I really enjoyed this! Who knew trees could count? I loved this video. I just discovered I can play the sound from my phone onto my Alexa and the natural sounds sounded wonderful, just like I was in the woodlands. Absolutely beautiful colours! Makes me want to go to for a woodland walk.
When my son was little many years ago there was a mighty oak tree on a trail that we frequented quite often. We would sit at the base of this tree and talk and think. In fact he called it our "thinking tree." He is grown now and has moved on but I still visit our "thinking tree" every chance I get. I wish everyone could have a special tree like this. Thank you Paul for a great video.👍
That's a stunning wood! Managed by Devon Wildlife Trust I do believe. Close to the old Tamerton Foliot Station on the Gunnislake like. Glad you have a great wood close by Jonathan! Paul
Hi Paul! This makes me want to go for a walk in the forest. Loved your description of the relaxing feeling that being in a forest creates. Trees are so amazing. It's fascinating to hear how they respond to the different changes in the environment and adjust their growth. Gloucestershire Woodland sounds like such a wonderful place to visit.
Thank you Donna - hope you are keeping well. Yes, 'my' little woodland is precious to me (hence why I keep the location secret - although there are a couple of rights of way leading to it), but there are many others in the area. I try to get a walk in woods and forests (we have The Forest of Dean and the Wyre Forest not too far away) as much as I can. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care, Paul
Hello Paul and thanks for the lovely video. I'm so glad you decided to revisit this beautiful place. Nothing beats the sights and sounds of an English woodland, never mind what time of year it is. Incredible information about trees. I certainly learnt a lot following your explanation and biology lesson. I live about 200 metres away from a massive pine and deciduous forest which contains all sorts of wild animals - european moose, deer, wild boar beaver, foxes and badgers as well as ravens, buzzards, song birds and owls. The peace and tranquility that this forest gives me, helps my well being and offers a place of sanctuary when times are tough
Thank you Michael for this suggestion! I think it was a great one. Yes, I learnt loads too during the course of researching this video. Some of those facts I had to double and triple check as they sounded too fanciful from initial readings. Turns out they are true - the counting one using light is just - wow! There isn't much in the way of vast range wildlife here, apart from the birds, which you heard on the soundtrack, and squirrels, and the odd fox & badger. No evidence of deer unfortunately. I did hear an owl just before I was leaving but had put my mics away then. There were certainly a fair few crows, blackbirds, finches and robins. Maybe more at night. Glad you have a woodland nearby too! Thanks again! Take care, Paul
As a newer subscriber I’ve really enjoyed my first visit to your cherished wood. My daily walks are along the beach, and although relaxing they are different to walking in woodland. This beautiful film has been a useful reminder to get out into the countryside again soon.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed your first visit to this lovely Gloucestershire Woodland. Yes, I used to walk along a beach daily too, both when I lived in South Milton in Devon and previously in Perranporth in Cornwall. Can be very bracing and reviving as well. Regards, Paul
Remember walking across the fields from Cam Green to Coaley on Sunday mornings and strolling through a small wood in the 1950's with my Dad, and those memores still inspire me today.
