From Winter darkness Imbolc whispering promise Light returns to earth
Haiku in anticipation of Imbolc on Feb 2nd, traditionally a time to mark the returning light, the first stirrings of spring, and a time to set intentions for the year.
Hello, we are writing this over RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch weekend and with wonderful news of the Miyawaki Forest which is now happening in Longridge. Find out below how you can get involved in this groundbreaking activity.
Birds
We hope you found the time to enjoy participation in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and that maybe you could share your observations on our WhatsApp channel. In addition to providing data on bird populations, this event also gives the opportunity to take an hour or so, to sit quietly and enjoy being in nature. (If you missed this over the weekend you can still do a bird count during the week)
Sadly though the count will further illustrate the biodiversity loss here in the UK and how we need far better environmental protection, in which we all have a part to play as individuals, organisations and society.
Bard
This weekend also marks Robert Burns birthdate and of course Burns night celebrations. Aside from his famous haggis, mouse and Auld Lang Syne prose, Burns was a significant early environmentalist and conservationist. He had a remarkable knowledge of birds and may have been the first to understand and write about the migration of birds, which at that time was not fully scientifically proven.
In one of his perhaps less known poems he speaks from the voice of the river and pleads with the estate owners for better environment protection.
The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water To the noble Duke of Athole
Would, then, my noble master please
To grant my highest wishes,
He'll shade my banks wi' tow'ring trees
And bonie spreading bushes.
Delighted doubly then, my lord,
You'll wander on my banks,
And listen monie a grateful bird
Return you tuneful thanksMiyawaki Forest, John Smith Playing Field
The great news is that the forest is happening. A group of members removed a small number of trees that we had previously planted in the area, to replant into the Miyawaki forest later and the ground preparation is now taking place.
You can read more about the Miyawaki Forest in our last newsletter , essentially it is a small forest that will rapidly increase biodiversity through improved habitat and amongst many other benefits, contribute to carbon sequestration. It also provides the opportunity for a wonderful community gathering to plant a large number of small trees to create the forest.
How to get involved
As LEG we will be supporting the planting the forest on Sunday 16th February from 10 am and it would be wonderful to see as many of you as there as possible. Just turn up at John Smith field at 10 am when guidance and instruction will be given. Please come prepared for possible wet weather with appropriate footwear and clothing. We like to see this as a family friendly event, but please no unattended children. Feel free to bring a narrow spade, but as we will be planting into prepared soft mulch material, broom handles, staves or dibbers may be a better option.
To make this a social event, please do bring a flask of tea or coffee, and maybe biscuits or cake to share.
Be part of this significant event, putting Longridge on the UK biodiversity map, joining a select list of other towns across the UK, helping to bend the curve on biodiversity loss and of course meeting with and having lovely conversations with the environmental group community
Dates for the diary
8th February Social Saturday. We are getting outside for a social saturday walk and talk, being close to Imbolc, this could be seen as an ecological new year walk. Meet at Beacon Fell Visitor Center at 10am.
Sunday 16th February: Active Sunday - Planting of the Miyawaki Forest (see above).
17th & 18th May - Eco StoryTelling Festival. More details soon but mark the dates in your calendar.
Keep in Touch
A reminder that you can …
And we look forward to connecting at our next Social Saturday and active Sundays. Details will be shared via the LEG WhatsApp
Supporting LEG
For time and other reasons, we are aware that not all can join our activities, so we have made it easier to support us with a donation. Simply use the QR code below and you will be taken to our Stripe page where you can donate. All gratefully received, no matter how small.
Thank You