Hazel leaves opening.

It was cold and foggy as I drove to the woods yesterday but that was about to change and in a few hours, the first taste of spring would arrive. We have had weeks of windy, wet weather and although some plants had started to emerge from the cold wet earth, it has still felt very wintry. I have been feeling quite low, overwhelmed by the persistent drag of winter and now the continual references to coronavirus and how it will (supposedly) devastate the world population. So I was truly in need of some wholesome, healthy time in the woods.

I had lots of jobs to do but first – feed the birds. As soon as I stepped back from the replenished feeders, they were swooping in, grabbing a seed and heading off to a secure place to eat it, then back for more. It filled my heart with joy to see them. I took a long slow walkabout, literally soaking in nature. I was a sponge. The weak sun, a welcome old friend, followed me as I took in as much as my senses could provide. Young new growth pioneered the return of life and the birds joined in the celebration with their various calls. I was in the moment and wanted it to stay this way forever.

My feeling of connection to nature has deepened so much since taking guardianship of these woods, working to improve it’s health and encouraging the wildlife. I recognize that it does my mental health the world of good too. I’ve been thinking how I would like to find a special spot, hidden away from the paths, where I can sit and just soak in the beauty and energy of the woods. Not only for me but for any guests that might also need a bit of solace and feel the magic of this place. This is one potential spot. It’s a pair of mature ash trees close together on the edge of an ancient ditch and bank feature. Next to it is a lovely hazel tree with it’s straight cluster of rods. This spot always plucks a string when I visit it. At times, the early morning sun streams through and illuminates it. A few years ago, I fixed an open fronted nest box there and hid it with the pile of deadwood but no birds have ever used it. I plan to clear it out and can imagine sitting between the two trunks with a nice mug of filter coffee or just taking some time to absorb the ambience of it all.

If this sounds a little bit “airy fairy” to you and hard to digest, then let me assure you. I am by nature a very practical down to earth person. I worked in the telecommunications industry as a technician and actually, that’s what eventually burned me out. I can say for sure, that time spent in a beautiful natural environment like a woodland, is the best medicine for our fast paced, stressful lives. Slowing down our minds and feeding our senses with wholesome, natural sounds, sights, smells etc will raise your serotonin levels and bring that sense of calm and relaxation we all need. Once you put yourself there, the key that will open the door is awareness. Try to find that long lost child inside you. The one that explored the world around you with innocence and intrigue and a sense of playfulness. The one that was fascinated by the small lives – insects, birds, etc going about their business. Be part of it and not apart from it. Look and watch, listen and smell and take note of how you feel and how you can be part of this microcosm of life around you without intervention. Be a silent observer.

I won’t bore you with the details of the jobs done, they were necessary but also help to ground me. Physical work, lifting, pulling and endless trips back and forth are also good for our health. They build muscle strength without the boredom and egotism of a gym atmosphere but also create a link with you and the other elements of life that reside there. I can’t wait to get back for more.