Walk in an evergreen forest.

Week 25 of my 52 Ways to Walk Odyssey. I’m still going strong. Will I see out the year?

It’s almost the longest day, and I don’t feel I have achieved much, walking-wise, this year. I still haven’t managed one of my mini long-distance routes with a few hotel or pub overnighters thrown in. There’s time yet.

A retreat of mine for a quick hour is the plantation up on Longridge Fell, which is called Cowley Brook  Woodland. I’ve been up there a few times this week and realised it provides me with that evergreen forest walk. Owned by Unite Utilities, originally a commercial pine plantation which was partially cleared a decade or so ago and replanted with deciduous trees. In that time, more evergreens have appeared, presumably from seeds in the ground. Looking back at an old post from 5 years ago, I am amazed to see how the woodland has developed. Compare a photo from February 2021 with today’s view. I wonder whether the planted deciduous trees will survive with all that natural competition?

The evergreens, specifically pines in this case (cedars, larches, firs, pines, and spruces), all have a distinctive resinous smell. Essential oils, phytoncides, are produced by the trees as a defence against insects, fungi and disease. These chemicals are said to have medical benefits, namely boosting immunity, reducing stress and aiding sleep. It is the latter that I am hoping for today. Walking in the forest in the afternoon on a warm, windless day is recommended. There have been a few of those this week,

I wander slowly through the woods, breathing deeply and touching the greenery as I pass. I realise I can’t always identify the coniferous species; there is a mixture in here, but it doesn’t matter for now. Larches, spruces and cypresses seem to be the most prominent in the ‘new’ plantation. I can immerse myself in the new trees, as most are just over head height.

Along the way, a Slippery Jack or a Larch Bolete, I forgot to check the tree, has suddenly appeared in the warm, moist weather.

Higher up the hill, mature pines and the more sterile commercial spruces are still standing, with their foliage many feet above.  So here I  concentrate on their bark and any resinous sap exuded from damaged areas. This is more pungent than the odour from squeezing the greenery of the low tees. It does stick to your fingers, though, and, without thinking, transfers to my phone’s touchscreen when taking pictures.

It is invigorating up here, and the day is enhanced by a chorus of bird song**. But my joy is blunted by finding the site of a campfire, right in the middle of the forest! and the associated litter, which I will deal with another day. It is difficult to understand some people.

Forest Bathing, the Japanese process of relaxation known as Shinrin Yoku, has become fashionable. I can see its appeal, and I intend to seek out more natural evergreen forests rather than commercial ones, if I can find any nearby. There is a small patch of possible Scots Pines across the way on a piece of fell I’ve never been on. This is where the cuckoos lay their eggs most years.  I’m surprised to still hear a male over there at this time of year.

So did I sleep any better – well, no. I am a bad sleeper at the best of times, and this week I have the added distraction of the World Cup. Broadcast from the States, so airing on our TV late at night and in the early hours. I should have brought some of that resin sap back with me.  That has suddenly brought back sensory memories of applying resin (rosin) to my bow when I played the cello. How wonderful, maybe I should buy a block to keep under my pillow.

**I have just come across this photographer’s website, which has an article on Cowley Brook.

Better go before the football starts, it could be a late night.