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Within the Ogham calendar, Beltane “belongs” to Willow. She’s the water-dweller, the mood-shifter, the one who bends without breaking. She doesn’t fight the current, she moves with it. And that feels about right for this moment in the wheel, when everything’s speeding up: longer days, more light, more feeling, more doing. Willow reminds us that staying soft and going with the flow is still a kind of strength. But if it’s Hawthorn that’s catching your attention, with its frothy blossom and sharp thorns, you’re not imagining the pull. It’s long been tied to Beltane folklore: a threshold tree, guarding the liminal spaces where things begin or shift. It stands at the edge of the wild and the known, just like this festival does. There are no rules though, nature’s not fixed. If Willow’s your tree, great. If it’s Hawthorn, or Birch, or whatever’s blooming near you, that’s just as true. Forest bathing isn’t about getting it “right”, it’s about paying attention. Let the trees that speak to you be the ones you walk amongst. |
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| What has our jewellery brand Harmonite been up to? |
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It’s full-on collecting season. Every time I go out, I come back with a handful of treasures, baby leaves, blossom, seedheads, tiny ferns. The presses are absolutely crammed. I’ve been experimenting with some new ideas this month, though the ash leaves are already too big to use (compound leaves are tricky like that). I’m hoping to catch the ash keys when they’re still tiny and see what I can do with those instead. |
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| The changeable weather has certainly been noticeable this year in terms of timings, the birch trees were bare one minute and full of leaves the next, I wasn’t able to collect too many Birch, but the Oak leaves seemed to stay small for almost a week which was helpful! |
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| What have I been writing? |
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My forest bathing book is on its second proof. At long last it’s starting to look like something I won’t want to hurl into the compost bin. Editing is slow going (why do I always forget how long it takes?), but it’s taking shape. Follow my author page to be notified when the publication date finally arrives and do sign up as an advanced reader if you would like a Kindle copy completely free of charge. Thank you to those of you who have already signed up – much appreciated.I’ve also written a few new blog posts— everything from Satnavs, Chainsaws, and the Slow Death of Common Sense, to Step Counters, ‘Safe’ Playgrounds and Mushroom packaging! |  |
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| What have I been influenced by lately? |
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Between Trump’s latest policies and rising shipping costs, I’ve had to stop sending products to the US for now. Honestly, it’s gutting. I love my US customers, but the bureaucracy has made it near impossible for a small business like mine to be profitable over there. The USD to GBP exchange rate is also a mixed blessing. Great if you’re heading to America on holiday. Not so great if you’re being paid in USD, like I am. Every month brings another micro-headache. The joys of running a small, yet global, business. On the bright side, my garden is an actual delight at the moment, rows of little seedlings pushing through, sunny morning watering rituals… the lot. Less delightful: Percy, the neighbour’s cat, who has taken a deeply personal interest in my asparagus bed. He is not helping. I was also temporarily responsible for my Mum’s new allotment recently, whilst she was away, and spent a relaxing few visits watching bees busy in her apple orchard. Shame she will have to wait another year to see them for herself. |  |
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| One small business helping out another … |
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Pots and Pithoi
What a gorgeous little place, tucked away in Turners Hill. If you’ve ever wanted your garden to look like it belongs somewhere sun-drenched and ancient, Pots and Pithoi is a gem. Their handmade terracotta pots are crafted using traditional Cretan techniques; solid, beautiful, and built to last. And if you visit in person, don’t miss the on-site café. Excellent food, peaceful setting, and the kind of place you end up staying way longer than planned. |
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| A final word from the woodland… |
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The trail cam by the badger sett has been busy—at least four adult badgers caught on film, though still no sign of cubs. Maybe later this month? Also: a blackbird built a nest in the logstore and laid four perfect eggs… and then vanished. No drama, no fox, just… gone. I keep checking in case she’s come back, but it’s looking unlikely. Magpie news: I witnessed one mimicking a buzzard this week. Sounded exactly like it, until it flew into view, landed and gave itself away. Never seen that before. Add in the slow worms under the tin sheets and the grass snake warming itself on the camp steps, and it’s been a very herpetological week. Until next time…
Blessings from Rais!
Joanne
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