Making way for new growth....

On route to Ripon whilst travelling along a route known as blubberhouses, with the first sign of snow, a beautiful barn owl was seen in full flight hunting at dawn.

It reminded us of the barn owl chicks that we saw, late summer whilst on a Solo day at Lime Tree Farm.

Let there be light.

Whilst at Lime tree farm we helped the owners clean up some cow dung from the car park to the observatory as some cattle had got loose and were on the road and were shown into the field at Lime tree Farm ,the cow pats were then shovelled into the hedgerows as fertilizer for species such as,

Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

Fagus sylvatica (Green Beech)

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' (Purple Beech)

Ilex aquifolium (Holly)

Along with other species such as blackthorn, field maple, hazel, spindle, wayfaring tree and wild service tree occasionally overshadowed by oak, ash, silver birch and other trees.

Bramble bushes and rose are frequent, together with climbing honeysuckle and wild clematis. At the foot of the hedge, thick herbaceous vegetation commonly includes species such as cow parsley and hedge mustard with coarse grasses, although sometimes woodland flora is found with bluebells and greater stitchwort.

Hedges provide song posts, shelter and nesting opportunities for both woodland and farmland birds such as yellowhammer, whitethroat, bluetit and great tit, birds that we have seen recently at Lime tree Farm. Hedges at the farm offer nectar, berries, nuts and leaves provide food for an assortment of invertebrates, mammals and birds. In addition to providing excellent wildlife habitat, hedges can help reduce soil erosion and water run-off for the Farm.

Stripped bare.

At peace with nature.

So it was great to trim some silver birch trees to let sunlight in to the entrance to the farm and add some brush to the hedgerows knowing our efforts may aid the wildlife at the nature reserve for the future. The rest were placed in a pile to make a bonfire as Halloween and bonfire night looms in this beautiful autumn period we are having.

The bonfire.

Our conservation work passed by so quickly yet so slowly.We always use mindfulness and meditation and breathing techniques that we teach on your Solo day which keeps us fully in the now. This mindfulness and meditation allows us to experience peace and harmony within ourselves and with Mother nature.

Please ring Darrell on 07951448812.
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Return to Lime tree farm...

Autumn marked a return to Lime tree farm and another beautiful Solo Day.

Yorkshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty. (AONB)

Teasel.

On the back of the storm callum, the winds were up and the sounds of the winds thrashing through the trees gave this special place extra magic.

The sun shines through.

To practice mindfulness in such a beautiful environment with the effects of the storm gave us poise, and a special moment to truly reflect in our stilling of the mind and we gained peace. We were in awe at the presence of Mother Nature as the cloud formations blew across the horizon with really unusual mild temperatures 20 degrees despite the rain.

Before.

We managed to clear out some sheds and clad a barn door for the owners Pete and Irene and to help to conserve this place for others to come to this peaceful place.

After.

With our conservation commitment, we keep an eye on everything, from the ground upwards and look after and protect all plants, animals, trees as nature needs to be at its best.
We are never surprised to find man made materials that find their way onto Lime tree farm conservation area. 
As small as the piece of plastic is (above), it can do severe damage to wildlife. We always remove and safely dispose of any foreign materials; such is our commitment to ensuring that this beautiful place is kept this way for future generations and for all of you who come here for a Solo Day or Time and Space retreat.

And nature needs a hand too.