With winter now upon us, the landscape in Creuse has transformed again. Those golden leaves from autumn have now descended to the ground in order to nourish the earth and begin the cycle again. The Chestnut tree on the hill is beautifully silhouetted against the sky at sunset. Of course it is not all bad when the trees have dropped their leaves. I am sure there are plenty of bird observers, like me, that find our feathered friends are so much easier to spot when perched on bare branches. However, I also note that if I can see them, then so can their predators.
Although the temperature plummets and the daylight hours become very short, I have always tried to put a positive spin on the winter season. For example, if I want to catch a sunrise, I don’t have to get up so early! More importantly, there is still plenty to see out in nature even at this time of year. It’s just a case of wrapping up in warm clothing and getting out there. I really enjoy that time about half an hour before sunrise. The air is unbelievably fresh, the frosty ground crunches underfoot and that magical sound of the birds waking from their cold night. As soon as the sun pokes out from the horizon, I watch the Blue tits, with amazing energy, start to feed and fill their tiny bodies with as much food as they can get.
I wander through a wooded area and see amazing formations of fungi growing on - still green - moss covered tree trunks, demonstrating the reciprocal relationship of decay and renewal in a healthy, well-balanced nature. I emerge from the woods onto an open area of land, which only a few months ago was a sea of yellow: flowering Wild broom and Evening Primrose with a bit of Moth Mullein thrown in for good measure. Colour can still be found in the glistening Wild Broom with its covering of frost, and golden Moth Mullein, now gone to seed, stands tall and awaits the return of warmer weather. I find myself marvelling at the resilience of nature.
I have now spent a whole year in the Creuse; I have seen every season in its full beauty and feel very fortunate. I set up this website because I wanted to share my good fortune with those who were interested. The feedback I have received has been so positive and I cannot thank you enough. Furthermore, I would also like to express my gratitude to those who have purchased prints and gifts from the store, this is also greatly appreciated.
I look forward to continuing to keep you updated on the magical nature of Creuse long into the future, because there is just so much more to see. To close the final blog of 2021, I would like to wish you all the very best for 2022.
Sounds delightful as always Andy.