A walk in the woods with the Runemaker (continued)

We take the path that leads through the hazel and aspen stands, but find no more suitable branches, so it's onward and homeward we walk.

The brook that runs across the south edge of the woods is a haven for osier willow and elder, trees that like the damp ground.

The brook is almost hidden by fallen leaves and the ground is boggy, too soft to venture far from the path.

 
Briar and Dog Rose grow here, their branches laden with fruit. Tradition has it that a heavy crop of autumn berries means a hard winter to follow. Old countrymen will tell you it's nature's way of fattening up the birds in readiness for the barren months ahead.

More evidence of the hard winter to come - fat berries on the hedgerow of hawthorn trees, and juicy boxberries line the path that takes us back to the car.

The Runemaker is heading for home with the Alder branch. There will be another woods for him to visit tomorrow and he will see this favourite spot again in a few weeks.

And where are you off to now? Well, you can watch the Runemaker at work if you like. Come into the workshop and take a look  . . . .