The hawthorn is both wicked and welcome - its thorns draw blood, yet it nurtures ecosystems, hearts, and heritage. Revered in folklore, medicine, and conservation, it supports biodiversity, stabilises soil, and symbolises both fertility and boundaries. This enduring tree bridges science and myth, offering shelter, sustenance, and stories across centuries.

A visit to Kew Gardens' Shirley Sherwood Gallery unexpectedly transported me into the living world of trees - through the brushstrokes of botanical artists. What began as an appreciation of art unfolded into a reflection on conifers, climate resilience, biodiversity, and why we must rethink our assumptions about woodland ecosystems.

Modern Haweswater Whenever I visit Haweswater, I admit to feeling depressed. Despite its evident beauty and the fact it is so remote,...

Week 12 Once again this is a long one, so please find somewhere quiet to read and ponder. Climate change and the future of mankind is no...