Inter-relationship 

Every year it’s a relief when Spring arrives, the constancy of the seasonal turning of the year reminds us again that all our winters will transform into something lighter and easier.  This year in the UK that is truer than ever with such high rainfall causing despondency and disruption, especially to farmers and land workers.  Currently we are having nightly frost and full sunshine in the days, the earth is waking up to Spring and so are our bodies – our seasonal cycles are harmonised.

The earth is defined by different spheres – the geosphere (earth’s interior and the surface), the biosphere (supporting living beings), the hydrosphere (water), the atmosphere (the zone of gas around the planet) and the cryosphere (the ice caps).  There is a kind of integrated fascia within these zones made up of the water, soil and rock that meets and relates, together with the air.   Under the soil is the amazing mycorrhizal fungi – running through the soil system in a similar to way the fibres of the fascial system in the body, linking  roots to sources of nutrients and water, in return for food from the plants and trees. 

In the living world there are many different ecosystems, or habitats, for example woodland, field, ocean, beach.  What is key about these systems is they all have their individual characteristics, but they are not separate – they MEET each other, they overlap, they are inter-related.  So at the coast we have parts of the beach that generally remain dry and sandy, and parts of the beach perhaps with rock pools that are continually changing from underwater to exposed, with the tides. Then we have the sea where it is shallow and overlaps with the beach, and deeper marine environments out to sea, some of which have almost no light at all.   The ‘middle’ of these systems is more static, whereas the edges where they meet are very dynamic.  They are in relationship and this is where the most fertile actions are happening. 

In permaculture there are principles and ethics that guide us, to help design our land and systems in ways that follow and work with nature, to apply sustainable practice and operate in the most holistic, way.  For example ‘Produce no waste’ – guides us to design a system that uses the inputs we have and also makes use of the outputs.  It’s cyclical and all our resources stay within the system where possible.  Too much of any one thing, whether a ‘positive’ or a ‘negative’ thing, becomes polluting to the system.  Our aim is to keep it all in balance, in a dynamic and evolving way.  We are thinking of the whole and how everything integrates.

Another principle ‘Apply self regulation and accept feedback’  teaches us that a resilient system needs limits to enable it to work effectively.  We can observe how our system is functioning and then make changes according to our observations.  Our planet is a fantastic example of a self-regulating system.  The temperature, water, weather and populations naturally work to restore balance over time, sometimes in a dramatic way like a volcanic eruption and sometimes in slow shifts in the ocean chemistry or in the soil microbiome.

Our bodies are also self-regulating systems, mostly operating unconsciously.  When we function in good health, our body regulates temperature by sweating or shivering and it pumps blood around the body to bring nourishment, water and remove toxins. The fascial network of the body, the connective tissue, links all elements including all organs and bones to each other.  Even blood and lymph carry liquid fascia.   This fascial system integrates the body –  an impact in one area may affect all areas.  It has been described as ‘the largest organ in the body’.  When we exercise, run or do yoga, instead of focusing on how the limbs are moving, we may find it helpful to hold an image of the body’s inter-connected fascia, with every movement being a whole body experience. 

Until recently, both in science (the planet) and in medicine (the body), every element and all systems were viewed through a separate lens leading to fragmentation of the whole.  We are starting to look at things differently and we are starting to see that it is the connections that are important, both in our bodies and with the earth in which we live.  Remember the ‘Butterfly Effect’ – which views the earth as an integrated system where small causes may have large impacts.  The movement of a butterfly’s wing has the potential to affect the path of a tornado.  And so in our humble existence as part of a greater whole, how can we BE that butterfly’s wing to enact small and profound changes right now?

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

References:

Understanding fascia

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/earths-systems/

https://www.oneearth.org/welcome-to-the-wood-wide-web/

www.permaculture.org.uk

www.Permacultureprinciples.com

The butterfly effect

Butterfly image by Lory Von

Horse Whisperings

The winter storms bring wild and beautiful horses thundering dangerously out of the rolling sea, their nostrils flared, their flying manes splaying white foam high into the sky. From this watery birth they are galloping with powerful heat through our quiet routine bringing a new and formidable year into birth, the year of the fire horse. As the Chinese new year approaches we will be leaving behind the introspective snake year of shedding, and heading into action, movement, authenticity, self-expression and living more honestly in the year of the fire horse. 

