Winter Solstice 2010

Yule Greetings to all


Christmas brings with it many traditions and it is probably the one time when many of us still practice a few old folklore customs today.

The Holly
Though holly doubtless was, and still is, brought into the house for its shiny green leaves and berries, which reflect the light and add colour to the dark days of Yule,
Holly was also brought into the house variously to protect the home from malevolent faeries or to allow faeries to shelter in the home without friction between them and the human occupants. Whichever of prickly-leaved or smooth-leaved holly was brought into the house first dictated whether the husband or wife respectively were to rule the household for the coming year.
Although the felling of whole trees was said to bring bad luck, the taking of boughs for decoration, and the coppicing of trees to provide winter food, was allowed.
Folklore suggested that the wood had an affinity for control, especially of horses, and most whips for ploughmen and horse-drawn coaches were made from coppiced holly.

Holly trees were traditionally known for protection from lightning strikes, to which end they were planted near a house. In European mythology, holly was associated with thunder gods such as Thor and Taranis. We now know that the spines on the distinctively-shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thereby protecting the tree and other nearby objects. Modern science occasionally catches up with an explanation for what may previously have been dismissed as superstitious lore!

A year long Bimble

Well that's a year gone already,I hope those who read this blog has enjoyed seeing the comings & goings of Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve.
Through out the year it has taken me on a fancinating journey enjoying all the wildlife & fauna, But Alas as the saying goes " All good things come to an end"

The men & machines rolled in on the 22nd of November


They've already started clearing near "The Beach" & when the Devestation & Carnage is finished they (English Nature/Natural England & the Rangers of Swanholme Lakes Nature reserve) hope to clear 90% of the Trees & all of the Rhododendron, Yes you read that right a WHOLE 90% of the Trees !!! so forget all the baloney about only 4 metres from the Lakes edge, I reckon the only trees left will be the lucky ones on an Island !!

Sure no-one would argue about the Rhododenron being cleared & thin some of the Trees but to clear 90% of ALL the Trees is in my opinion a travesty. Still at least if we all keep our dogs on a lead when walking around the descimation they won't damage the area !
SOLSTICE BIMBLE

What a beautiful SOLSTICE day it has been, i had the pleasure of seeing the Lunar Eclipse, & the spectacular view of Winter a real hard frost making the Trees sparkle & glimmer, Lighting up hidden paths & inviting you to take a Bimble off the beaten tracks, Here's some pictures i took on my Bimble round today enjoy them & remember Us Humans might think we're having it hard this Winter spare a thought to the Wildlife & keep some water from freezing & put your scraps out.











Enjoy the festive Season & have a Bimble around Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve

Winter here already/devastation

Well I hope you're all wrapped up warm and coping throughout this rather bleak winter that has sudddenly appeared and caused chaos to the city and country.
Myself and a mate decided to have a walk into Swanholme on sunday 5th December via the black bridge...MY GOD how it's changed in the reserve!!!
The snow has brought down a few trees on the walk from the black bridge to the bog marshes (see photos, click to enlarge)

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO THE BOG MARSHES?
I honestly thought I was in a different nature reserve today and not the one i've come to cherish and love

The lakes almost completely frozen over BUT are not that frozen that you can walk on them unless you are a duck.

Lastly you'll have to forgive the formatting as I appear to be useless at the moment with blogging, or maybe it's the vodka i'm sipping while sat near this nice warm fire?
Paul

the Fungi are well and truly here

Sunday 10/10/10 (By Paul)
I've not been out in the reserve for a few week so being such a nice day decided the camera and I would have to make a visit.
Autumn is settng in and what was once green is now starting to turn yellow and brown, not only that but the Fungi are beginning to make a huge appearance, fly agaric seem to be almost everywhere and some extremely large.
The dragon flies appear to have done their job in repopulating themselves and have passed away until next year, I didn't see a single one.

Click the images to enlarge.

Paul.

DEVASTATION COMING !!

Volunteers from R.A.F Cranwell

Folks changes are a coming to the beautiful Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve & in my opinion NOT all for the good!!
There has been lots of conflicting reports & rumours over the last year about the actual work being carried out in Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve.
There is a press release happening Monday 11th Oct & the plans are available at the RANGERS STATION near the cafe & campsite Work starts in November, From what i have heard the WHOLE area is going to be cleared of ALL TREES ( a few left Copiced) & the Rhododendrons cleared, NOT as i was lead to believe just a thinning out of the TREES & ALL Rhododendron cleared, They say to return it back to HEATHLAND !!! urrrrm can someone tell me WHEN Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve was a Heathland ?? i've lived around Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve for 40yrs & never seen it as such,
Please folks go see the plans & raise your objections BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE !!



Who cares if you can see all the Lakes standing in one spot Who gives a Toss if some of the houses cannot see the Cathedral ?? WHAT total utter BOLLOCKS This conservation work is NOT what is best for Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve, so Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve does not have ground nesting birds whoopadee fucking doo, it has a whole host of other fantastic wildlife.

FUNGI
What a cracking year for Fungi in Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve, As you can see from previous posts & with that comes the RAPISTS they are not FORAGERS as they do not just take what they need for a meal they take everything they see put the Fungi in PLASTIC carrier bags (not wicker which lets the Fungi Spore)



The main culprits are Eastern Europeans who say "Where we come from we can do this" well go back where you come from then or ABIDE by OUR LAW !!
A cheery picture to end with my first sighting this year of HOLLY berries,


Also i'm pleased to announce that some of the rubbish that was dumped along Walcot bank has been removed.

