As the winter solstice approaches, there is some comfort in knowing we've reached the shortest day, and gradually, the days will begin to brighten. During this season, we may feel a bit overwhelmed, not only by the darkness but also by the stress of Christmas. I don't adhere to any specific religion or belief system, except for my own intuition, with nature serving as my place of worship. However, I do follow the wheel of the year because recognising the seasonal fire festiva

Mistletoe is a plant we recognise at Christmas time while hanging over doors and stealing a kiss. This tradition is believed to have come from the plant symbolising fertility, vitality and renewal, due to its ability to be green and bear fruit during winter, but every time a kiss has been stolen beneath the mistletoe a berry must be removed and once all the berries have gone, the power to ask for a kiss has gone too. It is also believed to be a symbol of protection from evil

A walk of reflection. Yesterday, I took the final guided walk of the year with a group of regular walkers who humorously call themselves...

The robin is an iconic bird in Britain and a symbol of Christmas, often seen on cards and festive decorations during this season. This tradition began in the Victorian era when postmen, known as robins due to their red waistcoats, delivered Christmas cards. The birds then began to appear on the cards as a representation of these postmen.

There is nothing to be done to stop the winter drawing, The boughs are bare as the leaves have fallen. Welly weather through mud and...

Do you have a theory on how crop circles are created? In the audio below, I will share with you some of my observations and intuitive thoughts behind the creations and how they are linked to geometric patterns made by Mother Nature or the human hand.

The colours and textures of the wintering forest. Not as vibrant and lush as spring and summer, but nature makes you slow down this time...

For a lot of us Christmas can be a financial burden and but you can save money by making some very simple homemade gifts, and often much more appreciated knowing your love and thought has been put into it. Personally, I love a homemade gift. Here are some ideas that I use for loved ones..

December is a month where we are all often dashing around and stressed, trying to create the idealistic Christmas, cooking too much rich food, drinking too much alcohol and Sellotape and glitter becomes a permanent part of your outfit as you wrap a gift while your loved ones have popped to the shops. With Santa visits, family expectations, and overindulgence, often December can be full of overwhelm, but time in nature reminds you that life continues and nature's wheel turns i

With so many new followers, I thought I should reintroduce myself. My name is Jen Blaxall, I live in the New Forest with my husband and...

Why not join the membership? https://www.newforestnatureandnurture.com/membership For the next month, I am offering a free months trail...

We were very lucky to have some sunny autumnal days during November. We took some time to wander the ancient and wild Gritnam Wood...

After a lovely week off with my husband, today I was back at work, and as I walked along the road towards the woods, I quickly realised...

Butchers Broom is a sign of ancient woodland and thrives in the shadow of old trees. Its name originated from the practice of using mature stems tied together to clean butchers' blocks. Moreover, it possesses antiseptic qualities that would be transferred onto the block. Butcher's Broom is also known as Knee Holly because of its evergreen prickles and growing to knee height, but it isn't related to holly. In fact, it is part of the lily family.

Although honey fungus is devastating to its host, it adds to biodiversity, creating a dead wood habitat. It is most significant on beech...

When we overthink a topic or a choice, we tend to struggle with our 'what if's' and 'am I worthy?' We go back and forth weighing the pros and cons, adding more questions on top, often leading us to believe that it's not a good idea or getting side-tracked by the additional questions and losing sight of the initial query! (Just writing this makes me feel tired! 😆) However, this is a common pattern we all engage in when analysing decisions, thoughts, emotions, and feelings sol

This is a really lovely Christmas gift to give to loved ones and easy to make. After all, Christmas isn't Christmas without some Irish Cream, and this recipe makes 2.5 litres, so plenty for gifts and you too! (Just don't count the calories!)

I have so much gratitude for being able to spend so much time in nature and call it my job 🙏 After a walk in the autumnal woodland this...

A repeated pattern I see within my work is people trying to get approval from parents, and some have been seeking it all their lives. Being a blood relative doesn't guarantee their support, physical presence, or that you must conform to their ways. Accepting this realisation can be the most challenging aspect. It may resemble a grieving process when you release the longing for parental support, especially if you have held onto this longing into adulthood. If a parent doesn't

Taking a lesson from the trees, As they gently cast their autumn leaves, The golden sun lights the trodden way, On this cool and...