Horses are important symbols in mythology and often are linked with water as a representation of the otherworld.  They are also said to represent the sun – in Irish ‘Echdae’ the horse of the heavens. This comes from ancient myths where fire-breathing horses drew the chariot of the sun across the sky. 

‘The Kelpies’ in Scotland (Falkirk) is a sculpture of two magnificent horses with eyes of fire. Kelpies are water horses who are found in Scottish lochs, but they are actually spirits. In Celtic folklore there are many tales of shapeshifting water horses, found in rivers, lochs and the sea. They have a pretty dangerous reputation and are said to lure people or animals to their deaths and then eat them! In Wales there is the flying Ceffyl Dŵr horse who is also a shapeshifter and may be found near waterfalls or lakes. In Ireland the Each Uisce (associated with the sea, especially around Samhain) was thought to be half horse, half eel.  Another Irish water horse is the aughisky, which is similar to the Scottish kelpie. 

Across the Celtic world, the goddess of horses is known as Epona, and is associated with the journey to the otherworld as a symbol of transformation, also fertility and sovereignty. Rhiannon is related to Epona and is a Welsh queen who rides a white horse.  Following the Celtic calendar, there is a celtic astrological sign ‘the white horse of summer’ which relates to the holly month of July. It is said to be a wild, fierce and magical creature, as is another mystical equine being, the unicorn, which is of course the national animal of Scotland.

Along the Ridgeway near Oxford there is the magnificent chalk horse carved into the hillside. The Uffington White Horse is the oldest horse figure in Britain, originally carved during prehistory possibly with tribal symbolism. This iconic figure is loved by many and remains visible thanks to the people of the area who have maintained it over generations.

A mile or two along the Ridgeway is Wayland’s Smithy, a Neolithic tomb, which has existed since the 10th Century AD. Metalworking has a sense of mystery and magic about it, and the myth of this long barrow is that if you were to leave your horse tethered there, you would find it reshod on your return (if you left a coin!). 

The Celts were apparently the first culture to develop the horseshoe (later used by the Romans) and both horseshoes and horse halters are said to contain luck. Horse ownership was seen as a status symbol – a nobleman was defined as owning arms and a horse. Warriors were often buried with their horse, and horse bones were found in Newgrange burial chamber, Co. Meath. 

Back to the present day, where horses are giving up their lives for our wellbeing in a shockingly invisible way. If you are of menopausal age, you may be looking at options for HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to calm some of your symptoms. For many years HRT has been derived from pregnant mare’s oestrogen (Conjugated equine oestrogen or CEE, previously sold as Premarin). Research has found health risks linked with the use of equine metabolites (See the Women’s Health Initiative Study 2002). However a ‘bioidentical’ product matching the human hormone is available, known as oestradiol, made from plant sources such as soya or wild yam. Both these forms of HRT are currently available on prescription (but note that Premarin is no longer branded with that name). The extraction of the CEE hormone involves keeping the mares continually pregnant, confined in small stalls – PETA (People’s Trust for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) highlight the issues here.  You might choose instead to look at herbs to support menopause, follow this link to the amazing Seed Sistas. There are also some great wild yam products available to buy without prescription that women have found really helpful. So if you are using, or thinking of using, HRT do check what you are being given or do your own research.

Let’s honour and respect the beautiful and majestic horse, this year’s animal sign in Chinese astrology, we may have much to thank her for.

For references see below.

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

References and photo credits:

Shilsley.co.uk

Moonfishwriting.com

West Cork People

Wild Atlantic Way

English Heritage

Oxford Archaeology

Seed Sistas:  https://seedsistas.co.uk/2025/07/28/best-herbal-alternatives-to-hrt/

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Women’s Health Initiative Study 2002

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

The Kelpies in Falkirk (photo © Beninjam200, WikiCommons)

Uffington White Horse (sketch William Plenderleath: The White Horses of the West of England 1892)

Welcoming the returning light  

We have been journeying through the long winter, slowly, slowly drawing our energy from deep within as a spark glimmers and flickers.  At night from the North the glowing red and green sky joins us in our dreamworld.   Deep in the valley, down in the soil, cupped within the dark folds of the ancient trees, a tiny light is stirring.  Can you feel it?

