Capturing the Evening Sunlight

Summer Eve Woodland Wonders

Knowing what is good for you

The sunlight was exquisite last night so an impromptu late evening woodland meander was called for. The tiny woodland in question is, fortunately, only five minutes walk from my home. I visit it often, and have been for over two decades. The crispy path through it feels far enough away from the estate road which runs adjacent to it. It is a safe haven and calm wraps around me each time I enter it.

Once inside, the air becomes sharper, clearer and my favourite thing is to stop and take in all the hues of greens in front of me. The woodland is in full leaf now, not a bare branch to be seen. The woodland floor is heaving with fully formed bracken, cleavers, flowering nettle, dandelion and emerging bramble briars with newly forming buds. The delicious fruits will be here before we know it!

The hardened muddy path snakes off into the distance, a slight curve promises more delights further up ahead. The shadow contrasts along the floor are strong, despite the fading light. There is a special vibrancy in here tonight, I can’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe it is because it is the eve of metrological summer or that we are nearly at the longest day of the year. Whatever it is, the woodland seems to be taking full advantage.

They are back!

Up ahead a delicate purple hue shines out from the side of the path. The Rhododendrons have arrived and fill the woodland with intense lilac colour. I stop beside them and study their blousy blooms, each one bigger than my fist. I stare at them a while, looking at the detail of their formation. I find them fascinating and get transfixed gazing at their beauty.

Hello again!

Half way through the wood, I stop at a familiar tree. I have named her Grizelda, I am not sure why, but she seems to suit it. She looked so happy today, she was surrounded by sunlight and birdsong. Who wouldn’t feel happy in those conditions? She seemed animated tonight so I wanted to capture that. I told her I am going to share the video with you. I am sure I saw her smile.

Listen

As I continue my journey downward, towards the end of the path I switch on my Merlin app and record sixteen different kind of birds, singing for me and Grizelda, including black caps, wrens, collard doves and chiff chaffs. No wonder she looked happy. The man-made culvert, created as more houses were built, is dry. No sound of the usual trickle, no chance of the surrounding houses getting wet.

There is more light emerging as the woodland opens out and glimpses of the road ahead can be seen. I pass the line of Silver Birches, the tall one, right at the end of the path, is a special one as I had professional photographs taken of my dogs standing in front of it. I always say hello, another of my dear friends of the woodland.

Choices

I have two choices now, one to carry on downwards towards the road and follow the houses home. Or to double back on myself and re-enter the woodland and do the journey in reverse. I chose the latter, of course. You can never get enough of the atmosphere trees emit.

Happy 1st June!

It rained hard overnight, the woodland will no doubt look different today, maybe greener, maybe a little melancholy. I will find out later today what mood it is in. Best take some sturdy shoes to cope with any sludge on the path.

The rains will be staying with us for some time, according to the forecast. The flora and fauna world will be more thankful of that than the human world, no doubt. Fortunately, all of us will benefit from the trees being happy. I hope you have a wonderful, fulfilling summer and get to spend some quality time in your favourite natural space.

I am curious:

Where do you go in nature for your solace?

What plans do you have for your wellbeing this season?

What is your favourite part of the Summer months?