A Thousand Oaks

hermionelaake - Awards-nominated writer and associate editor O:JA&L

May 27

That might depend on whether you like David Attenborough

Recently, the famous naturalist, David Attenborough, suggested that we allow nature to do its thing. This is a great idea, and only someone who has spent a great deal of time out in nature and watching what nature does, could have the intelligence to make such a statement. But why did Attenborough make this appeal to humans?

Oak Saplings by the Thousands

I was out in nature in Wales, Llandrindod, Wells, as anyone who follows my keep fit blog will know, when I came across a thousand saplings in the space of about 20 metres.; this was a couple of days ago. (Yes, a thousand. I am very good at adding up fast in my head.) The trees were about 3 inches high. They were saplings (baby Oak trees).

I have no idea whether the trees will survive because that depends on 2 things.

1. Whether anyone has cut the grass.

2. Whether the competition for light and water gets the better of them.

I think the first problem is the most challenging for the trees. In other words, the greatest threat to the trees is human activity.

Oak trees and tiny saplings photographed by the author

We have been reducing our normal tendency to cut the grass rather than allow it to grow, which is its natural state. Of course it is nice to see a neatly manicured lawn, but has anyone given any thought to the fact that fully grown weeds, and for that matter trees, take time?

I think it is great that there was a 'no mow in May' enterprise in Britain this year, but I am concerned about those Oak trees I saw in the verge in Wales. I wonder how many will survive.

Oak trees are surprisingly delicate when young and take some time to thicken up. Most untutored eyes would miss the trees.

This would be a shame because while David Attenborough has made a wonderful suggestion and fought for nature's ability to replenish year on year, and we even have the weather, I am not so sure this is a coincidence..

What I mean to say is that we have had windy weather for 3 months bow. I know this because I am also an acid cyclist and I have bot been able to cycle as much this year as I have the past 5 years. This is due to the wind. In fact, by now I would have cycled around 1800 k, but I have only cycled 1000 k. It is OK for me. Presumably, the wind will die down once the saplings and seedlings have been planted. With all that heavy rain we have been getting in the space of half an hour, I should think the saplings will have a fighting chance.