As the wheel of the year turns, Brighde brings healing and the poetry of Imbolc, in early February,  while her gift of renewal invokes the flame of the hearth and forge.  She calls on us to bless and honour her wells and springs, welcoming in purification and the emerging snowdrops.  There are ancient stones aligned to the Imbolc sunrise.  This celtic cross-quarter day is a time of returning energy drawing on the elements of water and fire. The name Imbolc derives from the old Irish Imbolg meaning ‘in the belly’ – so it’s the start of lactation for ewes as the grass begins to grow.  We have awoken into the festival of light, also known as candlemas and the festival of lanterns or ice. 

Activities at this time focus on purification, celebrating the return of the light and giving gratitude for the first signs of spring.   Traditionally a woven Brighde cross is made from rushes and hung in the kitchen to protect the house from fire.

You might like to connect with the seasonal change, noting exactly how and when you feel nature shifting and stirring from her sleep and the slight lengthening of each day (not necessarily the 1st of February!)  Listen to and observe the activity of birds and look for plant shoots appearing from the wintery ground.  It’s a time for visiting a local well or spring or light candles to reflect on and nurture plans for the year. 

www.newgrange.com

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

Stars and Frost

Ottie likes to go out early and greet the day. Her kelpie ears and keen nose lead us on a sniffing trail around the sparkling, frosty golf course. The soft pink dawn sky is emerging as we watch the last stars go out in the transition to a new day. 

Ottie has a love of life which she expresses through her whole body, from the tip of her nose, through her dancing paws to the end of her flag-waving tail. Her joy is infectious and she wants to play, sniff, jump in the water and greet other dogs as we journey along the path.  

When we are walking, do we engage with our surroundings in the same relational way, using all our senses and being part of the landscape? Or are we over-focused on thoughts of the past and future, which keep us separate from the environment we are moving through?

It can be interesting to step for a few minutes into an observer role and see what kind of thoughts are passing through our minds.  Are we anxious, maybe trying to fix things, plan things or dwell on the past.  Is this a common pattern for us and is there a character within us who dominates our walk?  What is it they need or want to say, and what do we want to say to them?

How would it be to engage with our walk today from an animal state of mind – to be in the body and completely present within the environment.  To do this we can invite our senses to open and it may help to stop for a moment and shut our eyes, check in with our breathing, feel the ground under our feet.  Tune into listening, notice sounds that are close by and those further away.  Then holding our hands out notice the temperature and feel of the air around us.  Sniff the air to see what kind of day it is.  If we open our mouths that enhances our sense of smell and we can also taste the day.  Then finally bring back a soft focus that allows all the other senses to work together as we walk.  How different does that feel?

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

Solstice spice

As the quiet winter slows to a stop, let’s allow ourselves to rest in the darkness of deep belonging. On the longest night we teeter on the axis between shadow and glimmer, death and rebirth. The weak sun snuffs out, leaving a wisp of smoke against the velvety sky. In the dark night the wheel turns, easing us gently forward, as the new crescent moon rises leading us through the crack of light into the dawn.

At this time of year we draw on the familiarity of traditions to soothe and enchant our children -and inner children. Evergreens sparkle with strings of lights, feasting, gratitude and gifts. We can delight our senses with warm winter spices – warming ginger in the form of decorated gingerbread; distinctive cinnamon (with antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-viral properties); cloves (antimicrobial and antioxidant); peppery allspice in the form of leaves and berries; mellow vanilla, calming cardamom and aromatic nutmeg. In Victorian times spices were expensive and highly prized, so were only used at Christmas, creating the association that we have today in our seasonal food and drink. These flavours from afar symbolise wealth, and we can bring them to our table for abundance and sumptuous flavours, along with lemon and orange zest. Interestingly spices can also aid in the preservation of food, useful in the days before cold storage. Many of them are also great for warding off winter illnesses along with giving us a boost and helping to aid a speedy recovery from colds and flu.

