Samhain

Samhain Blessings

Horse Hair

Bottles

All too frequently I find the detritus of peoples enjoyment carelessly disposed of. Constantly I muse on what their motivations were, they've ventured into the forest, they've carried full bottles, cans and containers of every kind, obviously to enjoy themselves in a beautiful place and yet they despoil the very environment they sort out to enjoy by leaving their empties behind them.

Sloden colour

Avon Water Autumn

This time of year the forest really becomes a beautiful patchwork of vibrant colour, the view from the mixed woodland alongside Avon Water, with Set Thorns Enclosure beyond show the effect well.

Hawklords

The Hawkwind family of bands were mainstay listening through my formative late teens and early twenties, the sound track to the events that shaped me and have continued to hold place in my heart. One branch of the Hawkwind family tree which shone particularly brightly were the Hawklords; their one album, 25 Years on, released in 1978 was a genre masterpiece; the Hawklords were short lived and gone by 1979. Never thinking we would experience them live, imagine my surprise when we learned they were playing locally. We was not disappointed, the original band members (those still alive) played a blinder, great tracks off 25 years on as well as other Hawkwind favourites, delivered with passion and competence. A top night with old friends, watching a band we all loved, you don't get much better :o)

Wilverely

Amtrak wars book 1 Cloud Warrior

I originally read this book in the early 1980's and recently decided to visit it again. Set in a post apocalyptic America hundreds of years after a devastating war, it focuses on the struggles between the descendants of those who took shelter in the government bunkers (the federation) and the descendants of those left on the surface (mutes). Mixing sci fi, fantasy and magic to create an engaging read, the series has run to 6 books so far.

Moo

Say what?

Holly

Common throughout the forest Holly (ibex) is a smallish evergreen tree reaching little more than 10m, although more often only a few metres high. It has smooth grey green bark and green branches, which bear shiny green spiny leaves. The female of the species bears poisonous red berries.

Ruts

Ruts, up to knee or thigh deep, furrow the tracks of Park Ground Enclosure and the musty sweet aroma of Pine resin fills the air as harvesting mature trees continues. Caterpillar treads spread into the surrounding woodland from the main tracks, selective trees removed to open up the stands, allowing the remaining trees more light, space and resources. The main harvest is taking place further in, here, other the occasional deciduous tree, whole areas are levelled.

Wood stack

Dew lines

Markway Heath

Lichen what I see

Easily missed as you stroll through the stands, Lichens are composite symbiotic organisms made up of a fungi and alga. They take many forms, all intricate and delicate.

Red Rise

Red Admiral

The Celts believed butterflies to be the spirits of their ancestors.

Old shelter

This shelter must have been a feature of Burley Old enclosure for some 10 years now, although a shadow of its previous glory the basic shape remains. Not for three years now have you been able to sit inside, and longer since it afforded any form of shelter from the elements. Still, it's amazing how long such a basic structure of scavenged boughs can retain a presence amongst the stands.

Autumn skies

Autumn in Burley Old

Autumn

Cider

With such a good apple season this year it would be rude not make good use of them; apples stewed, crumbles made, freezer filled and boxes of apples wrapped in newspaper, tucked away in the shed, all that was left was cider. So I've two demis' on the go, one made from next doors cookers (an experiment) another from eaters collected from a tree near the grannies leg (a notable local tree). Both should be ready for the Winter Solstice or possibly chips.

Stoney cross pond

Web server

A gossamer fine spiders web, strung between the lower branches of a mighty old Oak, is brought to life in an explosion of colour by the sun.

Nothing better

Fox

It's not until one rests a while by the banks of a woodland brook, in quiet contemplation, that the forest truly reveals itself. Insects busy themselves in the fleeting autumn sun, birds chatter, ponies lazily graze; then suddenly a sense of shock and wonder as a Fox saunters nonchalantly in the view. So accustomed to seeing foxes around town and therefore coming to associate them with the urban environment they appear out of place. That said, bushy tailed, and bright, it looks healthy and content as it uses its nose to navigate the stands on the hunt for a morsel.

Ghillie

One of the finest pieces of outdoor kit, the Ghillie kettle is a master class in efficiency and functionality. No fuel need be carried, boils a litre of water in minutes, using twigs, leaves or merely paper rubbish. A warming brew just when you need one, top shelf!

Nutty

A good crop of nuts are available this year, said to be a indicator of the winter to come, they suggest that the coming season will be harsh. Hazelnuts are always a favourite and are a common find on prehistoric archaeological sites, high in nutrients and vitamins they are good to have in your diet. Chestnuts too are a healthy option, having around 180 calories per 100 grams, which is much lower than other nuts and dried fruit. Chestnuts also contain no cholesterol and very little fat, most of which is unsaturated. They are the only "nuts" that contain vitamin C; the amount of vitamin C decreases after heating. Chestnuts dry easily and once made into flour will store for up to 3 years.

Meadowsweet

Usually associated with wet meadows and not a plant you regularly find in the forest, these Meadowsweets were found on the bank of Ober Water just below Markway Bridge. A useful herb, the dried flowers, as well as the other above ground parts are used as a soothing healing herb with astringent, aromatic and antacid properties, helping to relieve rheumatic muscle and joint pain as they contain Salicylic Acid, a main component of Asprin.

Nuts

Like hazelnuts dropping into the pool of wisdom, acorns fell from the branches of Oaks overhanging Avon Water; striking the still surface with a satisfying ploop, sending ripples radiating out. A group of Deer hurriedly cross down stream, aware of our presence they don't dilly dally and disappear quickly into the dense cover of Rhienfields Sandy. The sun floods the wooded banks, casting a mottled blanket across the autumn scene, a last flush before the fall and a well deserved winter sleep.

Ober

Splintered Oak

Cleft in three some time back, the splintered stump and bowed boughs of this once proud Oak have created a hidden haven. Beyond the fallen boughs, now covered in brambles, dog rose and shielded by invading shrubs grateful of the light , is a secluded grassy area, an eye of the hurricane which is life in the forest. Without a closer look at the stump, a spot easily missed.

Pannage

It's that time of year already and the pigs have been released into the forest to feast on the seasonal glut of acorns. Braver every year some of the piglets will approach and sniff you out before recognizing the scent of danger and scuttling away squeaking.

Happy equinox

Although never still, for a moment equipoise as the wheel turns through Mabon, light and dark in equilibrium; soon night will conquer day and the land will begin her sleep.
The old Sun now returns to the Goddess, both to rest, the fruits of their labours gathered and stored; they have worked their magic to great effect, due gratitude is given for natures bounties.The harvest moon shines from high, while below nature prepares for dormancy; leafs begin to curl and fall, a chill wind stalks the fields and stands, hibernation is at hand.

Celebrate your successes and give thanks, now reflect and rest, lay the plans of new campaigns; the wheel is turning.

Crusty

A baby Panther Cap.

Sweet Chestnut

What a beautifully patterned Sweet Chestnut tree.

Hurry on sundown, see what tomorrow brings

Foxes riddle

A foxes riddle and a monkeys dance. That's what my mother used to call simultaneous rain and sun; I adopted the saying although never thought to ask what it meant.

Stag

One down

An early victim of autumns turmoil this mighty Oak was cleft in half by a split caused by the recent winds which raked the stands of Red Rise. Broken but not yet beaten the Oak continues to stands firm.