I posted earlier- but it has disappeared. I checked it was there when I posted - very odd! Another great informative video. I am a fairly new subscriber so wasn’t aware of your other woodland videos! It is a subject that isn’t much aired. I had heard how when the first tree in a wood is attacked by hungry insects it manages to sent alarm messages to the others so they have time to produce toxins to ward off the invaders. Presumably this is achieved via the root systems. ( I remember when King Charles was mocked by the media for talking to his plants to encourage their growth-apparently research has proved this actually does work) It is such an alien system of communication that it is difficult to comprehend. A very thought provoking video. Thanks for dedicating it to the people of Valencia
Thank you Diana! Oh, sorry to hear that your original comment dissapeared - it wasn't me! Very occasionally, that does happen to comments - I have no idea why! Glad you have now found my woodland videos. Yes, the root system for inter-tree communication is a bit like our telephone and internet connections. We still don't fully understand how it works, even now. But it is very clever, and not an automatic chemical system as was first thought. There is much, much more going on in tree societies that we have yet to learn about. You are right about King Charles and 'talking to plants' - it has indeed proved to work, but again we don't fully know how - after all they don't have ears! Presumibly by micro vibrations on tiny hairs on the stems, but, after that?! Glad you found it thought provoking. Take care, Paul
I walk twice a day in local woods around May Hill/Longhope. I need those woodland walks like we need oxygen. Throughout the most upsetting months watching my father deteriorating with Dementia the woods have been like a comfort blanket and the place I go to heal. This is such a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing your special place as that can be difficult to do ❤
Thank you! As a born and bred Gloucestershireian (is that a word?) and current resident of that county, I am ashamed to say I have not yet been up May Hill! However, as you may know, I am in the process of doing The Geo Park Way and May Hill is near the end of the long distance walk from Bridgnorth before you get in to Gloucester. Glad you too have somewhere nearby which is imporant to you. Take care, Paul
@ Looking forward to those videos. The Wysis trail will pass through Huntley Estate which I know well as walk it daily so you never know I may bump into you. I would recommend visiting May Hill as know you will love it, its not just the views, it just has something magical about it. Rob Guest who lives in the village has written a great book with details of all the history and folklore of the estate and May Hill . It can be ordered through May Hill hub as it’s not on sale through normal channels. You would definitely bring the history alive as you always do. Patrick Leach did a video of the hill. Thank you for such wonderfully soothing videos . They are the calmness on days when the world feels crazy and unkind 🙏🏻❤️
Ah, it is the Geo Park Way that I am doing (Bridgnorth to Gloucester running along the spine of the Malvern Hills) and not the Wysis Way (which goes west to east, Monmouth to Kemble) although that was one of the long distance paths I did consider doing. They both cross over May Hill. Hoping to do the next section of the Geo Park Way soon. Your comment makes me look forward to it even more! Take care, Paul
Yes I watch The Solitary Rambler too (Patrick Leech) - he has returned to Forest of Dean recently (well for the summer - I think he lives in Derbyshire now). Really good UA-cam Channel and a great chap too.
Fascinating video Paul - I've never really thought about how trees know when to start growing their leaves and when they need to withdraw into themselves to preserve energy. I love wandering through the woods - the smells and sounds make them so relaxing and they're so pretty especially in the autumn. I haven't been around them in a while but Leigh Woods are lovely to walk around.
Thank you Jesse! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, you are right, Leigh Woods are stunning and such an important 'lung' for the City of Bristol. Take care, Paul
Just spotted in your notes about storm dana. These storms occur frequently at spring and autumn and are known colloquially as "gota fria", a cold drop. Normally they pass over fairly quickly but on this occasion the depression was stationary over Spain for many days leading to a concentration of storms over a wide area. The more official name for this is a DANA which is a Spanish acronym meaning an high altitude isolated depression.
As you point out, trees make the maximum use of the restorative properties of their environment, to which they also contribute. We should do the same. Nice video, thank you!
Thanks Malcolm! yes, this super little woodland has been, and continues to be, a life saver for me, and probably a few others too. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care, Paul
Thank you! I am glad more and more people are learning not only about the benefits of nature and healing, but also about the importance of talking about their feelings and 'inner self' - it is so important. Take care, Paul
Hi Paul, It's a lovely wood to have nearby and you're right they are very special places. We are very lucky to live near open land, a short walk up a ravine takes me to the woods and which then border over a deep valley with great views. Actually, I forget, you have seen part of this on a video I did. I never tire of doing this walk. Early Autumn I always go and come back with a couple of bags of kindling (no good waiting for the feast of Stephen!!). I didn't know anything about the sensory capabilities of trees, really fascinating. There is no better place to get shade from the sun. Recently I came across a Japanese word Komorebi, literally, “sunlight leaking through trees,” this word describes the beauty and wonder of rays of light dappling through overhead leaves, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. We need to adopt that word for sure. I started watching this video and had to pause because we got a video call from Valencia, it was my nephew Pau, Marisa's son. He has travelled back from the Canary Isles where he lives, to help out with the clearing up and provide some support for his mum. Unfortunately today heavy storms have affected the area again so they have been unable to do anything. The storms have affected the Málaga region heavily today. We are fine but have been in the clouds all day!! Thank you for your concern for those affected. There is a red cross fund set up, we will make a donation there. A great video Paul, well done!! PS: Seeing your tree at the end really made me smile!!