There’s a natural urge to round off the year with feasting and social occasions. So when the days are at their shortest, light a fire and gather with friends to tell stories, share treats and raise a song. Connect in with the turning of the year and the promise of the returning of the light. 

When you need a quiet moment of solitude, go outside on a clear night (yes there will be one!) and look up at the stars in all their magnitude.  Give yourself a moment of quiet transition to recalibrate. With Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus all coming into important alignments, there may be some changes ahead by the spring.

More about spices and a link to tasty christmas treats:

https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/spicing-up-christmas

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-cinnamon-buns

And here are some lovely ways to honour the winter solstice, plus an album to set the scene:

https://thesmallestlight.co.uk/how-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/

https://www.shazam.com/en-gb/album/271039469/vigil-keeping

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions. 

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

Winter Resting

We have truly arrived into the winter dark and for me that’s a time to hunker down.  Each season has a different energetic quality, and winter is the quiet time when nature returns to the ground.  Many trees slow their growth, their beautiful dark leafless silhouettes in the evening light.  Herbaceous plants die back down to their roots, nestled in the damp earth, while the leaf matter forms a soft carpet to protect the soil over winter, gradually being broken down by the myriad soil organisms, to create nutrition so the lifeforce of the earth can rise again in the spring.

We too can return to ground during this season, slowing down and keeping warm with the lighting low.  Natural candlelight is a gentle reflection of the soft winter sunlight and is restful for our eyes and our soul.  I like to put up strings of sparkly fairy lights too, to add a sense of joy and beauty over the dark days.

It’s important to find some restful body-centred time, long candlelit baths soaking in your favourite oils and herbs or hot chocolate in a comfy chair with a cosy blanket and a good book. 

Restorative yoga is a lovely gentle activity at this time.  The poses are long and slow, allowing our body time to sink into its own peaceful place and really let go.  Use plenty of props – cushions and blankets, to enable the body to feel supported, held and safe, as this encourages the parasympathetic nervous system to find its way to a deep and nurturing rest.  In this way we can connect with the rooted energy, creating a container where winter dreams can incubate.

As in nature, now is a good time to take in good wholesome food and comforting winter carbs, such as delicious winter stews with root vegetables, barley and oats.  Storing our nutrients deep in our bones, like tree roots, will keep us fed through the long dark time. 

Here is a link to some delicious barley recipes from regenerative agriculture farm Brow Farm in Lancashire:

https://browfarm.co.uk/pages/recipes-with-our-crops-barley-recipes

To bring you into a restful space, this is a link to a restorative yoga video session, with Amanda Lawford, Inspire Movement Coaching:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4NvLAwZEhM

And finally, to inspire you with some quiet, creative time, here’s  a link to Kasia Avery’s lovely free December journalling series:

https://www.everything-art.com/p/care-december25

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions. 

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

Weird and Wonderful Medlars

I recently found an exciting medlar recipe I wanted to try, so I went harvesting in our community forest garden and gathered these from a young ‘Nottingham Medlar’ tree (Mespilus germanica ‘Nottingham’), which had a good crop this year. Medlar trees are very easy to grow and they start to produce fruit within a couple of years. The medlar fruit are normally picked at this time in November after the first frost but I think this year I should have picked them maybe a week or two sooner before they ripened on the tree – some of them where already quite juicy and then when I ‘bletted’ them they were a bit over-ripe. Bletting just means you space them out on a tray somewhere cool and let them soften for a few days. In the photo these have been bletted for about 5 days, and you can see they have just a little wrinkling to the skin, but some are a bit darker than others.   

