Rosliston Forestry Centre – John's Postcards

Friday flowers – First signs of spring

Published on February 19, 2021February 18, 2021 by John’s Postcards14 Comments

Friday flowers – snowdrops.

Two years ago one of my first blog posts was about snowdrops and included the quote “No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” The words were appropriate then but are even more fitting in February 2021. Lockdown has made the winter seem very long. Any signs of spring, and the hope and promise of relaxation of restrictions, are welcome.

Last week we were grateful to receive our COVID vaccinations. We attended the Pirelli Stadium, home of Burton Albion Football Club and currently being used as a vaccination hub for the town. The process was everything we could wish for – efficient, well-organised and friendly. We should be offered our second injection by early May by which time spring will be in full swing. For us, this was a sign that better times are sure to follow.

Our few chats and phone calls with others, exchanging pleasantries with fellow walkers in the area and evesdropping on other people’s gossip during our walks show the main topic of conversation is, you’ve guessed it, ‘the jab’. ‘Have you had yours yet?’ (Yes) ‘Where did you go?’ (Pirelli Stadium) ‘Which did you get, Pfizer or Astra Zeneca?’ (Pfizer). ‘Have you got your second appointment yet?’ (No). ‘Did you get any side effects?’ (None at all).

So back to the humble snowdrop. It is often seen as a symbol of rebirth, hope and the ability to overcome challenges in life. The snowdrop can also be a symbol to show sympathy for somebody who is struggling. What an appropriate flower for this current time, so if you are looking for signs that after this long winter, spring is sure to follow, look no further and join us in Snowdrop Wood.

The most precious light

Published on November 10, 2020November 11, 2020 by John’s Postcards13 Comments

The most precious light is the one that visits you in your darkest hour. – Mehmet Murat ildan.

November, part of this season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness, close-bosom friend of the maturing sun’. The days are getting shorter and more and more of them are dull, grey and misty. What’s more, we have just started lockdown 2. We still try to get our daily walk but these are now directly from home or at the most, a short drive away.

After one such walk the other day, we were just about to return home mid-afternoon when the sun suddenly broke through and made a brief appearance.

It was indeed a precious light in an otherwise darkish hour. Photographing directly into the low sun can be a bit pot-luck but always worth a shot or two. In these days of digital photography there is nothing to lose. We have image editing software and apps at our disposal to rescue our efforts, and if all else fails, the ‘delete’ button is never far away.

Spring

Published on June 4, 2020June 4, 2020 by John’s Postcards12 Comments

Just over a year ago I wrote about ‘Mid May Landscapes’. Mid-May Landscapes

Here is this year’s offering of such photos, again taken at Rosliston Forestry Centre, part of The National Forest. Rosliston Forestry Centre

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Spring 2020 The car park and centre are closed due to the pandemic restrictions but access to the footpaths is still possible for walkers. It is a minor disadvantage not being able to park at the centre (they have promised to extend out annual car park pass!) but the big plus is that there are very few people there so it is good to enjoy the peace and quiet at this wonderful time of the year, especially in such good weather.