Posted in Allotment, nature

Magic on the Winter Solstice

As a gardener and wildlife lover following the seasons is important to me. I celebrate seasonal festivals throughout the year to acknowledge the importance of nature in my life.

During the winter solstice I take time out to observe the sunrise, reflect on the past twelve months as well as think about the year to come. I also go for a walk to collect greenery for my home and give presents to the local wildlife. This year I planted some Heather and Mahonia for any winter foraging bumblebees and made fat balls for my bird feeder.

I am glad that even in tier 4 I can still go for walks amongst nature and visit my allotment for exercise; for me these are essential for healthy body and mind.

Last week I checked on plant growth on my plot. I currently have seedlings and cuttings safe in a small greenhouse; all remain healthy and continue to grow. I also noticed buds on my fruit trees along with borage still growing in the beds.

On monday I also witnessed a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) hover above a road (More information on Kestrels can be found at the RSPB). I don’t get to see these amazingly beautiful birds often enough. It was a magical sight on the longest day of the year which began with me watching the sunrise at Stonehenge (online) while at home and listening to bird song; plenty of positivity on a gloomy day.