The Forest will not only haunt and surprise you but will re-new and re-fresh you too
The healing power of trees is not to be understated. As well as the positive physical advantages it has in dealing with modern-day stress you might be aware of the intangible magic it has to offer.
The nature of the woodland is organic and as we have seen deeply intertwined with us in its simple forms of life and death. We too are just matter and we too will come back to the earth. Mother Nature and her spirits are eerily, hauntingly all around us.
Fairies are all over our ancient forests too, they mostly show themselves to innocent children, and enjoy making their homes in old tree stumps. Fairies are surprising little creatures and pop up all over the forests all over the world, but what is the dust accompanying them? Is it their long association with mushrooms? can it be seen when they jump from puffball to puffball in the forests?
Humans have always benefited from trees, they provide shelter, food, medicine, materials for building and have been worshiped and venerated by each generation. To the Celts Oak trees were considered Kings of the forest. The Rowan or ‘Witchwood’ Tree as it was known by the Celtic people was planted near homes to protect against the evil spirits, there were so many uses for this tree but one favourite was the wood from it being crafted into a stick to create water divining rods.
Folklore and mythology amongst nature’s spirits keep and protect our natural world. Have you heard of the Green Man? Watch out for him; he hides in the leaves and trees.
5 Of The Best Things To Do In A Forest Near You
Even though a lot of the forest landscape has gone (agriculture, logging, infrastructure) it shouldn’t be hard to find a piece of woodland near you. I’ve made a list below of 5 wonderful things you can do in the forest. Whether it’s organised activities for the children/grandchildren, active hiking, cycling or slow walking, there is something for everyone.
- Parkhurst Forest – Isle Of Wight – Walking -the second largest forest in the Isle of Wight (Brighstone being the largest but only by a few acres) perfect for dog walking, if you love nature pay it a visit, there are picnic and barbecue area, horse riding, segway, go-ape, and plenty of wildlife like the nightjar, great spotted woodpecker and long- eared owl.
Want to know more? Pankhurst Forest
- Nationwide – Foraging – If you want to get yourself stuck into some wild foraging then the forest is definitely the place for you. Fungi and mushrooms are a wonderful natural element of our ancient woodland. Either for an experience or perhaps you’d like to take a course and become a bit of an expert?
Want to know more? Foraging Near You
- Norfolk – Thursford Wood – Fairy tales -It is thought that some of the oak trees in Thursford Wood could be 500 years old so there is no surprise this ancient forest will provide you and your little ones with the magic of fairies.
Want to know more? Fairies, fairies, everywhere.
- Hampshire/South East Wiltshire – The New Forest- so called by William the Conqueror back in about 1079, claimed by him as his new hunting forest- so it definitely earns its place in the order of an ancient wood; being much more than 400 years old!
Here you can indulge yourself in a bit of Tree Identification if you are interested in a walk in the woods at a leisurely pace to learn about different tree species.
Want to know more? about tree indentification?
- Scotland – Want to get away from it all? Maybe you fancy staying for a while, more than just lingering in the woods but a short or even longer stay is just what you need?
A stay in or near a forest will relax and rejuvenate you and allow you time to heal and recover yourself.
Want to know more? Stay in a log cabin
Until next time dear friends x
