Trees. The lungs of our planet. They are remarkable. Did you know that their roots form a network that connects trees together, allowing them to divide their water between them, giving more to those in need. They will even ‘move over’ to give saplings a chance to see the sunlight. When an old tree knows it is nearing the end of its life, it gives its nourishment to the other trees in its network. You simply have to love trees.
A wide variety of trees to encourage nature
Here at The Charcoal Hut, we have a little under three acres of land and originally it was covered by trees. There was Oak, Alder, Ash, Willow, Hazel, Hawthorn and Birch (of several varieties) and plenty of Holly. Our neighbours remember when the field where the hut sits was full of Oaks. They were cut down in a weekend, around fifteen years ago, leaving a field and just over an acre of trees. Our mission is to replant the field, giving nature back some of the land it lost, and providing a wildlife heaven.
We’re planting an edible woodland
When we moved here, we took on a very sad and unloved woodland. We believe that you never ‘own’ land, you are custodians for future generations. Leaving the woods here more loved and nurtured than we found them is important to us. Having already planted a significant number of trees here, including 40 willows, 10 fruit and this year, ten nut trees, the plans are for more in 2020. Last year, we coppiced and thinned the very over-crowded hazels and last year, were thrilled to beat the squirrels to a decent bucket full!
More trees, for Wales and Australia
This year, to increase our commitment to growing the woodland, we will be planting a tree here for every booking we take. We have also decided, as the terrible bush fires rage in Australia, that we will also plant a tree there for every booking, via Treevotion who are doing amazing re-planting work globally. If you’re planning a stay and would like to add a tree in your names, please visit their site. At the time of writing this post, they are planting an extra tree when you purchase two.
We have found nature therapy, or forest bathing, to be a huge benefit to our mental and physical health. Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress and pain. We love hearing from our guests about the positive impact staying here has on their sense of wellness. Thank you to the trees again. You can see more on Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, in this blog.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog, please go to the Treevotion site and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and everywhere else. Let’s get more trees for Australia. More trees. Please.
Dinah x
