What is Flagging in Trees?
Flagging in trees is a pattern caused by wind killing the branches on one side of the tree only. From the book, How to Read…
Tag: hills
What Does a Lightning Strike on a Tree Look Like?
When lightning strikes a tree, the high-voltage electricity flows through any water on the bark and through the sap under the bark. This heats the…
Analysing Deer Behaviour: Flight, Refuge and Jink
I was looking over one of the local hills from the cover of some undergrowth, when I spooked a herd of fallow deer. They were…
What is a Frost Hollow?
A frost hollow is a local low point in a landscape where cold dense air collects overnight. It is also known as a ‘frost pocket’.…
What is a Gap Wind?
Whenever a wind is forced through a narrow gap it accelerates. This is true of all fluids, gas and liquid, it is the reason we…
The Meaning of Bluebells
The bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a perennial bluish-purple bell-shaped wildflower of the Lily family (Liliaceae). It is a European plant, common in the British Isles.…
“Gorse is out of bloom, when kissing’s out of fashion”
There was heavy snow in the early hours of Sunday morning. We didn’t need any more encouragement. The Gooley family set off for an explore…
Some Observations from Search and Rescue
My thanks to a helicopter pilot for this fascinating email and for permission to share it. And for adding the ‘ptarmigan altimeter’ to my collection!…
The Joy of Signs in Spring
by Tristan Gooley Time outdoors has become precious and there’s a joy in this. We’re all about to get better at appreciating the beauty and…
Why is the Horizon White?
Have you noticed how the horizon is white, even on a day when the sky is a perfect blue and there isn’t a cloud in…
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,…
How to Capture the Sun
I’m just back from Kincaldineshire. A big thank you to the extraordinary Charlie and Caroline Gladstone for inviting me to run a couple of mini…
Shortcut Clues in the Clwydian Range
I had a bit of fun on a short walk in the beautiful Clwydian Range of hills recently, using a very simple technique that hovers…