To prepare the fruit, I cooked them in a little water for about 10 minutes and then squeezed out the pulp and pushed it through a sieve. I was then ready to make an adaption of Mark Diacono’s fabulous recipe for Medlar Sticky Toffee Pudding (see link below). My adjustments for a vegan version were as follows – I swapped out the butter for vegan spread. I also removed the eggs and added an extra teaspoon of baking powder, plus some plant milk. I swirled vegan cream over the hot pudding before serving.   If you can find some medlars, I recommend you give this pudding a try – comforting and delicious!

https://www.otterfarm.co.uk/medlar-sticky-toffee-pudding/   (Mark Diacono in Devon)

Added note: don’t eat the medlar seeds, they contain hydrogen cyanide (as do the seeds of apples and cherries!). Dogs should also not eat the seeds, although the flesh of medlar fruit is not known to be harmful.

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

Meeting my Ancestors in the Orchard

Night comes early and I step out into the dusky chill. Wispy clouds scud across the moon and an owl calls.  The dark silhouette of the ash tree reaches down to touch my hair as I pass.

This Samhain I am greeting my beloved dead, the newly departed spirit of my mother. This has not been an easy grief. It was heartbreaking moving her into a nursing home where she died in February this year.  It’s hard for me and her to find forgiveness for that.

So I come to the community orchard to make my peace and honour her. The formerly neglected fruit trees have recently taken on a new lease of life as the setting for a memorial garden. A dedicated group carried out bramble clearing, sowed wildflowers and created areas to put plaques and natural offerings such as painted stones and carved wood. 

The gently weaving path takes me past the thoughtfully placed dedications that have appeared over the summer. I am carrying my offering – a piece of lovingly smoothed wood and I place it down with tears and gratitude, both to my mum for her life and to the community for this blessed space of connection.

The veils are thin on this All Hallows Eve. I hang candles in the trees and they bring a comforting light to the space. Apple trees are said to represent wisdom and immortality, standing amongst them helps me connect to the many layers of our world. I cut through an apple to reveal the star of pips and make my offering to the beloved spirits.  ‘May you never hunger’ spirals out with my breath, reminding me of the possibility for renewal that comes from making peace with death.

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery. By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living. Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions. 

If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

    All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.

    Wild Wellbeing – October 2025

    The changing colours of our inner landscape

    Autumn walks are the best.  I love the crunch underfoot, as I walk along the path by the river.  Stretching above me, the wooded hill is a myriad of changing colours.  The red, orange, yellow, green, brown leaves pile up at the side of the path, nestling a log dancing with delicate fungi.  As I pass a rocky outcrop, the last of the salty coastal sea-beet offers itself from its position at the high tide mark.  The pools on the estuary floor glint as the sun’s rays strike out from the clouds through a delicate sprinkling rain.  In front of me is the centrepiece, the luminous, shimmering rainbow arching over the valley and landing itself enticingly close  – this way lies the crock of gold!

    I started the day with anxiety, unable to see the gifts that the day had to offer me.  Yet now I am out walking in the weather, nature has carried me softly into the present.  There is so much to see on the earthly stage in front of me that the past or the future are no longer a concern.  My mood has completely shifted and the bright new day has cleared away my inner clouds and brought me a flood of ideas that I can’t wait to implement when I get home.   

    If you recognise this pattern, you may, like me, be sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure – barometric sensitivity.  The gathering clouds can feel like they are pressing down on our heads and pinning us to the bed, causing depression, fatigue, stress and pain for some.   The mind stops functioning and any joy left in the day scurries into a dark corner.   Through the numbness, I have learnt to listen to the whisper which tells me to get myself out into nature.   This works every time – nature connection is the path we can step onto whenever we feel out of kilter, when the day deals us a bad hand or we are overwhelmed with life.  Our mood may feel dark, but putting one foot in front of the other, whether down the garden path, or through the park or wider landscape, we let the safe arms of mother earth lead us gently forward and into a bigger and more open world.  We are then creating an opportunity for the clouds to part and the light of the day to reflect back at us.  If we are lucky we may even stumble upon some unexpected treasure we can curl our fingers around to accompany us on our day.

    I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.

    If you enjoyed this, please like and share. Click below to subscribe for free to my regular posts (normally every few weeks). You can unsubscribe at any time.

    All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.