The Grass is Greener
It is tempting to believe that the grass is greener on the other side. After long spells of hot, dry weather in the summer, it…
Find out how to read water
Tag: trees
Why are some leaves red?
Why are some leaves red and what does it mean? We assume leaves to be green, but also notice how there are exceptions – a…
Eric Ravilious and the Duck’s Bottom Effect
The English artist, Eric Ravilious (1903 -1942), is loved of many of us who tramp the same chalky hills of the South Downs that he…
The Shapes of Trees and a Sense of Place
Tree shapes are dictated by the needs of the tree and reflect the places we find them. There are dozens of methods for using trees…
Newsletter Mini Challenges
I just sent out my latest newsletter (you can subscribe at the bottom), which included the four mini challenges below: Answers at the bottom. 1.…
Trentepohlia, Moisture and Signs Pointing North
Here is a nice example of trentepohlia on the north side of a tree. This algae thrives in moist, shady places and can be one…
The Wedge Effect
My thanks to Malcolm Pinches for sending in these great examples of the ‘wedge effect’ from the Isle of Eigg in the Scottish Inner Hebrides.…
Beware the Beech’s Branches
This is a common sight in my local beechwoods. Beech trees have a habit of dropping large branches without much warning. They are not good…
White Out and Prevailing Winds
My thanks to Ginny Howells for coming on a course and for this wonderful email: “I just thought I’d share how I used natural navigation…