Captains Wood
Map
Map
Story & Experience
I have a deep connection to Captain’s Wood. It is a place I visit often because it is so utterly beautiful. Ancient trees, butterflies, birds, all sorts of incredible insects, bats, and a herd of fallow deer all live there. Whenever I visit there is always something that delights—I’ve encountered heron, lizards (which are rare in the UK), a sea of bluebells in May. There is a very ancient oak which has a holly growing through it. Sadly the changes in climate with heavy rainfall and storms have had a terrible impact on the woods with many beautiful trees falling as a result of the strong winds.
I remember the first time I walked into to the woods following the storm I was so shocked by the destruction.
I decided to honour the woodland during the Global Earth Exchange and spend the day being with the trees and all the other inhabitants, speaking out loud of how much I love and appreciate it all.
I have a deep connection to Captain’s Wood. It is a place I visit often because it is so utterly beautiful. Ancient trees, butterflies, birds, all sorts of incredible insects, bats, and a herd of fallow deer all live there. Whenever I visit there is always something that delights—I’ve encountered heron, lizards (which are rare in the UK), a sea of bluebells in May. There is a very ancient oak which has a holly growing through it. Sadly the changes in climate with heavy rainfall and storms have had a terrible impact on the woods with many beautiful trees falling as a result of the strong winds.
I remember the first time I walked into to the woods following the storm I was so shocked by the destruction.
I decided to honour the woodland during the Global Earth Exchange and spend the day being with the trees and all the other inhabitants, speaking out loud of how much I love and appreciate it all.
Why this Place?
Captains Wood
Captain’s Wood is a place that I dearly love. It’s an ancient woodland with a rich ecosystem – huge oak, beech, pine, chestnut. A herd of fallow deer. There are areas of wetland and ponds.
Recent uncharacteristically heavy rainfall have caused the land to become water logged as a result of an extremely high water table. The heavy rainfall was followed by storms causing many of the trees in the woodland to fall.
Act of Beauty
I began at the threshold of the woods by inviting the four cardinal directions to join me at this time. I walked slowly around familiar paths, touching fallen trees, speaking out loud to them. I was called to a particular place where I created a ceremony which included hanging wind chimes in the trees. I lit a candle and then slowly began to gather fallen branches and bark, slowly creating a bird. I then sat quietly honouring the trees and feeling a huge sense of gratitude for this beautiful place.
Additional Photos
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