Thank you David - hope you are having a good weekend. I love that Japanese word for the dancing light phenomenon going through trees. Yes, I saw that storms have been affecting those areas again, hampering cleaning up operations. So terrible! Glad your nephew has come back to help out. I seem to remember that deep valley walk you did and did a video about. Yes, the end caption card is from a photo I took when leaving that wood three years ago at sunset. Take care, Paul
I live in the US now. I hadn’t been home (Stroud) in a couple of years, and came back for about a week. Took a walk through Standish Wood, and it really is amazing that there’s nothing like an English woodland. It felt peaceful, fulfilling, and I really felt home for those couple of hours
Thank you - and yes, you can't beat a native English Woodland. Standish Wood from Westrip to Haresfield Beacon in Gloucestershire is simply superb. Long may it remain protected. Take care, Paul
Paul that was so interesting watching your video on woodlands. We ourselves have in the past have both suffered from Mental health issues we find Sutton Park where we live in sutton coldfield one of our special places, we often go very early in a morning as it is much quieter and we totally understand the benefits you described from the trees and the wildlife we didn't realise you had done these videos and we will watch all of them, thankyou regards Gary and Julie Smith.
Thank you Gary & Julie. Yes, it was another subscriber's suggestion that I return to this woodland again, to do another video from it. I had forgotten of course that I have gained many new subscribers since then, and UA-cam tends to mostly promote newer videos, rather than 'back catalogue' ones, so a lot of people would have not seen this series. Glad you have 'discovered' this little woodland now too, and glad you have the wonderful Sutton Park to walk in - I went there many years ago. It is such a help with restoring our mental health. Take care, Paul
Thanks for this video it made me realise that it's been a while since I've taken a walk in one of my local Gloucestershire woods, will have to remedy that. Will also check out the other woodland series of videos. The sounds of an English woodland are wonderful.
Thank you for that comment Lin! You have just reminded me that I didn't link to the original videos in this series. I have now set up a new 'A Gloucestershire Woodland' playlist, where anyone can watch them all in order from the beginning, if they wish. You can find the playlist here: ua-cam.com/play/PLzpoc4meRG9h1ePJm2I8FGnBLJtDJgX1y.html Glad you liked it and thanks for watching and commenting too. Take care, Paul
Fascinating Video Paul, you had me gripped right from the start as you talked about the woodland being your happy place or safe place as it were and it took me back to when you visited my village recently and we were having the same conversation about the woodland in my area where i felt the same way and i also recall you mentioning that you felt the same not only in your woodland but also in mine. Great video so well put together and narrated beautifully. thank you Paul! i really enjoyed this Vlog. Best Wishes Darren👌👌👌👍
Thank you Darren. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, very similar (good) feelings in both your community woodland and this one. It was quite misty when I filmed this one (just over a week ago now) - but I had a nice walk in another wood in the sunshine today. Take care, Paul
Another good video. You might come across my son on your woodland walks. He's the local authority Arborculturalist. I'm sure he agrees with everything you say.
Thank you Frank. Yes, I think I may probably bump into your son one day! I am often in woods in Gloucestershire and further afield across the West. Take care, Paul.
How wonderful to be back in your precious wood. I can't believe it has been 2 years. The sights & sounds are so good.
Thank you Faith - and, yes, I was shocked to find out it was two years ago too!
Take care,
Paul
I really enjoyed this! Who knew trees could count? I loved this video. I just discovered I can play the sound from my phone onto my Alexa and the natural sounds sounded wonderful, just like I was in the woodlands. Absolutely beautiful colours! Makes me want to go to for a woodland walk.
Thank you Louise!
Glad you enjoyed spending a few minutes in this wood.
Glad you enjoyed the natural sounds too!
Paul
When my son was little many years ago there was a mighty oak tree on a trail that we frequented quite often. We would sit at the base of this tree and talk and think. In fact he called it our "thinking tree." He is grown now and has moved on but I still visit our "thinking tree" every chance I get. I wish everyone could have a special tree like this. Thank you Paul for a great video.👍
Thank you Daryl.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I do like the concept of a 'thinking tree' - that's brilliant!
