The Earth, Everywhere and Here
Earth Day is an annual event on 22 April to demonstrate support for our planet and the natural world around us. First held on 22 April 1970, it now brings together a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org, involving an estimated 1 billion people across more than 193 countries. And after seeing last week’s extraordinary images of Earth from space shared by the Artemis II crew, the word “Earth” feels especially present right now.
The unique landscape of the New Forest depends on thoughtful stewardship to ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come. We also share an ongoing individual responsibility and it is wonderful how many local people and communities are directly involved in conservation efforts and campaigns for the place we call home.
Bang on cue, this week we learned that the New Forest lowland heath — the most extensive area of lowland heath remaining in Europe, and home to some rare species of birds and reptiles — has been named among Britain’s top 20 natural wonders. (Read more, including the other UK areas selected, here.)
As writer Mike Unwin says: “Lowland heath is a special landscape, purpled with heather, scented with gorse and home to special wildlife, from sand lizards to Dartford warblers. The New Forest has all this in spades, plus deer in the woods, nightjars churring on summer evenings, and 15 species of orchid spangling the boggy ground.”
The New Forest National Park Authority explains that our lowland heathland is so distinctive because of its warm, dry climate and sandy soils. These conditions favour a unique range of species and create a very different type of heath to the moors of northern England, Scotland and Wales. Relatively few plants can tolerate the acidity of the sandy soils, so to allow these special habitats to thrive, trees and scrub must be kept in check or pushed back. This work is largely achieved through grazing animals such as Commoners’ ponies and cattle, which help control the spread of young trees by eating their shoots and leaves.
(The photo above is from last year, but I have seen one foal on the forest already!)
If this has inspired you to find out more, click here to learn how the National Park Authority is working with communities, visitors and partners to help the New Forest thrive — from protecting nature and heritage to supporting sustainable access and local life.
Unwin recommends visiting the New Forest in summer for the best chance of seeing butterflies, reptiles and orchids in abundance. But returning to the present moment and with spring still unfolding in birdsong, blossom and fresh green growth, this feels like as good a time as any to pause, appreciate, and reflect on how we can best protect all that surrounds us.
And with spring in mind...
Let's Get Gardening!
It doesn't get much more earthy than getting stuck in with the weeding, sowing and planting, and I for one can't wait for this year's BBC Gardener's World Spring Fair in a couple of weekends' time at Beaulieu! From personal experience this is a real treat of a morning, afternoon or indeed full day out. Last year many people had brought with them or were buying brand new at the show gigantic trolleys in which to wheel away their spoils. There's so much more space at Beaulieu to spread out and enjoy everything than at Chelsea Flower Show. But as at that 'world’s most famous flower show', the quality of plants available to buy at our Very Own Show is exceptional! And look out for the Oakhaven Hospice ‘Beautiful Border’ for some lovely planting ideas...
'Kick off your gardening year in style by joining us for this much-loved show, filled with an abundance of gardening expertise, inspiration and shopping. Soak up seasonal advice with multiple drop-in stages, grow what you know with hands-on workshops and informative garden tours and explore the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu during your visit. Plus, with over 100 exhibitors and over 30 specialist nurseries, bring the ideas already taking root to life with plenty of plants and kit to take home.'
BEAULIEU'S BIG SPRING GARDENING SHOW
Upcoming Events & Earthy Thoughts
A reminder about tomorrow's Spring Craft and Gift Fair and tomorrow and Sunday's Lymington Town Sailing Club Open Weekend - and crossing fingers for a window of fair weather!
Another of the Sen Serenity Sound Bath series, at SenSpa on 6 May, promises a 'deeply restorative sound journey designed to calm mind, body, and nervous system'. Having experienced a sound bath, the vibrations feel as though they come from the depths of the earth and somehow manage to dive deep inside your body too. It sounds a bit weird, but it's utterly amazing.
Exbury Gardens have this week added a host of new events to the Events Calendar including their Summer Exhibition from Cowprint Artists Group, which you can view between 6 June and 12 July and includes the lovely and earthily grounded lino print above.
As turbulent times continue across the world, some words from yoga teacher Ruth and how the simple act of walking connects us with the earth too. 'The first walk of the day sets everything right. The light, the sounds, the smell of the earth. Walking is great for the body... it raises the heart rate, builds strength in the legs and feet, supports the back and hips. It helps us solve problems we didn't even know we had, process emotions, and wake up to the world around us in the most gentle and unhurried way. I walk for all of those reasons. But especially to feel the grounding. The feel of the ground beneath your feet. The rhythm of your breath. The movement of your arms. Nothing to achieve. Nowhere to get to. Just this step, and then the next.'
Here's to Earth! And appreciating our spectacular New Forest!
Best wishes Jane
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here
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