Llyn Clywedog is a 9.5km long reservoir in Mid Wales. As a child, my wife and her family used to visit here regularly. They used to sail around the reservoir, and would often spend the night on board their boat. On a recent camping trip we went to see if anything had changed...
It is a stunning location, nestling in the mountains, and flanked by woodland on one side. We followed a path into the trees and were lucky to see an abundance of wildlife. The day was capped with an evening run where we saw a brown and white badger charging down the hillside. An escape into nature is good for body and mind, but we all need to do much more to look after the little unspoilt countryside we still have.
Clywedog
Leap the babbling brook. Peaty soil greets both feet with earthy hugs. Sherbet primrose start line for an uphill snowdrop slalom
Which snakes from the lake through a colourful coppice To a purple peak of bluebells ringing and singing, “This is where the top is!”. Majestic and enchanting. Pretty petals dancing carefree with the bees. Onwards. Each step rewarded with fresh sights and sounds. The spring of the ground kissing boots and raising spirits, Tapping into virgin reserves of curiosity and excitement, Excavating youth and unleashing hounds of hope, sniffing for adventure. Onwards. Dry twigs crack, dead branches snap; arboreal percussion. Forest floorchestra plays live. Wood, wind, reeds and warm sun.
Stop. Look around. A million shades of greens and browns. Close eyes tight and count to ten. Deep slow breaths, then open them and Feel the life that’s all around! In the trees and on the ground. Gaze in wonder, drink in nature ‘til your smile can get no greater This planet is beautiful! No concrete walls or metal fences. No confines for the heart or senses. Soak up every ray of light, the fauna and the wildlife. The scent of garlic in the breeze. The feathered choir in the trees. Let toes take root and eyes get used to spy what thrives ‘neath verdant leaves.
Pink orchids come into focus. Celandine, cowslip, dog rose, crocus.
A scuffle in the undergrowth, bright, bulbous eyes of common toad
Who clambers onto smooth warmed rock to bask ten seconds ‘til he hops
Off startled by a lizard, rushing on some urgent mission.
Sunlight picks out sapphire shells of beetles next to chanterelles,
Tinder brackets, turkey-tail, pinned to trunks like coats of mail.
This is how it always is. This is how our wildlife lives.
Wild. Natural not man-made. Not told how they should all behave.
This is nature. Raw, untouched. From which we can learn so much.
Ecosystem interacting. Coexisting while adapting
To changes which we force on them by wrecking their environment.
Suddenly I’m pleased to see that toad is staring up at me I swear he gave a little grin, cordial amphibian Who doesn’t judge and does not sin. I wish I were more like him. Then with grief my soul was flooded Which of us is most cold blooded?
#clywedog #britishwildlife #nature #aspergers #autismawareness #autismacceptance #nature #thisisautism #livingonthespectrum #wales
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