Why The Coconut Palm Points to the Sea
The coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera) does something that very few trees do. It leans into wind. Most trees have trunks that will bend away…
Explore the Books
Category: Plants
Navigating 1917
A guest blog today from Nik Huggins. I’ve worked with Nik behind the scenes on several projects, including the wonderful short animations on this site.…
Using A Tree Stump as a Compass on Hills
Regular readers will be familiar with the idea that a tree stump can be used as a compass. In trees exposed to plenty of sun,…
The Nature Instinct: New Podcast Interview
This is probably the best interview I will ever do about my latest book (The Nature Instinct in US / Wild Signs and Star Paths in UK). Brett…
Hydrangeas – Nature’s Litmus Test
Hydrangeas are nature’s litmus test, by which I mean they can tell us the pH of the soil they are growing in. There are actually…
The Avenue Effect in Trees
My thanks to Alun for sending in this photo of autumn colour near the Kitano Tenman-Gu Shrine in Kyoto. And the following question: “I saw…
The Tree Root Compass
A short video explaining how we can use tree roots as a compass. There are over 20 methods for using trees to help us find…
How to Find Your Way Using Ivy
A short video explaining how to find north or south and make a map in the woods using ivy (Hedera helix). You might also enjoy:…
The Many Faces of Chichester Cross
Chichester Cross is a market cross – the building that symbolises the heart of the market square in my nearest town of Chichester, West Sussex.…