"Suddenly my feet are feet of mud, it all goes slow mo......."

Suspended in Gaffa

What was it about the fourth track from the 1982 Kate Bush 'The Dreaming' album that reminded me of wild places? After searching and sifting my grey matter for most of the journey home tonight the answer struck me. It was right in front of me, like the bare trees in the forest this morning. It is something that I like to revisit time and time again.

Going into the forest, or the highlands of Scotland, or the Howgills, is an experience that changes every time I visit these places. Being able to visit and revist many many times over a favourite place and it still being able to give me a new adventure is exciting.

Today marked the return to Grizedale Forest with John Muir Candidates after a long absence and it was a good morning that we all had learninga about natural regeneration, how to recognise tree species, how to work safely with regard to other forest users, how to use tools safely, how to listen and apply instructions, but more importantly how to think about what was being done and why it was being done.

It was a revisit to a favourite place and it was an exciting adventure.

"It's in the trees! It's coming! When I was a child, hiding in the night, afraid of what might be....."

Hounds of Love

It has been quite a while since the candidates have returned to the natural classroom to continue with their work understanding how all things fit together. This is not due, as some would say, to the cold and snowy weather that is all around us at the moment, but due to an unfortunate accident while I was trying to help Santa!

Shane and Megan our Conserver candidates are busy thinking of ideas to make their work interesting and useful. Contacts have been made with other agencies that are involved with environmental projects, this will give our students the chance to put into practical use the skills they have acquired working with the rangers in Grizedale Forest.

I am planning a set of walks in the wild lands north of the Border during the Easter break to discover and explore the open countryside of the Scottish hills and Glens. I will be sharing some of my experiences with you when I return.