For me, it is absolutely the best time of the year. Spring is just getting into top gear, new growth bursting out with vibrant greens that are all too soon gone. I almost feel a sense of panic that I can’t take it all in before the leaves become jaded, insects and diseases eat into them and the whole place darkens as the canopy thickens. Of course that is the natural progression of the whole eco system but I love this freshness and new energy and just wish I could slow it down a little.
Yesterday was a glorious sunny day. After a month of dry weather, we have had some rain which will boost the new growth even more. I had a special job to do. A woodland neighbour very kindly offered to let me fell and take back a small Larch tree, to use for support poles for the rebuild of my shelter. Larch has a decent resistance to rot and I don’t have any suitable ones in my own woods. The tree was easy to fell and transport back and the next task was to peel off the bark. That helps to stop it getting invaded by wood boring insects. It’s not an ideal time to fell a tree but I am planning to start the rebuild this summer. Because the sap is rising now, the bark came away very easily using a drawknife. It’s a back aching job but quite satisfying. Here are before and after photos.
The birds have quietened down a lot now, presumably because they have found partners and sitting on eggs. No need to advertise anymore. The day was a busy one but I took some time out to wander around and just take it all in. I was sussing out the shelter which is close to some magnificent Beech trees. They are one of my favourite species. So strong yet elegant and at this time of year, the leaves are a vibrant lime green. I had a an irresistible urge just to lie down on the leafy earth beneath them. The perspective from this level is totally different to walking about and it’s something I used to love doing as a child. When you feel this type of urge, forget whatever your sensible adult mind is telling you and just do it. I felt an instant sense of joy. Not an emotion I am familiar with these days! Being in the moment is almost a cliche now but that’s what it is. A sense of being at ease with your universe. I had to tear myself away. I could have easily fallen into a deep sleep and lain there for hours but there was still work to do
There’s really not much more I can say about the day. It was fantastic and I’ll just leave you with a few more photos. If there are woods near you, go take a walk through them while they are at their best.
