Autumn in The Forest Of Dean

Its November in The Forest Of Dean and Autumn this year seems to be in its most colurful in years. Everywhere I look there are yellows and oranges of all shades. The beech leaves in particular this year are bright yellow as though calling out for attention. They have attracted my attention, my undivided attention....No, that is not wholly true. How can it be when the Oak and the birch too are screaming for this same attention. The whole of The Forest Of Dean is calling out in colour, an announcement that winter is on its way.

Autumn through to winter.These are my favourite times of year in the forest. So intriguing and so diverse in weather conditions from frost to fog and rain to snow. The woodland goes into a big sleep, but if you're lucky....really lucky you may see an old acient oak peering through a half opened sleepy eye at you as you pass under its branches rustling the leaves as you go. You may even be lucky enough to see wild boar turning over the earth in search of a winters feast.

November and October in the forest brings a sound of what could be described as sounds from a wild monster. The hollow low deep call of stags bellowing out for supremacy. The rutting and clashing of antlers as they fight to win the hearts of doe.

How can life be so eventful yet to most it passes by without them even witnessing this amazing change and activity.

Its all too easy to baton up the hatches and stay within the warmth of a dwelling. If you venture out into the woods and sit,listen and watch you too may witness what I have heard and seen.