Last saturday’s visit was a long awaited event. My wife and youngest daughter hadn’t yet seen the woods. Various reasons which I won’t bore you with. So we headed off, my head buzzing with what I wanted to show them, too much information would kill it, so I needed to find a happy medium between fun, interest and education. I wanted to make it a special day for them to remember with fondness. Often, it hinges around one element – the weather. I was hoping for a sunny day – I’ve been lucky to have plenty so far but it wasn’t to be. It was cold and overcast.

First we had a walk around half my wood which extended to a round trip of neighbouring plots. It was interesting for me too, to see how other plot owners were developing their woods. Then back to base for coffee and sandwiches by which time, it started to rain. So our planned leisurely picnic was a hurried one sat in the car. I spotted some new plants since the last visit – Yellow Archangel (what a beautiful name) and what I think is Bugle (once considered as a natural medicinal cure-all). We followed lunch with a few small jobs (putting up my new squirrel proof bird feeders I was given for my birthday) and cutting some hazel rods to make some bow drills (fire-lighting kit). My daughter loved using my Silky Zubat pruning saw. Another walk around neighbouring plots then a trip to the nearby riverside which is navigable, once transporting coal and other industrial materials but now mainly a place for leisure boats.

All in all it was a successful and satisfying trip and for once, I wasn’t focussed on doing jobs. I was able to just take the time to “smell the roses” which we need to do from time to time. I think that advice is wisdom for life in general. One thing I’ve learned is that life throws us difficulties, problems and heartaches on a regular basis which can drag you down but there are good times to be had in between. The important thing is to recognise the good times when they arrive. I will always remember something my old uncle said to me when he was nearing the end of his life and he was housebound and suffering various health issues. He was such a positive man. He was remembering our good times and said to me “We’ve had some good times haven’t we ? And we’re still having good times and …. we haven’t finished yet” For various personal reasons, this visit was special to me and although not particularly interesting for you the reader perhaps, I want to record it on this blog. If you own a wood yourself, or whatever your busy activities take up your time, take time out from the jobs now and then and just enjoy doing nothing much other than savouring the pleasant experiences that surround you here and now. “Smell the roses”.