Tuesday 25 August
Storm Francis has landed in the UK bringing lots of rain and very strong winds. I was hoping to take in a coastal walk this afternoon, but after an extended spell at work this morning, and the unfriendly weather, I decided not to.
These unseasonably strong winds are really testing the integrity of the trees around us. Their branches are obviously still full with leaves and fruits so they become sails catching each gusts full power. The strength of each branch and root system is being seriously tested.
The seeds from many of them are being whipped up and about. Many are making their way through our windows and into the house. The birch and budlea seeds in particular are sitting in mini clusters on our window sills and being caught in cobwebs.
Everything with a pulse goes into hiding during unfriendly weather such as this. I often wonder where it all goes? Obviously, thick hedgerows become perfect shelter for birds and ground-based creatures just burrow that little bit further down. Deer and other mammals will find suitable nooks and crannies in wooded areas.
But what about the trees themselves? Once again they stoically come to our rescue, unwaving in their charity. So many living things benefit from their generosity. On our dog walk this evening we passed many trees, some old some not so old. But all were providing shelter. To funghi and plants on the leeward side, for example, and to so many invertebrates within it’s bark, branches and roots.
I occasionally like to play a silly little game of personifying flora and fauna I come across. For example, what sort of personality would that robin have? What human traits might that butterfly have? What sort of job might they do? Would we get on? When I see a big old tree wrapping it’s solid, gnarled arms around so many other living things, I can’t help but think of the ghost of Christmas present from A Christmas Carol.
Ok, look, I know it’s still only August and to make a reference to Christmas is a bit odd. But as a bloke on the radio said the other day, August is virtually September, and September is pretty much winter which is when Christmas is. So, I’m going to roll with this analogy.
The ghost of Christmas present was originally depicted as a big-hearted, ‘jolly giant’ of a man, in a full length, green cloak and brown boots. He would talk of his many brothers that came before him. He carries a cornucopia providing fruits, nuts and berries for all to eat. He has the ability to appear in different shapes and sizes. And most importantly, he would great Scrooge with the immortal line, “come in and know me better, man”. A rallying call of peace and goodwill. In rain, wind and blistering sun trees bring peace in the form of safety and shelter.
Now what is that a description of, if it’s not a big, old oak, sycamore, ash or horse chestnut. They get blown about, but their good-nature does not stop giving. I like to think Dickens would agree.
The Bald Birder 