Day 85 - Wonderful woods and beautiful bluebells!

“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:9 NIV

Hopefully, like me, you have taken a wander through a gladed wood or forest and relished in the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings. A few weeks ago, my husband Philip and I took a stroll through a predominantly deciduous wood close to where we live, Badby Woods in Northamptonshire. We were hopeful to see and smell bluebells, which these woods are best known for during May. We were not disappointed as the above photos portray! I was particularly struck by the emergence of beautiful blue clusters of bluebells along with their generous green stems and leaves from the dead and decaying leaf matter of the woodland floor. Before I got too carried away with adjectives – I wanted to consider the importance of this vital ecosystem before me.

Bluebells, in the main thrive in woodland areas as they are reliant on the rich, undisturbed soils of long-established woods. They can grow very close together, which creates a beautiful ‘sea ‘of bluebells. The rotting leaf matter I saw on the woodland floor is essential to creating the rich soil not only for bluebells but many other plants, fungi and as a habitat for insects - which in turn provides a food source for animals and birds.

Woods and trees are vital for a healthy, happy society by locking up carbon, improving our health, wellbeing and education, reducing pollution and flooding, and supporting all living things including ourselves.

Sadly, in many parts of the world, natural forests and woods are being felled causing huge damage to ecosystems and to life itself. The Woodland Trust here in the UK work to raise awareness of the importance of trees and promote planting of new trees and woodlands. “We want a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature.” Threats to woodland, wildlife and the wider environment are growing from pressures such as climate change, inappropriate development, pollution, growing urban populations and attack from tree diseases and pests.

As Christians, living and witnessing in the beautiful world God has created, we have a responsibility to care for the environment including our woodlands and how vital they are to life.

I was reminded of a school assembly song from years ago, ‘Think of a world without any flowers’ (Doreen Newport 1927-2004). The song is repetitive in nature and the tune somewhat melancholy but the message is there… “Think of a world without…”. Sadly that ‘think’ is becoming a reality unless we take responsibility. The song changes to a major key and continues “We thankyou Lord for flowers and trees and sunshine, We thank you, Lord and praise your holy name.” Whilst acknowledging the harsh reality of a world without, the song gives thanks to our Creator.

The Bible contains many references to trees – both literal and to illustrate spiritual truths. In his teaching, Jesus talked about trees bearing fruit (or not in the case of the Fig tree), remaining connected to the Vine (Jesus) and having our faith firmly rooted in him. From Genesis to Revelation, trees are abundant showcasing their beauty, strength, deep meaning, representing growth, life and new beginnings.

Yes, we can be thankful, enjoying the rejuvenating feeling and sense of wellbeing that trees provide and our connection to something bigger than ourselves, but also, be mindful of the threats woodlands and forest face. What can we do to be good stewards of the earth God has entrusted us with?

Give us a love for this

your world, dear Lord,

and a yearning to be

its stewards, as you

intended from day

one that we should be.

We have become blind.

Open our eyes to all

that we can do now,

in our own little way

to make a difference,

for the greater good

of all, on this, our home

and your precious garden

(Faith and Worship.com)

Cathryn Clarke