Take care,
Paul
Warleigh wood near Tamerton is my "go to" woodland. Woods, Tamar, Tavy and "Tamar valley line " nothing better.☺️
That's a stunning wood! Managed by Devon Wildlife Trust I do believe. Close to the old Tamerton Foliot Station on the Gunnislake like. Glad you have a great wood close by Jonathan! Paul
Hi Paul! This makes me want to go for a walk in the forest. Loved your description of the relaxing feeling that being in a forest creates. Trees are so amazing. It's fascinating to hear how they respond to the different changes in the environment and adjust their growth. Gloucestershire Woodland sounds like such a wonderful place to visit.
Thank you Donna - hope you are keeping well.
Yes, 'my' little woodland is precious to me (hence why I keep the location secret - although there are a couple of rights of way leading to it), but there are many others in the area.
I try to get a walk in woods and forests (we have The Forest of Dean and the Wyre Forest not too far away) as much as I can.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Take care,
Paul
Hello Paul and thanks for the lovely video.
I'm so glad you decided to revisit this beautiful place. Nothing beats the sights and sounds of an English woodland, never mind what time of year it is. Incredible information about trees. I certainly learnt a lot following your explanation and biology lesson.
I live about 200 metres away from a massive pine and deciduous forest which contains all sorts of wild animals - european moose, deer, wild boar beaver, foxes and badgers as well as ravens, buzzards, song birds and owls. The peace and tranquility that this forest gives me, helps my well being and offers a place of sanctuary when times are tough
Thank you Michael for this suggestion!
I think it was a great one.
Yes, I learnt loads too during the course of researching this video. Some of those facts I had to double and triple check as they sounded too fanciful from initial readings. Turns out they are true - the counting one using light is just - wow!
There isn't much in the way of vast range wildlife here, apart from the birds, which you heard on the soundtrack, and squirrels, and the odd fox & badger. No evidence of deer unfortunately. I did hear an owl just before I was leaving but had put my mics away then. There were certainly a fair few crows, blackbirds, finches and robins. Maybe more at night.
Glad you have a woodland nearby too!
Thanks again!
Take care,
Paul
As a newer subscriber I’ve really enjoyed my first visit to your cherished wood. My daily walks are along the beach, and although relaxing they are different to walking in woodland. This beautiful film has been a useful reminder to get out into the countryside again soon.
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed your first visit to this lovely Gloucestershire Woodland.
Yes, I used to walk along a beach daily too, both when I lived in South Milton in Devon and previously in Perranporth in Cornwall. Can be very bracing and reviving as well.
Regards,
Paul
Remember walking across the fields from Cam Green to Coaley on Sunday mornings and strolling through a small wood in the 1950's with my Dad, and those memores still inspire me today.
Thank you Ted.
Yes, you can't beat a good wood. I think there are still a couple of nice woods around Coaley.
Take care,
Paul
I posted earlier- but it has disappeared. I checked it was there when I posted - very odd!
Another great informative video.
I am a fairly new subscriber so wasn’t aware of your other woodland videos!
It is a subject that isn’t much aired. I had heard how when the first tree in a wood is attacked by hungry insects it manages to sent alarm messages to the others so they have time to produce toxins to ward off the invaders. Presumably this is achieved via the root systems. ( I remember when King Charles was mocked by the media for talking to his plants to encourage their growth-apparently research has proved this actually does work) It is such an alien system of communication that it is difficult to comprehend. A very thought provoking video.
Thanks for dedicating it to the people of Valencia
Thank you Diana!
Oh, sorry to hear that your original comment dissapeared - it wasn't me! Very occasionally, that does happen to comments - I have no idea why!
Glad you have now found my woodland videos. Yes, the root system for inter-tree communication is a bit like our telephone and internet connections. We still don't fully understand how it works, even now. But it is very clever, and not an automatic chemical system as was first thought. There is much, much more going on in tree societies that we have yet to learn about.
You are right about King Charles and 'talking to plants' - it has indeed proved to work, but again we don't fully know how - after all they don't have ears! Presumibly by micro vibrations on tiny hairs on the stems, but, after that?!
