Autumn arrived suddenly this year. After months of drought and sunshine, we have welcome rain. Bright autumn leaves, red and gold, are falling early from some of the trees; they’ve done their job, generating incredible rates of growth, especially in those parts of the wood which were devastated by Storm Darragh last December.
(more…)

Destruction creates opportunity. Joy can grow from sadness. This Easter, the wood still felt sad in places but I was more aware of joy: the joyful singing of at least ten different species of birds, from the high piping of goldcrests to the liquid melody of a blackcap, the chirring of wrens and the shriek of a jay.
(more…)

The wood is still, silent, devastated. I walk a little way, climbing over horizontal tree trunks, past the shelter, heading into the chaos. Now there is no way forwards, the paths are blocked in every direction and there are so many fallen trees. I can’t get around them…

(more…)

The Autumn Equinox, which marks the official beginning of autumn, falls on 22nd September, just as I’m finishing this newsletter; but as far as Boduan Sanctuary Wood is concerned, the seasons started to change in August. The paths were already gilded with fallen birch leaves seven weeks ago.
(more…)

This newsletter has been a long time coming – sorry! We’ve been reorganising the office; it has moved to Bangor, along with the computer on which I used to create newsletters. My new system is up and running now and I’m writing this in my living room in Pwllheli.
(more…)

The Vernal Equinox has arrived and as I write, the lengths of day and night are equal. Tomorrow the day will be longer than the night and the wood is waking up fast. It may feel chilly but the sun brings hope and joy. Listen to the birds! Their songs grow longer and more varied with every passing day.
(more…)