Most of this overcast day was spent reading and relaxing. Late in the afternoon we took a drive to the North of the forest.
Donkeys and ponies shared the woodland forage on the outskirts of Brockenhurst.
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive has many fallen giants.
This is just one of many which, in the interests of ecology, is left to disintegrate over time; to provide nutriment for mosses and other flora; homes for insects; and eventually to return to the soil from whence it germinated many years before. The shallowness of the roots is often the cause of its demise during very wet and windy weather.
A small herd of cattle were penned in the woodland beside Newlands Farm, outside Ibsley.
One appeared to have escaped and joined the ponies roaming in the landscape across the road.
I remember a tea at Rhinefield House — very good. I wonder if they are still up to standard?
I’ve never tried it, Leslie. Thanks very much
I like the way your fallen giants are allowed to add to the richness of nature. It does not happen here in the city parks where fallen trees are quickly tidied away to ensure the continued good looks of the environment.
Thanks very much, Pauline. I’m glad you appreciate the practice
Yes, I love that, too! Those trees are food and shelter for so many. And eventually they become compost for the soil. Mother Nature has it all figured out and we need to stop mucking it up.
Quite so, Jodie
Yes indeed! Agreed, agreed 🙂 I feel we are so terribly backward about these things here. I recently read ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben. I think everyone should read this book!!
🙂
Leaving trees like that is really good for woodpeckers, too. Hope your health is continuing to improve.
Thanks very much, John. I actually got out of the car for these pics
Woah- nice that you got out of the car – must be all that bike riding!
🙂 Thanks again, Jodie
I am fascinated by trees and love to see how nature both takes care of them and how they feed back into the woodland ecology.
I’m pleased about that, Helen. Thanks very much
Looks like a lovely day
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome
I am glad to see the ecologically sound policy in practice, Derrick, rather than manicured city parks. You got out of the car – congratulations! On to further improvement!
Very many thanks, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
I like that the trees are left where they’ve fallen. No doubt they provide homes to many critters. I love the expressions on some of the cows! Great photos. I hope you and Jackie are both feeling better.
We are improving, Jill. Thanks very much
I especially like the photos of the fallen trees, and I also imagine that many creatures find homes within and around them. I saw above that you got out of the car. I’m glad you and Jackie are feeling a bit better.
We are improving. Thanks very much, Merril
Lovely to be on the road or in the garden (hopefully) with you again, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
I found your after photos very pleasant viewing Derrick…..
Many thanks, Ivor. I’m pleased
It is interesting how habitat management strategies change and evolve over the years. Sometimes they even make sense.
These do. The logs must not be taken away. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Your photos are spectacular as always, Derrick! 🙂
I love the fallen giants and that they still have purpose and value and beauty! 🙂
Oh, and I just wanna’ hug all of those sweet-faced cuties…the donkeys, ponies and cows! 🙂
Glad you got out and about and even out of the car to take these photos! 🙂
Know what?!
You brighten my day! 🙂
How is Jackie feeling today?
HUGS for both of you!!! 🙂
Something darkly fascinating and beautiful about fallen giants.
There is indeed, Dad. Some look prehistoric. Thanks very much
Wonderful shots Derrick! It’s good to hear of your improving physical prowess! I hope your spiritual/emotional health is progressing also. 🙂
I hope those giants are being replaced with new growth? With our changing climate some of our larger types of trees are finding it difficult to regrow. 🙁
Many thanks, Bob. New growth is promoted
Hope your feeling better Derick. Have had you in my thoughts a lot. Tough times
Gay and Mick x
Thanks very much both of you, Gay and Mick. XX
I just know you thought of me as you put in a woodsy area like I explored as a child and then my livestock and ponies!! You know how to make a person smile, my friend.
🙂 I’m pleased. GP
Best to leave fallen trees when it’s possible. They really do add so much. Nothing goes to waste, and we humans could learn a lot from Mother Nature.
Indeed, Laurie. Many thanks
Apparently the pilot of your earthcraft has recovered and taken over the controls of the cruise. Your observations on the recycling of the fallen are thought provoking.
Such a sense of history, Uma. Thanks very much
Ahh, beastie bums. 🙂 … Derrick, you shouldn’t have. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders 🙂
You truly have so much wonderful natural scenery along your driving routes.
Thanks very much, Gary. All so near
I love the fallen giants! They give the forest such a primaeval look. I also liked seeing the herd of cows and was pleased to know there was an adventurer among them who had managed to escape! Best wishes to you both, Derrick. 🙂
Very many thanks, Clare. Primeval is exactly right
Thank you, Derrick.
So lovely! Beautifully captured!
Thanks very much, Amy
It’s good that the trees can still be an important part of the ecosystem even after they have fallen. I noticed that our local parks have been tidied up recently and the tree trunks neatly chopped and piled up. I had thought they are in the process of being cleared, but time will tell.
Thanks very much, Susan
Those sweet little cow faces!
Indeed, Jodie. Thanks very much
Maybe the black and white cow thought there could be a long lost relative in the black and white pony? 🙂
Good thought, Crystal. Thanks very much
Derrick, I love the way you described the circle of life n the fallen trees.
Thanks very much, Drew