Glad you found it thought provoking.
Take care,
Paul
I walk twice a day in local woods around May Hill/Longhope. I need those woodland walks like we need oxygen. Throughout the most upsetting months watching my father deteriorating with Dementia the woods have been like a comfort blanket and the place I go to heal. This is such a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing your special place as that can be difficult to do ❤
Thank you!
As a born and bred Gloucestershireian (is that a word?) and current resident of that county, I am ashamed to say I have not yet been up May Hill! However, as you may know, I am in the process of doing The Geo Park Way and May Hill is near the end of the long distance walk from Bridgnorth before you get in to Gloucester.
Glad you too have somewhere nearby which is imporant to you.
Take care,
Paul
@ Looking forward to those videos. The Wysis trail will pass through Huntley Estate which I know well as walk it daily so you never know I may bump into you. I would recommend visiting May Hill as know you will love it, its not just the views, it just has something magical about it. Rob Guest who lives in the village has written a great book with details of all the history and folklore of the estate and May Hill . It can be ordered through May Hill hub as it’s not on sale through normal channels. You would definitely bring the history alive as you always do. Patrick Leach did a video of the hill. Thank you for such wonderfully soothing videos . They are the calmness on days when the world feels crazy and unkind 🙏🏻❤️
Ah, it is the Geo Park Way that I am doing (Bridgnorth to Gloucester running along the spine of the Malvern Hills) and not the Wysis Way (which goes west to east, Monmouth to Kemble) although that was one of the long distance paths I did consider doing. They both cross over May Hill. Hoping to do the next section of the Geo Park Way soon. Your comment makes me look forward to it even more!
Take care, Paul
Yes I watch The Solitary Rambler too (Patrick Leech) - he has returned to Forest of Dean recently (well for the summer - I think he lives in Derbyshire now). Really good UA-cam Channel and a great chap too.
I have enjoyed your video trees are so important, l have a favorite tree near my home l go there when l am feeling low it does help. Jan
Yes, it is amazing just how restorative trees and woodlands are.
We need to protect them at all costs.
Take care,
Paul
Fascinating video Paul - I've never really thought about how trees know when to start growing their leaves and when they need to withdraw into themselves to preserve energy. I love wandering through the woods - the smells and sounds make them so relaxing and they're so pretty especially in the autumn. I haven't been around them in a while but Leigh Woods are lovely to walk around.
Thank you Jesse!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes, you are right, Leigh Woods are stunning and such an important 'lung' for the City of Bristol.
Take care,
Paul
Lovely video Paul. Very interesting. Hope you keeping well.
Thank you Adrian!
Great to hear from you.
Yes, all good thanks and likewise I hope.
Take care,
Paul
Just spotted in your notes about storm dana. These storms occur frequently at spring and autumn and are known colloquially as "gota fria", a cold drop. Normally they pass over fairly quickly but on this occasion the depression was stationary over Spain for many days leading to a concentration of storms over a wide area.
The more official name for this is a DANA which is a Spanish acronym meaning an high altitude isolated depression.
Thanks David and thank you for the explanation of where the term DANA comes from - really helpful.
Take care,
Paul
As you point out, trees make the maximum use of the restorative properties of their environment, to which they also contribute. We should do the same. Nice video, thank you!
Thanks Malcolm!
yes, this super little woodland has been, and continues to be, a life saver for me, and probably a few others too.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Take care,
Paul
Thanks Paul, I can relate to what you talk about in the introduction 😊
Thank you!
I am glad more and more people are learning not only about the benefits of nature and healing, but also about the importance of talking about their feelings and 'inner self' - it is so important.
Take care,
Paul
Hi Paul, It's a lovely wood to have nearby and you're right they are very special places.
We are very lucky to live near open land, a short walk up a ravine takes me to the woods and which then border over a deep valley with great views. Actually, I forget, you have seen part of this on a video I did. I never tire of doing this walk. Early Autumn I always go and come back with a couple of bags of kindling (no good waiting for the feast of Stephen!!).
I didn't know anything about the sensory capabilities of trees, really fascinating. There is no better place to get shade from the sun. Recently I came across a Japanese word Komorebi, literally, “sunlight leaking through trees,” this word describes the beauty and wonder of rays of light dappling through overhead leaves, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. We need to adopt that word for sure.
