Protection

Artwork by Lorna Norton x

Written by: Lorna Norton

Harrogate traffic is usually pretty mind-numbing, sat bumper to bumper, just watching the lights ahead creep forward a few centimetres. The best thing about it though is that you have so much time to think! Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself coming back to the same theme, the same word; protection. 

Strangely a few situations at the homestead have revolved back to this word recently. It’s heartwarming really, especially in the darkness of Winter.

Charlotte and I have been trudging through the mud this month... our worries sticking firmly to the earth plastered all over us. We daren’t say the questions out loud sometimes for fear of what the answers might be. It might sound trivial, worrying about mud but nevertheless the worry is there. 

Will it ever dry up? 

Are we ruining the land?

How can we fix it?

Will anything grow in this? 

Are your hands chapped too?

Are your legs aching as much as mine?

How’s your washing machine doing?

It’s funny how mud can provide such a huge talking point within a community. We’re oh so aware of how difficult thick mud is for little legs to navigate, but my goodness they’re really learning so much whilst they do (more on this in a blog to come...)

Our main aims for the beginning of the year were to make it safe and try to protect what’s there. We’ve already changed the little ecosystem in the woodland, just by physically being there. The field too; the birds, mice and other animals, plants and trees all working together. How do we ensure these are all still safe and protected?

You’ll notice the pallet boardwalks helping you get from A to B and the wood chip pathways (thanks to everyone of you who’ve moved a load of wood chip recently and thanks to Wood Chip Tom for so kindly bringing us the magical stuff!) 

What you might not realise is behind the scenes we’re learning about the different kind of grass seed, which plants will grow in wetland areas, how to make fences and the different types of pallet! Blimey right!?

Please do bear with us as the land begins to change. Try to stick to the paths where you can, look out for the snowdrops and bluebells poking through, kick off your boots when you visit our Wander Yurt and help little legs understand the importance of looking after things. Help us protect what’s there and what’s coming. We have so many projects to juggle right now, making sure it’s all safe for you all is the top priority. 

Protection also came in a different, more primitive, intuitive way a few weeks ago. A tiny mouse, hurt, hungry or semi-dormant, we couldn’t quite figure out, was found by a group of children in the woods. Their ages ranged from 4-11. The beauty of the moment was incredible to watch and why we love mixed aged groups so much. 

The cry went out that a mouse was found. A little panic, a lot of excitement, some trepidation as to what do to. A real flurry of energy was certainly sent through the group. The oldest boy carefully scooped up the little brown ball as everyone gathered round. It was so beautiful to see each child look and really see the tiny creature. Together they realised the importance of protecting it. A collective understanding that it needed to be safe and out of the way of trampling feet. A need to take care of something other than their own needs. The oldest leading the dialogue for the littlest to hear. 

How wonderful to have these tiny moments physically change the pathways in their brains. Physical experiences which are remembered, stored away for the next time they see a little mouse. 

A really special moment and one I’ll certainly remember. 

Here’s to a community of fantastic folk like you. Coming together to be guardians of a little patch of land. Whether you visit us for an hour or longer, you too will leave your mark. Let’s take pride in our little space, carefully nurturing it for everyone to enjoy and those who come after us. With the most heartfelt thank you from the both of us.

xx