Today was cloudy and dark, with some periods of heavy rain… I wish we could send some of those raindrops to my native California where fires are burning out of control. I offer my heartfelt prayers, of course, and am deeply saddened, but also inspired by the way the community is pulling together to support…

Read More

Blackthorn Blossoms

A stroll through muddy Coombe Wood turned up some very welcome, albeit tiny, signs that spring is on its way.

Read More

Ancient Holy Ground

The wind was bitter this afternoon, but it served to chase the rain away, and the beauty of the remaining clouds racing across the sky more than made up for the shivering. St. Peter’s Church stands on ancient holy ground just on the other side of Coombe Wood, so is only a short walk from…

Read More

Tree Stripes

The snow that was forecast hasn’t materialized, so the woods were drenched in stripey sunlight when I went out for an afternoon walk. All was quiet, no animals stirring, no dogs out walking their humans – I had the trees to myself.  

Read More

Wandering into Antiquity

We live on the very edge of old woodlands. Very old woodlands, in fact, once attached to a royal manor belonging to King John. The lodge is long gone, but the coppice woodland is an established and much loved part of local life. Inspired by my weekend of working with the map shown above (and…

Read More