donnaoxbrough

Philosophers more grave than wise Hunt science down in Butterflies; Or fondly poring on a Spider Stretch human contemplation wider; Fossiles give joy to Galen’s soul, He digs for knowledge, like a Mole; In shells so ...
Continue reading Human contemplation, wildness and inspiration

On 18th June, whilst I was out exploring an overgrown orchard somewhere in the depths of The National Forest, Pope Francis released his encyclical on climate change, Laudato Si’ in Rome with thousands of supporters for ...
Continue reading Pope Francis, orchards and community wellbeing

...set, plant and nourish up trees in every corner of your ground, the labour is small, the cost is nothing. The commodity is great, your selves shall have plenty...' John Gerard, Great Herball (1597).  This really sums up ...
Continue reading ‘Go forward [and] graffe,……..

I am pleased to be able to say that we are beginning to see the first signs of spring here in The National Forest, the birds are singing, daylight hours are increasing, the snowdrops are out and most importantly I have had ...
Continue reading Signs of spring

Visited a community orchard today at Broombriggs Farm in an area within The National Forest known as Charnwood Forest, amazed at how accessible it is.  Inspirational project, an example of how community engagement can be very ...
Continue reading All about community orchards

I am almost halfway into the 4th week of Natural Networks in The National Forest and amazed at what I have learnt in such a short period of time. I have been coppicing, felling and thinning trees, clearing vegetation at a ...
Continue reading All about trees continued

I am having an amazing time as the Natural Networks Trainee here in The National Forest. Blogging is an alien concept to me so please be patient as I battle through my first blog.  Into week three now and I have learnt so ...
Continue reading All about trees…