We are gatherers,
The ones who pick up sticks and stones
And old wasp’s nests fallen by the door of the barn,
Walnuts with holes that look like eye’s of owls,
Bit’s of shells not whole but lovely in their brokenness,
We are the ones who bring home empty eggs of birds
And place them on a small glass shelf to keep for what?
How long?
It matters not.
What matters is the gathering,
The pockets filled with remnants of a day evaporated,
the traces of a certain memory, a lingering smell,
A smile that came with that shell.
Gathering by Nina Bagley
All my life, I’ve walked with my head down, scouring the ground for nature’s neglected treasures: a discarded eggshell; beautiful stones of varying shapes, sizes, and colours; conkers; fir cones; feathers; shells. Always things that are small enough to fit in a pocket or cupped carefully in my hand – especially if it is delicate and likely to crush easily. I love the diaphanous nature of dried grasses and flowers, especially poppy and love-in-a-mist seed heads, wild carrot and lavender.
These treasures are displayed on windowsills and shelves throughout my home in countless vases, bowls and jam jars. I wish I had the skill to capture their fine lines and uniqueness with pen on paper, but sadly, this form of creativity eludes me. I am in awe of those who can and covet their talent.
I haven’t given this hobby of mine much thought really. It’s just something I do when out on a walk. Combing the tide line on beaches and footpaths and fields near my home is second nature. I’m also aware that few of the homes I’ve visited over the years display collections like mine. So when I came across this beautiful poem it resonated deeply and perhaps offered a little comfort, assuring me that I wasn’t alone and that I’m not a hoarder (as some might suggest) but a “gatherer”!
As the poem describes, there’s immense pleasure not only in the act of gathering but also in the memories wrapped up in those tiny seed heads or water-worn pieces of driftwood. The pheasant tail feather found on an autumn walk through the woods, with the last of the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. The fossil, discovered on the Jurassic coast during a holiday many years ago when my son, currently a disinterested teenager, was a curious six year old with an imagination to match.
These finds of mine may sit on sunny ledges collecting dust and are, most likely, slowly degrading, but they undoubtedly fill me with joy. They are gentle reminders of special days and the truly remarkable marvels of nature.
So next time you venture outdoors – perhaps on a bridleway, towpath or beach – take a moment to see what treasures you can find and become a “gatherer” like me!
A small selection of my “gatherings”.
Resources and links to useful websites:
- A podcast. Listen here for a personal insight from me, Jules Mold (author of this post and owner of Meadow Field Luxury Glamping) whilst I chat with Marguerite Farmer about “Feeling Positive and the Benefits of Being in Nature”. Approximately a 30 minute listen.
- The Countryside Code. So important. Please always respect your surroundings and the property of others. Countryside Code: Gov.Uk Countryside Code.
- Birds & Animals – BBC Wildlife Magazine , RSPB & The Wildlife Trusts
- Info on Owl Pellets – Barn Owl Trust
- A place to visit :The Lapworth Museum of Geology, Birmingham University
- Where I found the poem “Gathering” and a beautiful book to enjoy Connecting with Nature by Tilly Rose
A few more finds I have collected along the way…
Ready to step away from the stresses and strains of life for a few days and take some time out in nature? Then Meadow Field Luxury Glamping is the place for you and your loved ones. Located in the heart of rural Warwickshire and with “an experience dedicated to detail and celebratory of nature”, it’s a 5 star, luxury glamping offering that must not be missed. Visit our website here to find out more and to make your reservation.
Read our five star reviews here:
As featured in British Travel Journal
Read BTJ article here.
Meadow Field Luxury Glamping, Nr. Rugby, Warwickshire. CV23 0HG