I started watching this video and had to pause because we got a video call from Valencia, it was my nephew Pau, Marisa's son. He has travelled back from the Canary Isles where he lives, to help out with the clearing up and provide some support for his mum.
Unfortunately today heavy storms have affected the area again so they have been unable to do anything. The storms have affected the Málaga region heavily today. We are fine but have been in the clouds all day!!
Thank you for your concern for those affected. There is a red cross fund set up, we will make a donation there.
A great video Paul, well done!!
PS: Seeing your tree at the end really made me smile!!
Thank you David - hope you are having a good weekend.
I love that Japanese word for the dancing light phenomenon going through trees.
Yes, I saw that storms have been affecting those areas again, hampering cleaning up operations. So terrible! Glad your nephew has come back to help out.
I seem to remember that deep valley walk you did and did a video about.
Yes, the end caption card is from a photo I took when leaving that wood three years ago at sunset.
Take care,
Paul
Hi Paul nice video and info on the trees 🌳🌴🌲
Thank you Roy!
Glad you enjoyed my little woodland video.
Take care,
Paul
lovely video. I walk in my local one pretty much everyday. Walk my dogs there. It’s especially beautiful atm. And it’s definitely good for the soul. ❤
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Paul
I live in the US now. I hadn’t been home (Stroud) in a couple of years, and came back for about a week. Took a walk through Standish Wood, and it really is amazing that there’s nothing like an English woodland. It felt peaceful, fulfilling, and I really felt home for those couple of hours
Thank you - and yes, you can't beat a native English Woodland.
Standish Wood from Westrip to Haresfield Beacon in Gloucestershire is simply superb. Long may it remain protected.
Take care,
Paul
Paul that was so interesting watching your video on woodlands. We ourselves have in the past have both suffered from Mental health issues we find Sutton Park where we live in sutton coldfield one of our special places, we often go very early in a morning as it is much quieter and we totally understand the benefits you described from the trees and the wildlife we didn't realise you had done these videos and we will watch all of them, thankyou regards Gary and Julie Smith.
Thank you Gary & Julie.
Yes, it was another subscriber's suggestion that I return to this woodland again, to do another video from it. I had forgotten of course that I have gained many new subscribers since then, and UA-cam tends to mostly promote newer videos, rather than 'back catalogue' ones, so a lot of people would have not seen this series.
Glad you have 'discovered' this little woodland now too, and glad you have the wonderful Sutton Park to walk in - I went there many years ago. It is such a help with restoring our mental health.
Take care,
Paul
Thanks for this video it made me realise that it's been a while since I've taken a walk in one of my local Gloucestershire woods, will have to remedy that. Will also check out the other woodland series of videos. The sounds of an English woodland are wonderful.
Thank you for that comment Lin! You have just reminded me that I didn't link to the original videos in this series.
I have now set up a new 'A Gloucestershire Woodland' playlist, where anyone can watch them all in order from the beginning, if they wish.
You can find the playlist here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLzpoc4meRG9h1ePJm2I8FGnBLJtDJgX1y.html
Glad you liked it and thanks for watching and commenting too.
Take care,
Paul
@@westcountrywanderings thanks for the link
Fascinating Video Paul, you had me gripped right from the start as you talked about the woodland being your happy place or safe place as it were and it took me back to when you visited my village recently and we were having the same conversation about the woodland in my area where i felt the same way and i also recall you mentioning that you felt the same not only in your woodland but also in mine. Great video so well put together and narrated beautifully. thank you Paul! i really enjoyed this Vlog. Best Wishes Darren👌👌👌👍
Thank you Darren.
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, very similar (good) feelings in both your community woodland and this one.
It was quite misty when I filmed this one (just over a week ago now) - but I had a nice walk in another wood in the sunshine today.
Take care,
Paul
Another good video. You might come across my son on your woodland walks. He's the local authority Arborculturalist. I'm sure he agrees with everything you say.
Thank you Frank.
Yes, I think I may probably bump into your son one day!
I am often in woods in Gloucestershire and further afield across the West.
Take care,
Paul.