native-plants – Wild Fen

Hello Wild Soul,

In my previous post, I introduced you to two very closely related woody shrubs that we have found ourselves drawn to lately; Gorse and Broom.

I tend to connect Gorse most closely with coastal landscapes. This is where I find myself gasping with delight, as their vivid yellow flowers contrast beautifully against the sea and sky. It can also be found growing in under-grazed grasslands, heathland and the edge of woodlands with Broom found in similar habitats.

Pioneer species

Gorse and Broom both thrive where there is plenty of light and poor soil conditions, making them natural pioneer species, similar to Birch trees. This means that they will be the first plants to move into land that has been abandoned, cleared or degraded in some way.

They establish themselves quickly, stabilising and improving the soil around them as they grow. It is now understood that Gorse in particular, offers protection to young trees from wind and grazing animals.

As those trees grow, they will eventually shade out the Gorse, which weakens and dies without direct light, returning its nourishment into the soil. It has played its role in facilitating the transition of open land back into woodland.

You can read more about this process and research by Reforesting Scotland.

I think of these plants having a strong mission to return depleted land back into woodland. They can however be extremely challenging to manage, when this mission is in conflict with the desire to manage or maintain habitats in a different way.

This can be most evident in delicate heathland habitats and areas of farmland where Gorse will try to reclaim it and puts up a strong fight against any attempt to remove it.

Energy & Symbolism

Gorse and Broom are both wonderful guides in helping us to find ways to nourish ourselves and honour our needs. Their energy is wild and untamed as they fight to bring nourishment back to depleted land. Gorse in particular can teach us where we too may need a little fierceness in the name of protection.

They have developed clever mechanisms that allow them to nourish themselves in the most depleted environments, allowing them to flower abundantly. If you missed me talking about this in my previous post, you can find that here.

Like it’s name suggests, Broom was once prized for crafting brooms from. Its long whips made an excellent broom with which to clear away the old, both physically and metaphorically.

It is a wonderful plant to guide us when we are stepping out in new directions and may require a little extra self belief to support our tentative steps forward.

Gorse and Broom Collection

Our Gorse and Broom collection of tree pendants will be in store tonight, Sunday 19th April at 7pm. Here is a sneak peek of the pieces that will be available!