30 Days Wild & being a Wildflower Detective

Getting up close to wildflowers this month and learning about them as part of #30dayswild. This is Herb Robert.

Are you taking part in #30dayswild this year? And if so, what wildness have you been up to so far? [30 Days wild is a free annual initiative by the Wildlife Trusts aimed at encouraging everyone to spend time connecting with nature.]

I’ve been learning about wild flowers and realised that I’ve been doing some detective-ising! I must admit, I’ve always rather fancied being a detective.

Well, actually one of the things I wanted to be when I was a child was a forensic scientist, until I discovered what that *really* involved. No thank you. Also, my aptitude for the sciences didn’t cut the mustard, so I’d never have made the grade. It’s only been relatively recently that I’d been thinking about things I’d wanted to be growing up – Journalist, Spy, Forensic Scientist, that I realised they all have something I common. Finding things out. I do love finding things out, and also looking for interesting things….and I’m always doing it. Always asking questions and wanting to know more about things than sometimes is really necessary! I’m naturally curious.

So choosing one wild flower a day and seeing what I could find out about it has been so interesting and joyful for me and especially sharing what I discover with others via my Instagram account. For example; who knew that Herb Robert can repel deer and rabbits and can be used as a mosquito repellent if the leaves are squished and rubbed onto your skin [not tried it yet] and that the leaves of Red Valerian are edible? Or that the Romans used to put silver weed leaves in their sandals to help keep their feet cool during their long marches? And I’m only 14 days in! Its also encouraged me to get all the books I have about wildflowers and wildflower related-ness off my shelves and on to the flower identification station [dining table] including the book about sacred and healing beers that actually feature quite a few of our wild flowers and plants.  It’s starting to remind me of the love I once had for creating my own wild liqueurs and my interest in the medicinal uses of plants. Plants that are often considered to be weeds.

This has been an interest of mine on and off for a number of years actually and I seem to wax and wane with it. Are you like this with some things? For me I think my penchant for wanting to turn EVERYTHING into a project means that I’d lost touch with just enjoying things for what they are. I have to remind myself often that I don’t have to make everything a project. I don’t have to make every single beer in the healing beer book [and enter them into beer awards and set up a local brewing group even if that is a thought that crosses my mind [see how my mind sparks?!] I don’t have to go in search of every orchid across the UK [or the world] after finding a few during my dog walks. It’s enough to notice the one flower a day, learn a bit about it [I set myself a time allowance for detective-ising!] and then to stop at that.

I have a tendency to get overly obsessed by things which I’ve realised is part of my mental health and anxiety and so need to be acutely aware when I start going down this path – sometimes I get further down it than others! I’ve learnt to be mindful and notice the signals, to pause, and get myself out of that one way thinking. What’s this got to do with identifying wildflowers? Well, I’ve been struggling with my anxiety quite badly recently and I’m using the wildflowers to help me to focus on one small thing, doing that and then moving on to the next thing. I’m setting myself time windows or time allowances so that things don’t spiral out of control. So then I'm applying that to my other tasks and activates and it's helping reduce the feelings of overwhelm.

I’m also noticing certain qualities of these wildflowers that I'd like to have myself. Characteristics such as – tenacious, hardy, resilient and potentilla – which means ‘little powerful one.'

I’m going to carry on with a flower a day until the end of June and then reflect and see what stands out and what I’m REALLY learning about this, the process and what nature has to teach us.

If you'd like to see and learn about the wildflowers I’ve identified so far – skip on over to my Instagram page [@morwhennawoolcock]. If you know anything else about any of these wildflowers – please do share!

On the topic of Wild – this month on Saturday 29th June is the annual ‘Wild Night Out’ event which encourages us all to spend a night out under the stars. Don’t be put off by thinking that’s the only way to join in – you could have a wild picnic or a wild art-tanoon as I did last year [read about that here] Or even staying out in your garden to watch the bats flit about whist you’re wrapped up in a snuggle blanket – all counts! For more info visit www.wildnightout.org I’ve not really decided what I’ll be doing this year yet, but I’ll be sure to let you know just as soon as I do.

[UK Islands Project] Come say Hi!

The Glastonbury Labyrinth (one of a few in and around the area)

Is it really June? Seems more autumnal by the current weather situation, hope the rain isn't putting you off and you are still getting out and exploring - maybe taking part in the Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild challenge this month? The trusts are encouraging Random Acts of Wildness which I rather love! If you aren't already taking part - here's how you can : 30 Days Wild.

Next week I'll be at two events and thought you might be interested in coming along if you are in the area. Please do share with anyone you know who might also be interested. Thank you ;-)

Nature and Wellbeing Forum, Bristol 

The first is at Bristol Watershed on Tuesday 13 June as part of The Bristol Festival of Nature. This is a free event and I'll be talking about Creativity, Adventure & Nature for Wellbeing. Organised by Dr Sam Walton of Bath Spa University as a part of her research into Cultures of Nature and Wellbeing. Dr Sam has written a piece about the talk I was a part of last month which you can read about here if you are interested. 

