Magical woodland on my doorstep

My local woodland, though not large, is simply magical to my mind. It's the old type of British woodland with a mixture of native trees, all mingled in together, with a carpet of wild flowers beneath them. At this time of year the wood anemone, celandine's, dog mercury and a few daffodils were all showing off their finery with the bluebells looking like they were just waiting to burst forth and carpet the floor with their blue hue. It is rich in wildlife and is the source of a fresh water spring, for those who know where to look. A hidden gem, known to locals but hardly visited by others. My family have walked there for generations. It's where each generation in turn was taught by the preceding one about the rich variety of our wild flowers and the natural treasures to be found almost on our doorstep.

Wood Anemone and Celandine

 Dog Mercury

 Violet

 Reg plays hide and seek

I'm lucky to live close to several woods; many Forestry Commission owned pine forests, what remains of the once mighty Sherwood Forest and then all the smaller woods that once would have formed part of the massive forest which covered this area until the progress of man. My health means I'm not as able to visit and walk through them as I once did, but even a brief visit to woodland can refresh the spirit, clear the mind and give us a gentle nudge to remember what is important in our lives.