Stricknage Wood in the New Forest - this is a lovely section of heath, ancient woods, grass meadows and clearings and of course the Rufus Stone.

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An Ancient Sound

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It took me a long time to realise that greater spotted woodpeckers don’t have a song like the warble of a wren or bubble of a skylark – instead they drum on dead wood to establish their territories.   In Cobham the other day we heard what sounded like several different woodpeckers coming from every angle, but was probably only two.   The sound is very ancient – I can imagine our ancestors hearing the song like a sort of primitive drum, pushing through the silence of trees after a storm.   Years ago when I was recovering from a back operation I used to see a greater spotted woodpecker come to our birdfeeder about 5am or 6am every morning to feed on nuts and seeds before the madness of sparrows and blue tits later on.   Its call is short, sharp and surprised-sounding.  This is a painting I did back in 2014.
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Birdsong

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What Ifs

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As somebody who suffers from generalised anxiety disorder, depression and OCD, I can really understand people's worries and fears at this difficult time.  The worst thing is the unknown - the what ifs that multiply in the mind.  Known as catastrophising, this is typical anxiety territory - things escalating out of control in the mind.  It is so important to be mindful, and enjoy something simple like making a cup of tea, having a bath, going for a walk or listening to the birds in the garden.  What is lovely is the natural world and animals' general oblivion to the disease - cattle are still grazing, lambs are still springing and birds are still singing.  Having said this, animals can pick up on panic and worry.  All of my friends and family who have pets are finding them a great comfort at the moment, and dogs especially can see when you are feeling low and give you an instant boost. Below are some highland cattle in Cobham Woods, painted in oils on canv...
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