January

January is when nature sleeps and you will encounter frosty days , sometimes snow and in 2026 a lot of rain which the moss and lichen loves.

Winter woodland wandering is about discovery , the absence of deep foliage cover reveals hidden paths which invite you in which you will find delicious lichen formations , some of which look like aliens. The moss becomes deep , lush and spongy and when the cold hits hard there is crispness to top. You may find old bracket fungus and even in hidden warmer parts new mushrooms still popping up.

This time of year is about texture and shapes , the frost is a wonderful addition to create contrasts and bring out beauty not seen otherwise. There are still old remaining plants holding out , it is structural , spiritual and they are often unseen but they form the heart of nature , that everything is connected and impermanent.

The low morning sunrise from the Falstone end of the reservoir creates a window of opportunity to get their just in time , wrapped up warm with a flask of something hot and just watch the sun filter through the trees.