Summer is here

June is the start of Summer.  With the meteorological start of summer being 1 June and the longest day 21/22  (there’s always a debate in my house), the fab warm weather we are enjoying all leads to summer being here.   
Get outside, enjoy the sun when it shines and take in the sights and smells of the countryside.  It will make you feel sooo much better. 
Another thing that makes you feel better is forest bathing.  A walk in the woods is one of my favourite things to do.  The Bluebells of last month are fading, new species are taking their place and the tree canopy is closing over to bring more shade.  Find a quiet place to Perch and just take a moment to just be still, enjoy the bird song and the sound of the leaves moving in the breeze.  Smell the forest and the flowers within it, anything that just makes you feel closer to nature, is good for the soul. 
As a supporter of the Woodland Trust, it’s interesting to read their latest report on the state of the nation’s woodlands and trees.  The headline fact is that there is concern about woodlands and trees.  Coverage from woodland has more than doubled in the last 100 years.  Unfortunately, the main species of the additional coverage is with non-native trees (such as managed forest), leaving existing native woodland isolated.  This leads to a poor ecological condition which has a knock-on effect to a decline in woodland wildlife. 
Ancient forests have a fascinating complex eco system, and are vital to the planet.  If you are interested in trees and woodlands, I would recommend reading The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben.  It makes a walk in the woods so much more interesting. 
There are several active tree planting campaigns at the moment, with the aim to encourage as many people as possible across the country to join in.  Here are some you can join in with:  

• Countryfile Plant Britain campaign, find out more on their website 
• The Queens Commonwealth Canopy, more information can be found on their website  
• National Trusts plant a tree to help nature, more information can be found at on their website 
• Earth Watch Europe Tiny Forest, more information can be found on their website
• If you don’t have the space to plant a tree you can donate to the National Forest and they will plant one for you, find out more here 
• You can find great advice on how to plant a tree at: Woodland Trust planting a tree advice

I love trees in my garden and even though it's quite small I have several medium size trees and over 20 homed in pots.  I just need a bigger garden to plant them in.   
Enjoy the start of summer, plant a tree and you will enjoy the benefits for years to come. 
 Until next, time Happy Perching 
 Ruth