December 2025

 Sunday 7th December-work party

The new pear tree was planted in the space left by removing infected sycamores. It is a locally grown tree supplied by Jeannie the village tree warden. 

Work started on a projected new shelter area. We have had ideas like this before so hopefully this one will see fruition. The first tree was cut down by hand and it is planned to leave some of other trees at a height to use the trunks as supports for a shelter. So a kind of relaxed, organic method of shelter building!

We have had a store of previously used tree guards at the top of the woodland next to the composr heap. Some have gone to a new home to be-reused and the rest were bundled up to either be re-used or recycled at Hill Farm, the new collection point for tubes tree tubes. 

There was also the usual path tidying and the glade was raked again. Christmas biscuits were supplied by Flossie as part of the refreshments. 

Winter Solstice Sunday 21st December 

This was the first time that we had celebrated the Solstice in the woodland and as it happened the weather was a bit cold and wet so we started in the woodland and then sat in the village hall for the readings, meditation and music. 

We took time out to pause in the busy run up to Christmas, with time to be still and reflect and gave thanks for the light returning as the days lengthen again after the shortest day. Neil played his guitar and sang which was amazing and we had hot mulled cider to finish. 

The hall was decorated with lights and greenery but I couldn't really take photos.