moved to the Continent to continue operations there; 77 square timber rafts and 54 round timber rafts had been created in Southampton to moved timber across the English Channel with them.' www.canadiansoldiers.com/corpsbranches/forestrycorps.htm  

Another bare bottom

Well, the fleeting rains did little to refresh or replenish the forest's brooks and streams. Linford Brook is yet another waterway currently identifying as a gravel track, and has done for a number of weeks now; this photo was taken quite close to the brook's source too in Milkham Enclosure.

Small fruits

The Common's apple trees are again well laden with fruit, although this year they're noticeably smaller, more like over sized crab apples or large plums, that said, they may now be bite sized but they're still just as tasty; the same can be said for our neighbour ancient cooking apple tree, usually laden with gorgeous fruits, the source of countless pies and crumbles; it's going to take a hell of a lot of them to fill a dish this autumn. This is another aspect to consider about climate change, how will it affect the size, quality and quantity of our wild harvests; a resource I'd taken for granted in my societal/food supply breakdown modelling. As I've probably mentioned before, these apocalypses we're enduring continue not to shape up to be the ones I'd been envisaging, planning and prepping for. No zombies either....yet (Shawn of the Dead zombies, not World War Z zombies, please).  

 

Black Water reborn?

Geoff and I were walking North Oakley ways this morning and happened across Blackensford Brook, one of two head waters which feed Black Water, and it was flowing, or at least giving that impression if you screwed up your eyes. Oh I thought, Black Water has been reborn...barely; then I thought, has it though? Or has Blackensford Brook been flowing weakly like this throughout, and the water's disappearing below the gravel long before it becomes Black Water; this point being just beyond Stinking Edge Wood, is only a matter of a couple of hundred meters from the dual sources of the stream in Backley and Blackenford bottoms, two hollows where water has been present throughout. Considering that I came to the conclusion that we'll probably need a lot more rain before we see Black Water flowing again.

Early fall

You'd be forgiven for thinking you were walking through the early autumn forest out there now. The bracken is draining it's colour, turning yellow to orange brown in hue; and the trees appear to have thrown in the towel early too, their leaves also adopting autumnal tints and even beginning to fall; it's mainly the Silver Birch though not exclusively by a long way. It's not right, nor does it feel so. It's quite chilling to consider how climate change could change our green and pleasant land, change it's very essence, it's flora and fauna, and of course it's seasons. You could argue that the changes we're witnessing this year have been the consequence of a dramatic heatwave, a once in a however many years event; you 'could' argue. Although the message that this is just the beginning of a climate crisis and that irreversible change is under way is quite compelling. I've noticed for a long time now that the seasons are changing, and have thought we'll end up with longer transition seasons of spring and autumn, whilst summer and winter contract becoming far shorter. Or of course that could just be wishful thinking on my part as I favour spring and autumn, so it's more comforting to imagine that rather than the season-less total climate breakdown that possibly awaits us. Nice out though. 

 

Petrichor

As a persistent though light rain fell, so light that a t-shirt still sufficed, it was if the woodland sighed in relief. So cool, so fresh, and ah, that sweet smell of petrichor, made all the sweeter by the length and intensity of the arid period preceding it. The stands were lovely this morning.

Forest heath oasis

Even with the forest as arid as it is, and it is, even when the streams have stopped flowing, which they have, you can still find watery oasis if you know where to look. Walking with a hound, particularly a thick coated one, you build up a mental map of watering points, here in the forest it's usually the springs that emerge in the boggy hollows; if I'm out in a rural setting, such Purbeck or Cranborne, it's knowing where all the water troughs are.

Black Water (less)

This week's bare naked bottom is that of Black Water, another tributary of the Lymington River; photo taken looking upstream from Gravelly Ford. This drought is dragging on now, it's been a couple of weeks so far that the streams have been dry. The only stream I've seen that's still flowing in the forest is Mill Lawn (which becomes Red Rise Brook, and then Ober Water), the third of the Lymington River tributaries. You have to wonder how the forests wildlife are coping, it's got to be difficult, and you can't help think about what the forest will look like once climate change's impacts begin to bed in; the forest is home to some internationally important habitats that will no doubt be adversely effected.  