Tuesday 13 June. Watershed, Bristol 13.30 – 18.00

Free tickets available - booking essential

Secondly at the next Local Creative Adventure exploration (run and guided by me) in Avalon on Thursday 15 June! (It'll be sunny. Hopefully)

Local Creative Adventure - Avalon

Thursday 15 June. Avalon (aka Glastonbury), 10.00 - 12.00
£10 Tickets

These little explorations are short morning sessions where each month we will explore a different part of the local area creatively. This means that we’ll be engaging with our surroundings in a curious and mindful way though creative exercises, collecting clues as we go.

Aimed at being little sparks of inspiration to gain insights and get your imagination flowing, these short sessions will help you with any blocks or challenges you are facing right now. If you are feeling stuck creatively or have some decisions to make or just need some time out of your day-to-day life then these little adventures will be helpful for you.

These aren’t drawing classes, although there will be some doodling and pencils involved.

No experience is necessary. Just an open mind and a willingness to try new things. To explore!

I’m keen to have small groups (8 places only) so that you really get the most from these Little Creative Adventures. Booking is essential.

All materials will be provided, although you might wish to bring your own notebook, camera (cameraphone is fine) and something to sit on.

Hope to see you at one of these events if you can make it (of course I know some of you live way too far away for these particular events - Hope to meet you at some point though!)

Toodle Pip!

Morwhenna
xx

Cut Back to Re Grow

All around where I live I’m seeing hedges cut right back, almost to their roots.

Some looks so severely cut back that I fear they may never grow back again.

But wait. What’s that?

A tiny shoot is starting to grow on what looks like a dead twig. The Hedge is coming back to life. 

It’s in a different shape to how it looked before. More compact, less gangling and out of control.  

Noticing this got me thinking about what things I need to cut back or let go of in order to re-grow.

Re-grow as a stronger version of myself. Discarding the bits that no longer sustain or nourish me. Just like those long twigs or branches that have done their thing and have since died back. Actually leaving them there without cutting back can have a detrimental effect on that plant or tree. As it keeps putting so much energy out to all the different branches they can end up being weaker than if those are removed so it can focus on growing in a more strong and focused way. (hmm sounds like me having too many projects on the go – my energy is scattered! Has very much felt like that this month so far to be honest.)

Today is the Spring Equinox and there will be an eclipse and a Super moon. All things which when converge make for a powerful time to consider the things you committed to at the beginning of the year, what you want to recommit to now – and what you want to cut back and let go of.

This applies to thoughts and beliefs that no longer help you just as it does to physical things.

So why not consider the Cut back hedge today and step into spring ready for those new shoots to emerge?

Nature is a sign post to me and when I am in need of some help with a challenge I’ll often take myself off for a walk to search for clues. I’ll notice what I notice and see what that brings to mind. Just as the hedge reminded me of cutting back to re grow. Answers are all around us if we take the time to look. On the 04 April the next Connect to Nature: Connect to Self online coached course starts. Maybe today is the day you decide to commit to this creative adventure and see how nature can be a sign post for you too?

What can Snowdrops Teach Us?

I am currently working my way through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. (I am on week 3). One of the things Julia suggests is going on a weekly Artist’s Date. For my ‘Date’ this week I decided to hunt for Snowdrops. 

Once I'd decided to do this I thought – where shall I go? Where is the best place to see them? Where in the UK are the most varieties and carpets of them? Onto the internet I went and came up with a whole host of options. Most were either too far away from where I live or were on a National Trust property. Now I do love visiting National Trust places, but seeing as I am budgeting so I can complete my 40/40 list, I threw visiting any of those out of the window. 

In that moment it hit me that actually it wasn't about the big swathes of snowdrops as far as the eye could see. It was about the small details that unless you actually get down on your hands and knees you don’t see as snowdrops heads are facing the ground. Rather like a shy child, not looking up at you but inviting you to step closer and get down on their level. 

I remembered then I had seen some during my dog walks. Just down the lane. Armed with my camera and donning my wellies I went out to explore. 

I found the snowdrops – but they were in the shade at that time of day and on the edge of someone’s garden. Hmmm where else can I go? I thought popped into my head – ‘try the church,’ So off I went. And yes – there they were. Nodding their heads and clustered together in groups like a group of nuns trying to keep warm.

Taking out my camera I got down on my knees and started to take some photos. 

How much detail could I capture? Could I capture something I’d not really noticed before?

Yes

I did

I got the Fairies View.

And what a different view it was.

So much more to see. This is just what I was looking for…

Changing your perspective can make all the difference

Is there something you've been looking at from the same angle and need a new perspective? Think of the snowdrop. How can you change your view?

