Busy settling…
It’s been a very busy few months at the forest. Gates and driveway are secure and compost toilet is fully functioning. Rhys has developed and tested forest circle number one, complete with parachute cover and I have somewhere cosy to sit and meet with therapy clients, fully supported by a solar powered dongle!!
Truffle trees, daffodils, bluebells, frittalia and wild garlic have been planted, along with approximately 100 extra oak, cherry, birch, maple and hazel saplings to replace the trees we have needed to remove due to their precarious positioning and imminent demise.
The neighbours have also been showing very keen interest in what we are up to, with invites to speak at the local WI on hedgerow creation, coppicing, woodland foraging, forest bathing and nature immersion for well-being, and Rhys becoming the favoured friend of the local Women’s rambling group and the dog walking fraternity.
JJ is merely living his best life on a daily basis!!
This busy-ness has first and foremost meant that we have been able to share in some regular ‘round the fire’ relaxation moments, albeit joined at the ankle by a chocolate labrador who can never eat (or whine for) too many biscuits. Rhys has been able to start welcoming some children’s groups to experience fire-building, whittling, roasting marshmallows and learning basic survival skills, all in an inclusive, immersive and risk aware way; and I’ve been able to wander and create multiple winding pathways where friends, family and future therapy clients can walk, reflect, remember, sit, lay, stop, stare and feel.
Yes, it’s been busy, but at the same time, it’s been calming, connecting and affirming. We are where we should and want to be, and everything else is starting to find it’s place………🧝♀️
Leisure
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