Evening colours

I never cease to be struck by nature's ability to capture and move your soul simply by being and doing what she is and does. No picture, no matter how good (and mine aren't) can replicate those moments the senses capture; take this evening's walk through Burley Old, the warmth of the colours, and the sounds and smells of the twilight forest was affecting in a way no media could reflect. 

Highland 'no' Water

 

This week's bare naked bottom is that of Highland Water. Highland Water is one of the main tributaries of the Lymington River. Now I've seen it this low many times before, and so am not too worried at present, it's more for what duration it remains this low that's my worry; in the past it's been for a matter of days, fleeting, whereas this could be for weeks which is a very different matter. Whether this is entirely the consequence of climate change or a combination of that and natural weather fluctuations is moot, there should be no doubt our climate crisis is accentuating weather events. Even now though some pools still remain in the meanders and deeper spots, although already the water quality in these pools is murky, and they can only deteriorate from here out; and that will no doubt be detrimental to the forest's wildlife.

So say we all.

Well indeed; though the chances of Mr Putin seeing this out here in the forest is unlikely; although I think we can all heartily concur with the sentiment. The Azov battalion symbol on the other side of the trunk, not so much though; before being integrated into the Ukrainian National Guard the Azov battalion originated as a nasty paramilitary militia with open and forthright xenophobic Far-Right and Neo-Nazi sympathies; we appear to have forgotten that. There's never circumstances in which we should have time for Nazis; even when they're our enemy's enemy.

No Man's Walk

 

I have no idea why No Man's Walk is so named, it's always appeared quite a innocuous stretch of land, nothing visibly or emotionally disconcerting to the place. For years the woodland through here which bordered a narrow deep cut drain, the headwater of Warwickslade Cutting, was a really great spot for Hedgehog mushrooms; though a decade or so ago, the drain was restored to it's original course, the environs now becoming much boggier, and as a consequence the woodlands are not such a great spot for Hedgehog mushrooms. Looks nicer though, more florally diverse, more organic looking; it's natural look is far better. One note: it's not at all boggy at the moment, oh contraire, the forest continues to desiccate as our heatwave continues. 

Subway graffiti

I like this. Simple though effective, both in form and colour palette. More please. It's surprising how stumbling across colourful graffiti, no matter the subject or size, can lift your spirits and put a smile on your face; it amazes me that people can object to dull grey, often neglected, concrete surfaces being brought to life with art.   

Chucky in town

I was surprised on our visit to Burley Old this morning to see an abundance of Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus); a glorious sight to behold. Of course, it is the proper season for them, though we'd only been walking here last Thursday and then there were nought about; so to find over a dozen good sized, firm, fresh and vibrantly coloured clumps had appeared, was unexpected. Nature doesn't hang about though; the wheel turns, after all. A good, and always popular, edible fungus, Chicken of the woods' distinctive orangey hues make it hard to miss or misidentify. As always though, remember care should be taken when collecting wild foods, and if in ANY doubt...then don't; of particular note with this species is that they have been known cause stomach upset in some people. 

Lughnasadh

The eternal wheel continues to turn and Lughnasadh, first harvest, is upon us. Across the land the fecundity of the earth merged with the potency of the suns energy is reflected in every golden ear of grain ready for harvesting; John Barley Corn's time has come, and his sacrifice will help to feed us all. Though life's harvest isn't restricted to the land, it also manifests in the ambitions and desires of our physical and spiritual worlds; hopefully those plans laid out in spring are advancing too, or coming to fruition if it's their time to; I hope so. Beyond our personal microcosms, world events have highlighted the importance of the grain harvest in people's diets and the dire straights we'd find ourselves in if those harvests were to fail; the earth's fragile climate too has also been highlighted in the erratic nature of what were once, for the most part, predictable seasonal conditions. Both need giving thought to whilst we give thanks. Lughnasadh blessings y'all /|\

Bone dry brook

Even Geoff with his magnificent water detecting skills was for the most part out of luck on this morning's walk. Both Dockens Water and Latchmoor Brook were bone dry, at least on the surface anyway. Shocking as it may appear, and not wishing to downplay climate change, on this occasion it's not uncommon for the forest's streams to show the naked bottoms; it's for how long that could be the sign of longer term environmental change. All that said, further up the brook shallow murky puddles could still occasionally be found enduring...much to Geoff's delight; luckily our route passed Eyeworth Pond we're he could ditch the murk.