Have you been down to the woods today?
Apr 24th, 2010 by Keith Chaloner
Having just returned from my third visit to a local wood this week, I can’t resist the urge to share my pleasure.
Can I encourage one or two of you to make the best of this time of early spring in the same way? This year, after the cold, wet, and long winter, a week of warm sunshine has released all nature’s pent up energy in a tremendous burst. The cuckoo arrived in Witchampton, wood pigeons are doing what they always do and trees and plants are rushing to leaf and flower.
In the woods very close to home, there are bluebells, wood anemones and masses of primroses, all out together. Some beech trees are in full leaf and other have yet to start; lower down hazel and thorn are in leaf. It is the setting of the fresh green leaves against the tall clear trunks and the undergrowth, also the contrast with dark conifer and holly, particularly in low morning or evening sun, I have found so magical. (not very logical but you will get what I mean).
Don’t burden yourself with loads of gear; a prime lens (if you have one) around 50mm is a good choice and a tripod if you are going early or late. If you have a graduated ND filter this will help hold back the bright sky that otherwise can be difficult to deal with.
You will have to look to find a picture in this concentrated nature; if successful (in my eyes) it will probably be simple. For goodness sake do not take someone in a red jacket to provide a ‘focal point of interest’.
A few of my pictures are now on the web site (courtesy of Marilyn who has kindly added some complimentary shots of her own); I have yet to add titles etc. to mine but will do so shortly. If we have encouraged anyone else, how about emailing some of your pictures to me to put up as well?
I hope we have influenced at least a couple of you!
Keith Chaloner
I couldn’t have said it better myself. This time of year is a joy and should not be missed. We too have cuckoos and the swallows have returned. The bluebells will be at there best soon so I for one will be off to the woods again.
Keith and Marilyn, I have only just got around to reading your contributions and looking at your pics. They are great and we enjoyed them hugely. We went to Garston Woods on a beautiful day and took some pics but they are not quite as good as many of yours.
So, we also would encourage others to go down to the woods today (if possible) and you can be sure of a big surprise! And not just the flowers - the birdsong is wonderful!