Love to hear from you

Morwhenna
xx 

[Plug No. 1] Connect to Nature – A series of Creative Adventures start on 04 April. 

[Plug No.2] In fact I was so pleased with my photographs that I have set up a little experiment shop on Zazzle where you can purchase copies of these snowdrops (along with other artworks) made into cards and other delightful items. Yes, I will earn a small commission from any sales (hurrah!) which I’ll be putting towards my Brecons 2 Morwenstow trip this summer. 

My *NEW* Zazzle Shop Experiment! Love to know what you think!
Morwhenna

When was the last time you walked in the woods?

So when was the last time? Was it a few days ago, months or years?  

Among the trees and by the Sea is where I most Like To Be...said Me.

Even though I am lucky enough to have a woodland nearby, it is a trek up a rather steep hill to get there so I don't always feel like making the effort. When I do though It's worth it as there are views out across the Mendips to Blagdon and Chew Valley Lake. If I'm lucky, I also get to see some wild deer and other woodland creatures!

I've yet to string up my hammock in the woods though and hang out there all day with my camping stove...! 

Tell me - Where is your nearest woodland?

What is it called?

Do you know much about it's history?

Who owns it?

I discovered that the woods near me are actually owned by the family who live in the last house before the woods. This also happens to be someone I met recently when my doggie ran into their house and started to eat their cat's food. Thankfully the woman thought it was funny. I was embarrassed though! This happened before I discovered the woods were theirs. 

I'd love to have a Treehouse up there. A hideout that I can go to and stay in now and again. Next time I see them I'll have to ask...

Our landscape has so many stories woven into it and we are all really part of it no matter where you live - town or country. It plays SUCH an important role in our lives. Sometimes though we forget and need some gentle reminders and warm invitations to reconnect with our surroundings. We can gain so may answers by doing so. It really is powerful.

The Connect To Nature course is that invitation. Making that switch to seeing more and appreciating more around us. Even though Jaimie & I aren't therapists we have a deep understanding from our own personal experiences of the huge benefits of nature, art and coaching all wrapped up in to a golden bumpkin. This is what we take your hand and guide you along on this journey. 

This is why we run the course. It can be accessed on so many levels and really is suitable for anyone. We are passionate about the value it holds and really do want to take as many people as we can though the 4 week guided course. If you commit to it and do the mini creative adventures, I would go as far as to say it is life changing, you only have to read what our previous explorers have to say to confirm that. 

You also get your very own tree planted in the Calidonian Forest in Scotland.  So you are growing in more ways than one. 

For the full details go here: Connect To Nature

We start on 04 April. Will you be joining us on this creative feast for the senses?

Hope so. 

If you have any questions please do drop me a line.

Bye for now!

Morwhenna
xxx

ps why not explore a woodland near you this weekend? 

Water Gems

One of the things I love most about this time of year is the light. The way the sunshine makes the rich colours jump out as it brightens up a dull and chilly day. That moment when the sky is a deep dark velvet blue signalling rain is on the way and yet the colours are so breathtakingly beautiful and so strong you have to stop and stare. 

Those days and moments between the rain, wind and gloom as winter slowly steps into spring. Those days I try to make the most of and go out into nature to look for treasure. 

My current treasures are water gems. 

The way the low sunlight hits the water and creates a cascade of crystals. I could see this being a chandelier and capturing the essence of these moments to have at home. A million crystals. 

These moments are fleeting so you need to look and notice what is around you. I am guilty of spending a lot of time wrapped up in my head and my thoughts – either thinking about a current project or new ideas for something else. When I go out in search of treasure I park my monkey mind thoughts and become a detective. I ask myself - what treasure I can find today?  I slow down and really look around me. These treasures are all around us. One of the things about leading a creative adventurer life is to notice these things. This is also a way that I can become more Tortoise and less Hare!

I filmed the water gems. Only a few seconds without any added sound. I also took photos and a sense of calm and of possibility. I find spending time in nature makes me feel more positive. How about you? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? How does it make you feel?

One of my favourite photos from my morning at the lake

In April I will be running the next Connect To Nature course with fellow nature lover, artist and coach Jaimie MacDonald. We’ll be combining art (no drawing skills required), Fun and mindfulness into a series of creative adventures in nature helping you to find your own treasures. We’d love to have you to join us. 

If this sings out to you like a black bird’s song, the full details about the exploration are here along with comments from our previous connect to nature explorers. We have become a family and the effects of taking this 4 week adventure are long lasting. Would you like to join the family too?

Ahh I feel more relaxed just by writing about this and thinking about the water gems. 

Snowdrops are my next treasure to hunt for. I've heard of a place where there are over 80 different varieties…! Who knew there were so many. 

What treasures are on your doorstep waiting to be discovered?

Join us to find out as you can take part from anywhere. 

Connect To Nature Starts 04 April

Have a wonderful day!

Love 

Morwhenna
xxx