Dried Grey

 No wind dries more ruthlessly than an east wind. It's not supposed to be as dry as this in spring and walking into the east wind near dawn feels like a definition of heroism.

Some of the new exciting greenery has already suffered.

Paths look more grey than ever before, quite as different as under a ground frost.

It's a relief and a pleasure to turn into the charmed woodland I think of as a walled wild garden.

 The surrounding rhododendron may be unique in replicating the advantagest of a managed walled garden while delivering a particular kind of wildness.

That's never been understood by the managers who typically see that no good can ever come from the invasive shrub. Usually they would be right but wisdom comes when you understand that there can be exceptions to almost anything. After much persuasion they have made a concession in accepting that the shrubbery can partially stay on the west and north sides. But at this altitude in woodland it's the eastern blast that is most relentless, and each year we get at least one lengthy period when high pressure seems stuck in a position, well understood by residents of Bridlington etc.

Nevertheless this woodland has great appeal with many features that illustrate what rewilding has to offer. At the moment it also appeals to chain saw operatives who do not appreaciate this but value its proximity to the car park. Who wants a long walk back?