How to Sense Invisible Animals
We can sense invisible animals by keeping a look out for the ‘shimmy’. The shimmy is my name for the way we can sense animals…
Tag: trees
The Challenge of Ageing Trees
Some tree-reading scribblings from a natural navigation challenge in the New Forest, Hampshire, last year… Life, Death and the Challenge of Ageing Trees Gales that…
How to Use Plants to Map Wet Ground
All plants need water and all plants are sensitive to the levels of water in the ground. This means that every plant can make a…
8am. Which Way Are We Looking?
I took the above photo in Sussex at 8am. Which direction are we looking and why? There are some weak clues in the tree branches, slightly…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
What are Elephants’ Toes in Trees?
Elephants’ toes are the nickname for the way the bottom of a tree trunk flares out towards the prevailing wind. In the video above and…
Woodland Trust Ambassador Paperback Launch
Hi, I’m Tristan Gooley and I’m very proud to be a Woodland Trust Ambassador. I’ve spent decades researching, teaching and writing about clues and signs…
Waterstones Book of the Month
So thrilled that Waterstones have chosen HOW TO READ A TREE as their non-fiction book of the month for June! Thank you Waterstones!
How to Spot Subtle Patterns in Water
To spot subtle patterns in water, look where dark and light reflections touch each other. On calm days, the surface of water can appear still,…
Why Are Some Leaves Hairy?
Hairs protect a leaf from drying, cold and animals. They are common in spring. On many plants there are tiny hairs that trap a thin…
Which Direction Are We Walking?
Which Direction Are We Walking in the video above? North, East, South or West? There are clues in the the trees, the light, the mud,…
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…
What is a Plucking Post?
A plucking post is an elevated area used by birds of prey, and occasionally other animals, to pluck and feed on their recent prey. All…