Month in the Country 5 - Know Your Boundaries

Oak leaves issuing from the mouth of a Green Man (on the old loo!)

This old house has a boundary hedge around it. I know it is composed of different species of trees - but I didn't actually know in detail what they were - so a few weeks ago, I took a walk around the boundary and jotted down all the species, with their identifying characteristics and peculiarities. Once again, I learned so much from looking closely - discovering that the hedgerow is, in fact composed of…

Highclere Holly

Box

Berberis

Cotoneaster

Quince

Hawthorn

Birch

Yew

Oak

Elder

Alder

Ash

Rowan

Blackthorn

…and Field Maple. Quite a collection, I think you'll agree - and no longer merely 'a hedge'.

Field Maple - spectacular autumn colour

I am also looking closely in a more informed manner right now, as for the past eight months I have been following a rather wonderful online course, formulated and run by the remarkable poet, author and facilitator Roselle Angwin.

The course is called 'Tongues in Trees' and invites us each month to observe a particular tree associated with the Celtic Ogham calendar, describing both its physical traits and characteristics and also the poetry, literature and  folklore .associated with it. We are encouraged to relate in a creative way to the trees, though poetry, prose, land art and ritual. It is, in itself,  a truly holistic introduction to each species…but I think the deeper knowledge and understanding of trees and their huge importance in the life of our planet will take me a lifetime.

If you are interested in Roselle's course (no affiliation!) you can find more information here…and to gain an insight into the importance and inter-relationship between trees and the rest of life from an ex-forester's viewpoint, take a look at Peter Wohlleben's 'Secret Life of Trees'

Journal prompt. Do you have a hedgerow around your own house or near to where you live? Take a visit to note down the species included in it. You will be producing an important record for yourself and your community. Do you have a fondness for a particular species of tree, associated, perhaps with a particular memory? Tell your journal about it.

Holly berries - still in the green...

 

Comments

[Beth]

An interesting prompt, though not one that I might immediately address...

We own a small parcel of land across the road from here. Without going into detail, we are trying to resolve a Dispute (arose before we bought) amicably, by transferring the land to the farmer that owns the largest part of the field.

One of the reasons that we wish to dispose of the land is because we discovered when going through the purchasing details at the Notaire's office that it is bounded by an historic hedge. We have legal responsibility and restrictions because of this - we would not mind, if we were able to use the plot (which we cannot at present).

Not entirely sure what is important about it but I may and try to discover more when we return home later this week. It might make a good post in response to your prompt!

[roselle]

Dearest Roz

Thank you. You've been one of my greatest champions, and I so appreciate that. I'm also so glad that you've been so committed to this project.

Great list; and really lovely Green Man!

With love

Roselle x