A Natural Map of Canopy Gaps
Gaps in the canopy can be a real blessing, especially when navigating under dense coniferous woodland. You might also enjoy: The Beginner’s Guide to Natural…
Latest from Tristan
The Naming Convention of Winds
Winds are labelled with the direction they have come from, not the direction they head towards, but why? A Westerly wind has come from the…
What are Banner Clouds?
From the book, The Secret World of Weather: In mountainous country you may also come across a cloud that streams away from only one side…
Reading Trees Online Talk
My talk with Jon Stokes of the Tree Council for National Tree Week is available on YouTube until mid January: You might also enjoy: The…
The Exact Time of Sunrise and Sunset
We can work out when the sun will rise or set using tables and by understanding our location well. If you look online or at…
The Woolly Compass
On exposed hillsides, sheep take shelter behind gorse bushes. Over time this kills the lowest branches, creates patches of bare earth and pieces of straggling…
Which Way Are We Walking in North Wales?
Clues in the mud colours, wildflowers and more… Mud in ruts is wetter and darker on shaded south side. Wildflowers more common in south-facing spots.…
The ‘Leaves on the Line’ Problem
For many years, British commuters have found themselves caught between bemused laughter and rage when told their train isn’t running because of ‘leaves on the…
The Overview Effect
My thanks to Peter Noble for making me aware of the expression ‘Overview Effect’ (and for the kind feedback). Hi Tristan, Just to say thank…
Paperbacks of the Year
A big thank you to Waterstones for selecting How to Read a Tree as one of their ‘Paperbacks of the Year 2024’. You can explore…
The Mexican Pyramids, Water and the Cosmos
A Guest Blog by Olly Pearson During a recent expedition to Mexico with a leading researcher in megalithic sites, we focused our attention on an…
Sign of the Week
For outdoor clues, signs, puzzles and more, please subscribe to my SIGN OF THE WEEK newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/naturalnavigator/sign-of-the-week
What is Deer Pronking or Stotting?
Pronking (or Stotting) is a common defensive signal amongst deer and some other quadruped prey mammals. From the book, Wild Signs and Star Paths (Published…
Which Way Are We Walking? Ibiza Edition
Which direction are we walking in the video below? Hint…There are clues in the sun, plants and water. Answer… Spoiler alert… The sun is mid-height,…
Shadows are a Sign of Impure Water
Can you see me waving? Shadows are a Sign of Impurities in the Water. From my book, How to Read Water: “You will never see…
What is a Shelf or Arcus Cloud?
Shelf or Arcus clouds appear near a thunderstorm and can warn of their proximity. Sometimes a cloud rides ahead and heralds the imminent arrival of…
Which Way Are We Looking? Cairngorms Edition
My thanks to Fiona for sending this wonderful photo, taken in the Cairngorms in Scotland recently. What direction are we looking and why? Answer will…
Start Walking North-West… Finish Facing?
In this video of a stroll through the town of St Ives in Cornwall we are walking north-west at the start. See if you keep…
The Meaning of Mist on a Summer Morning
Mist on a summer morning can be a forecast of good weather ahead. On misty mornings in summer, we can get the feeling that the…
What Time is It?
What time was this video taken? There are clues in the sun, shadows, church, trees, clouds, grasses and more. Answer below. Spoiler Alert… Answers below……
Tree Trunks Lean Away From Buildings
Tree trunks lean away from the shade of buildings and towards the light. This habit tends to override the normal biases towards southern light, because…