The year begins with an unexpected connection to Eucalyptus and a deep need to follow this for a time, so I’ll return in April to evolve, to shed skin like the trees I’ve connected with, to create space and dream with the fire of the Portuguese sun, the eucalyptus trees and citrine stone. I do not know where this will lead but I read the words of Rumi: As you start to walk on the way, the way appears and…
I sit with a large winter tree. I choose this tree because they are clearly signalling me. Or perhaps it is an arbitrary decision. All I can say is that this tree is the one I sit with. Firstly, I stand facing them and enact the ‘connecting with winter trees’ poem gifted by an oak in Bala last autumn. This has become my main way of connecting with the trees in winter months as it offers the space to really…
Not all forests are friendly, I should note this. On our journey south in early January we stop overnight in a French pine forest and my dreams are difficult: jarring images of a fat bronze spider worry at the edges of sleep, he winds the darkness around me with unclear intentions and so, in this dream after exhausting every avenue, I eat him. I eat the spider. I bite down on his body and swallow him whole. The trees are…
One of our family went missing in an unfamiliar forest recently. It was a traumatic experience because he’s always come back. We called and whistled but he was gone. After nearly an hour we began the return journey to the van without him and planned to stay in the area for as long as it took to find him. Soon after that he called to me. Quite clearly. A squeeze in the chest. I’ll be back where we parted. By…
Working with the Woodland Trust on the necessary and vitally important Tree Charter has been an honour this past year. It is a beautiful reminder of how many people and organisations are out there fighting for trees. This poem was gifted by an oak tree on a visit to Bala this autumn. The trees are pretty quiet this time of year but if you find one who might like to connect please try this poem with them and let me…