Not far from our home for waifs and strays, is a large stretch of tidal wetlands that reaches out to sea. This is home to an abundance of wildlife including the marsh ponies and hardy sheep. But like a leopard that can change its spots, this quiet water can also change its appearance. On a low tide with the sun shining, one can see the ever changing colours of the hills that roll down to the waters edge. This enchanting and peaceful place has habitats that entice the many and varied wading birds. But during high tide, the banks and rivers become flooded leaving many an animal at its mercy.

     Not so long ago, during a storm, I travelled by this marshy land, on a narrow road, transformed into a shallow river. The tide, not yet high, was quite alluring and I impulsively stopped the car to stare at the beauty of it all.

     Many sheep and ponies had been rescued before and during the storm by volunteers but some remained and were sheltering on the edge of the river banks. 

     The unrelenting rain did not seem to bother a heron that stood patiently on a bank, waiting for his lunch. So, as the rain continued to fall, I wound down the window and took a few photos of this beautiful bird. And just as I did, a duck went sailing by without a care in the world. At least someone enjoys this welsh weather! All in all, it was magical!

In the fields surrounding our home for waifs and strays, you can easily find dollops of cowpats. As children, we used to stand in the centre of these hot, fresh green moulds (with our wellingtons on but often bare foot!) and enjoy the squelchy mess it made. Bliss! But it was many years later that I learned of the benefits of these gooey green, meadow muffin cow-cakes.

     Despite their vulgar habits of farting and burping (which contribute to our greenhouse gases, due to the amount of methane released) the gooey green substance that cows frequently drop from their rear ends, are welcome by the dung beetle! These incredible tiny creatures are on a mission to save the world. By breaking down the dung, these soldier beetles are indeed reducing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. Well done beetles!

      The Maasai people burn cow dung inside their homes to repel mosquitoes. They also use the dung to cover and seal their homes. And in rural India and Pakistan the methane rich gas is used as a renewable and stable source of electricity. But the wonder of the cow and its dung doesn’t end there. The Hindus believe that each cow contains 33 million gods and goddesses.

      So, to all you cows out there, fart and burp as much as you like, it appears that the world needs you!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, maybe so, but if you were to eat a cupful of apple seeds then you could be in big trouble and it could be time to call the doctor! You see, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a sugar and cyanide compound called cyanogenic glycoside. Oh, it won’t hurt you in small amounts but in larger amounts (at least a cup full) they could cause adverse reactions. It does, however, take a few hours to work.

      This pomaceous fruit (Malus domestica) is part of the rose family and its wild ancestors (Malus sieversii), can still be found in Central Asia. 

In a corner of our garden for waifs and strays is a family of mushrooms and toadstools. We call it Kingdom Fungi.    

      Life in Kingdom Fungi is quite laid back and no-one moans about there being little sunlight, as they don’t require it to make energy for themselves. 

     These colourful Fungi, made up of around 90% of water, contain more potassium in a single Portabella than in a banana! And, they help us in the reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure to name just a few important things. As a family, we often add mushrooms instead of meat, to our meals. 

     Like a mycophagist, I often take a basket and collect mushrooms from the woods, just as my father taught me. But some, despite looking like your average mushroom, can be poisonous so care should be taken and hands should always be washed afterwards. 

     Some mushrooms glow in the dark (I have never seen them) due to a chemical reaction called bioluminescence which produces a light known as foxfire. Apparently, these fungi have been used as torches in the dark woods. 

     Long ago, before the invention of synthetic dyes, Kingdom Fungi were used for dying wool and other natural fibres. Vivid colours were produced from the organic compounds of the mushroom dye. 

     So it’s a fact, that my kind and unassuming husband and I have our very own amazing fungi family living right under our noses. And for me, as I pass by their Kingdom, I cannot help but imagine a world of ‘little people’ living beneath them!

My dear Araneus diadematus

Why do you spin your web across my doorway? It is not that I mind of course, but I’m always afraid of spoiling your creative work when my face becomes entangled with your silk. I can see your body is swollen with eggs and your dedication as a mother is second to none. So I watch, with a heavy heart, as you build a silken sac in which to lay your young. The children, you will never live to see.

      Do you know that by late autumn, you will die? Your devotion will cost you your life you know? Your refusal to leave home to hunt for food, will lead to starvation. If I could feed you, I would.

       Please don’t worry about your spiderlings when they are born in May, I will watch out for them! And I will write them a letter too, telling them of your love and selflessness.

       From a devoted friend and admirer.