Autumn

Lake Coot major View

Autumn is here & summer is on it's way out, i've had a great summer enjoying Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve, During the School holiday period there has been some criminal damage & destruction from mindless SPACKTARDS & to some extent this has spoilt the pleasure & enjoyment of a good Bimble round, i know i keep harking on but i just cannot understand why folk come for picnics or walks because it's such a beautiful tranquil place then feel they have to just destroy that peace & tranquility & beauty by deliberatly causing criminal damage or trashing the area & leave all their crap behind, Now i whole heartedly agree with the people who i've questioned why they leave their trash & the answer is always the same "WHERE'S THE BINS" ? I've brought this subject up quite a few times with the Rangers & according to them "English Nature or Natural England" or whatever they're calling themselves today refuse to allow BINS in Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve !!!, which i personally find astounding as they allow Dogshit Bins maybe it's because the Rangers have'nt got enough time to empty them ?? Along WALCOT BANK is particularly bad with FLYTIPPING again, i managed to get the last lot cleared by nagging the local councillor at voting time, after reporting it for months to the Rangers the councillor did act & got it moved apart from a Mattress that is still there over a year after it was first dumped !! so perhaps next election time this new lot will get shifted. I have reported the teenage lad with his wheelbarrow who is dumping the stuff but as of now NOTHING to my knowledge is being done yet. sometimes i wonder why bother.



I have given Author access to Paul a cracking chap you've no doubt seen around Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve with his Camera, so he'll be giving his insight & knowledge of the area too, i'm already looking forward to his first posting with his superb pictures.



Work is about to start by contractors clearing the RHODODENDRONS & thinning out some of the trees so please be aware & keep to the main paths.

I really do enjoy Autumn with the leaf/bark colours a little chill in the air & the FUNGI popping up, they are such magical plants no wonder myths & folklore surround them, the most recognisable is this one the Red Fly Agaric i keep looking for the elves/pixies & Faeries underneath.





PLEASE BE WARNED PICKING FUNGI IN SWANHOLME LAKES NATURE RESERVE CARRIES A £20,000 FINE
I'm just waiting now for the first frost to be able to enjoy these rosehips.


This plant here is called a "Royal Fern" a pretty rare sight & it's doing well lets hope the contractors leave it that way.

SUMMER SOLSTICE 2010

WEEKLY VIEW
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Plant info
St Johns Wort,Hypericum Perforatum-devil-chaser,


The young maid stole through the cottage door,
And blushed as she sought the Plant of pow'r;--
'Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light,
I must gather the mystic St. John's wort tonight,
The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decide
If the coming year shall make me a bride.

St. John's Wort was considered potent against faeries,and was thought to be able to strip a witch of her will.
St.John's wort was in great request, and hence it was extensively worn as an amulet(bracelet)when not only witches by common report peopled the air, but evil spirits wandered about on no friendly errand.
The red sap of this plant resembles blood. "If anyone trod on the plant after sunset a fairy-house would appear and carry them about. Used on Midsummer, when picked under certain conditions and while uttering certain words, for divination"
In England, it was the ancient custom on St. John's Eve to light large bonfires after sundown, which served the double purpose of providing light to the revelers and warding off evil spirits. This was known as 'setting the watch'. People often jumped through the fires for good luck. In addition to these fires, the streets were lined with lanterns, and people carried cressets (pivoted lanterns atop poles) as they wandered from one bonfire to another. These wandering, garland-bedecked bands were called a 'marching watch'. Often they were attended by morris dancers, and traditional players dressed as a unicorn, a dragon, and six hobby-horse riders. Just as May Day was a time to renew the boundary on one's own property, so Midsummer's Eve was a time to ward the boundary of the city.
Medicinal
Remedies For:

Anxiety

Depression

Inflammation of the skin

Blunt Injuries

Wounds and Burns

Recurrent Ear infection

Vitiligo

Being tested for AIDS.
Antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial.
Modern medical research has shown that Hypericum can be as effective as prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. However, unlike prescription antidepressants, Hypericum's side effects are few and mild. The standardized extract of St. John's Wort (containing 0.14 percent hypericin) has significant support in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

Taken internally, St. Johns Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, which gives it a place in the treatment of neuralgia, anxiety, tension and similar problems. It is especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition to neuralgic pain, it will ease fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain.
Externally it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy. As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially useful for the healing of sunburn.
The calming properties of St. John's Wort have been useful in treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well as some form of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken for stomach ache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for the congestion in the lungs. A tea made from the flowers is good for anemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A tea made from the herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also make a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin problems.
St. John's Wort is also being tested as an AIDS drug. There are evidence of its antiviral actions. Anecdotal reports have claimed hypericin is beneficial for persons with HIV virus. There are also reports that hypericin extract works synergistically with AZT against HIV. Further clinical research is in progress in this area.
PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL EXPERTS ADVICE (Doctor-GP) BEFORE TAKING ANY PLANT.

Solstice Stroll



I had a really enjoyable stroll round Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve today having got up for the Summer Solstice.
It was nice seeing the wildflowers brightening the place up,




Some From Paul J





Fun Competion Time

These next pictures are Taken from every Bench/viewpoint in Swaholme Lakes Nature Rserve,On Summer Solstice Day 2010, See if you know which Bench/Viewpoint each picture was taken from.
They are all from looking STRAIGHT FORWARD.
If the Rangers read this I wonder how many the Rangers will get right !!

















So folks Comment or EMAIL in your answers