Early Signs

I had a Wellness Day yesterday, a nice free day off from my employers to do with whatever I like. I certainly did not waste the day and decided to stay local and walk over Baildon Moor and down towards Tong Park to visit my favourite oak tree for a chat and a hug.

It was a very muddy affair due to the soggy start to the year and it surprised me when I checked back to see when I last visited this place and it was a very hot day in June, it really is remarkable where the time goes.

Each time I visit here I intend to bring some ribbon so I can measure the diameter of the trunk with the aim of attempting to place an age on the tree, alas I forgot again. Looking at the size of the trunk and despite the gnarled appearance and the bulges, I don't think the tree will be that old, maybe 150 years, sadly I will have to keep on guessing until my next visit.

Many people dislike this time of year, the dark nights, miserable weather and post Christmas gloom but there are reasons to be positive and our friend the oak tree can provide some welcome assistance in this area. On closer inspection yesterday small buds were developing on its branches, a true sign that Spring is only around the corner and that the first signs of the tree starting to leaf in March will soon be here.

Although the oak tree lacks the majesty and grandeur in appearance currently when compared to the Summer, there is much activity ongoing within the tree to ensure its survival throughout the Winter.

The tree's bark protects it from the cold and keeps the liquids inside the oak safe from freezing and at the same time the tree takes fluids from its cells to keep itself hydrated. Most of the tree's nutrients are stored in the roots over the Winter months, however help is still needed from microscopic filaments and mycorrhizal fungi to extract phosphate from the surrounding soil.

Despite the oak tree's Winter appearance, it still retains its unmistakable ovate shape which sets it apart from most other British tree species. Although it was not the weather for a picnic yesterday, it was still nice to rest under its branches for a short time, enjoying the peace and quiet. I paid my usual respects to the tree and also gave it a big hug. I have said this before, there is something quite soothing about hugging a tree and I highly recommend it as part of nature's gift of healing.

I will leave it a couple of months now until I visit this wonderful tree again, remembering my piece of ribbon and with the comfort of knowing that by then Spring will be well underway and the tree will show signs of its readiness for the season of renewal.