Hello wild soul
How are you as we move through August?
At this time of year, the Earth’s energy has been shifting from active growth to ripening as the harvest season arrives. Fields are turning golden and nuts and berries are fattening in the hedgerows. We stand in late Summer as the smell of Autumn wafts in on the breeze.
I have come to really love these transitionary times of the year. As one season nears its completion, the next ebbs in. Both intertwine and overlap. Dancing they invite us to savour the process of transition and to embrace the ‘in-between‘.
We may naturally find ourselves feeling more aligned to different points along this process. Some of us may feel ready to embrace the magic of Autumn while others are basking in the late days of Summer. What is your experience this year?
I find myself using the word ‘savouring’ a lot this month. Savouring the golden sunrises, savouring the peace at dusk, savouring the vivid colours of my garden, savouring the flavours of ripe blackberries and eating outdoors. I wonder, what are you savouring this month?
Trees in transition
Trees are wonderful markers of change. I love to revisit trees that I watched burst back into life in early Spring and see them now as their fruit, berries, nuts and seeds are ripening.
Are there any trees that you have enjoyed watching evolve throughout this year?
There are many trees to enjoy at this time of year; Rowan, heavy with their vibrant orange berries. Apple trees growing their delicious fruits. Hazel, Beech and Oak are all growing their nuts & acorns.
Elder
One of my very favourite tree guides for supporting us during times of transition in our own lives is the Elder tree. A wonderful symbol of the cycle of life and transformation. During those cold days of January, the Elder tree can been witnessed bursting into leaf, an early signal that change is near. The creamy mass of elderflowers are the perfume of long summer days. And once again, Elder announces that change is near as its green berries begin to fatten, turning the most deep hues of purple.
Just a few months ago, we were celebrating the hedgerows for their abundance of blossom and fresh leaves and now, the leaves are drying as the berries and nuts are ripening. Heralding our journey into the waning half of the year.
Wild Fen Offerings
As always, we have been deeply inspired by the trees of this season. Working with Elder to create some special, bark-on pieces that are in store now.
Find us next
We had a wonderful time at ‘Ye olde wytches market‘ in Newark on Trent this month. If you are local then do keep your eyes peeled for the next one to be announced!
In September we will be at:
Further reading
You may like to check out my ‘transitioning to Autumn’ post from a few years ago and if you are interested in foraging and haven’t yet gathered any nettle seeds, you may enjoy this article here.
I hope you savour some beauty this week,
Nic
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