It is almost mid winter, days are getting shorter and shorter – the winter solstice is the turning point when minute by minute the days get longer. The sun has barely risen when it begins to set again. Sunsets are brief – look away and they are gone. Walking in trees at this time of year can be beautiful even on grey days, dark rainfilled days, days with little light or just a glimpse of the winter sun’s white light.
“Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous” (Rumi)
Some rare days can be blue sky days – filled with dazzling brightness.
I miss the spring, summer and autumn colours but winter has its own special colour palette.
“It is a pleasure to a real lover of Nature to give winter all the glory he can, for summer will make its own way and speak its own praises.” (Dorothy Wordsworth)
The Marsh Harrier circles low over Lodmore nature reserve, lapwing and geese gather in the reed beds and suddenly we see a flash of brilliant blue – a kingfisher! We shall see wonders if we take the time to stand and look.