The conservationist and visionary, courageous writer Rachel Carson, is quoted as saying: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts”.

We could all do with some extra reserves of strength in these chaotic times, couldn’t we?  It is indeed in working with soil and nature, that we find our moments of sanity, calm and composure.  Nature puts the wider world in perspective, teaching us to slow down, do something creative, something that uses all the senses with which we have all been blessed and there – if we look for it – find the wisdom and common sense needed to sustain our daily lives. 

It is an honour to work in the Sheepscombe valley, something we never take for granted here.  To find simple companionship (a big thanks to all our amazing volunteers, you know who you are!) working with like minded souls who find solace in nature, is a blessing.   It is in the soil that the real miracles take place.  Despite the best efforts of man, over the centuries, to destroy this amazing earth upon which we are so privileged to live, still the soil rewards us.  Plant a seed and the natural, ancient connection, between that life form and the soil produces a living plant – food, flower, herbs, trees….that nourish and sustain us in so many different ways, connected to the wider eco-system.  Thus the lifecycle continues.

Have you ever really looked inside a flower, or any plant? Whether something as complex as a seed head, a flower in your garden, or public park – look more closely and you will find an astonishing creation of shape, colour and texture.  All of these plants are individual life forms nurtured and made possible by soil, the earth, the greater eco-system.   So ahead of Valentine’s Day, these are just some simple thoughts… Love and care for nature and it will care for you.  Our love letter to the land.