I looked at my hands this week and I didn't expect anything less. A few days spent in the relentless winter rain and cold - albeit in the woods - made me realise what I'd got myself into during the hardest of seasons. However I was relieved to have that filth and cragginess on my... Continue Reading →
My Celebration of Trees
Just thought I'd share some of my favourite tree photographs which I have taken so far on this inspirational journey. Trees are such an absolute joy to be around with! 'The General' at Horner Wood, 500 years old An English Oak on the Lanhydrock EstateA lovely old Beech at Coombe Wood in Goodleigh The oldest... Continue Reading →
The Power of Water in a Wood
https://videopress.com/v/BhSwZuFE?autoPlay=true&loop=true&muted=true&persistVolume=false&preloadContent=metadata Water should never be underestimated. Especially after a bad storm. At the beginning of the week, I was out with two of my colleagues on a storm inspection. We had several reports of Storm Dennis' weekend rampage on our estate's trees and found many more unreported casualties. A substantial oak tree completely uprooted My... Continue Reading →
Anxiety Deconstructed, in Nature
It is so easy to be my friend sometimes. As my friend you may say, "How are you ever stressed when you work outdoors amongst Nature? Even if you are, a walk in the woods should sort you out!" That may be right, but not all the time. I'm a believer of Nature's healing properties... Continue Reading →
The Touch of Life
Like a stream of blue paint through green The river meanders I take soft, small steps of care My mind already wanders In the woods amongst the trees I pick up my pace As I locate the tree Amongst the trees I race Reaching out with my fingers To connect with life Life pulls me... Continue Reading →
Snapshots
It has been an interesting week for this tiny lady. Through somewhat brisk (and snotty) conditions, I have managed to clock a few steps this week. Back-breakingly searching through long molinia grass on the moors for signs of harvest mice has definitely contributed to it. What people don't realise, is that my step count is... Continue Reading →
Conflict or Consciousness
My sensible and logical mind refuses to use the word 'vs' in my blog title, as I think that sets too much of an aggressive tone. If there is any fighting it will only be in our minds. Through my life I've been quite conscious of how my mind works. Though it may struggle at... Continue Reading →
Networking Like Trees
A couple of days ago I visited Dartington Hall in Totnes with the ATF (Ancient Tree Forum). It was my first ATF event and being tremendously interested and involved with surveying ancient and veteran trees I thought it would be great to meet others who are as passionate about trees as I am. A true... Continue Reading →
Small But Mighty
It's great to hear stories of women entering the world of conservation and absolutely nailing it. In a typically male-dominated industry, being a female ranger often means having to keep up with the physical demands of working outdoors. When I was working in the professional scuba diving industry, I had to be both mentally alert... Continue Reading →
The Struggles of Being Tiny
I have always known that being 5ft was short. Perhaps some would say ‘petite’, for a kinder word. I remember how glad I was in school when we had to line up in height ascending order; I was secretly happy I was second from the front. Yes, there was indeed someone else more ‘petite’ than... Continue Reading →