Written on the 19th of November 2025

Parallel Lines!

Knocking the mud off my boots on the doorstep this morning – I am welcomed by a Buzzard’s call,
A prelude to the soundtrack of natural wonders – sharing in the chill of autumn’s fall!
As transport takes me over – I reserve a window seat – where the wildlife comes and goes,
The birds are on the fly – forever passing by – pulling in the twitchers with their random shows!

Alighting on the turn – as one and all return – while the sun shines brightly in an empty sky,
Avoiding the dew kissed grassy clumps – we retreat down the incline in single file – by and by!
Forethought shows its hand – with a collection of posts pre-planned – enough to shape the squares,
Running off right-angles – to form parallel lines – pointing out perfection for he who dares!

In through the out door – turning green through the ages – like a secret garden to see and explore,
Passing over the threshold in a land of no time – a land of evolution and of natural law!
Befuddled by the Brambles – hanging like curtains – reaching down to root in the ground,
Forcing our hand to enter by the old school gates – taking in the energy building with the sound!

Seeking the sun in the circle – for some its second breakfast – for those with an early start,
With our backs to the sun – the mental plans are done – and its time to play our part!
A Woodpecker shrills while staying hidden – like a loud alarm forever on the move,
Robin appears majestic standing in the Goat Willow – always on the fidget – getting in the groove!

A single Fieldfare – raiding the Hawthorn berries – bouncing boldly from limb to limb,
My first sighting of a Fieldfare at the Grove – on its solo mission – out on a whim!
Four Crows circumnavigate the circle – flying anti-sunwise – keeping nice and tight,
Fantastic in formation – sharing information – around near leafless trees – in and out of sight!

Time to move to Yonderland – for a final measure – to square the entrance and each parallel line,
Out in the open and gripped by cold – a shiver in the shadows – where the sun is too low to shine!
The seven times table positioning marker sticks – where they are neatly placed in rows,
With each in turn timely replaced by posts – each one knowing where each one goes!

A Red Kite appears circling overhead – showing off its plumage while soaring on the breeze,
Seeking out the sights – as the cold wind bites – calmly sailing the thermals at its ease!
The parallel lines denoting the avenue – where the natural hedgerows will take shape and form,
Leading to where the wildflower meadow will bloom – a plain green field set to transform!

The Red Kite journey’s far and near – seemingly reluctant to disappear – taking in the view,
A big old Buzzard – I’m guessing a female judging by its size – comes sweeping through!
Acknowledging the Grove with a casual swoop – rests up atop a tree on the rising of the hill,
The busy Green Woodpecker darts into focus – from fence post to grounding and sitting real still!

The parallel line skirting the Labyrinth sector – completed now running up the rise to its end,
On the car park side – the parallel line gets under way – a design we can fully comprehend!
There’s a contented smile shared by the working party – with the repetitive fitting of the rails,
Slow and steady following the line – we get to three quarters done – and finally run out of nails!

Gathering the tools and tidying the fringes – we finally give in to the cold,
Admiring the avenue from many a viewpoint – phase one is collectively sold!
Phase two awaits with a second rail yet to be added – reinforcing the shape of design,
An anchor point to attach the bare root whips – with the hedge lines to define!

With a failed attempt at capturing images – mainly due to the positioning of the sun,
We are left to discuss any future plans – the germ of an idea where imagination can run!
I watch a group of Doves cross flightpaths with a group of Wild Pigeons – out on tour,
Flying north and south from my perspective – with even numbers of which – I am sure!

With the final knockings of a productive day – Mr Pheasant performs a long slow glide,
Over the fence displaying his resplendent colours – seeking out Yonderland and a place to hide!
Collecting our possessions its time to retire – making our exit through the entrance and its door,
Mrs Glen is there to meet us warming the carriage – to take us home and start the long thaw!

oOo