Next to one of the rides, this classic blackthorn is typical of Southern England.
A beautiful view along the southern ride early in the morning.
Hazel Hill abounds with wild Primroses at this time of year.
A perfect display of natural blooms!.
The hidden way to the Meeting Circle but can you find it?.
The bluebells at Hazel Hill never disappoint every year.
Fruits of Hazel Hill's conservatioon plan, the bluebells carpet the Wood.
The fragrant delight, which greets the Beltane celebrations every spring.
Sable moth. The wood abounds with animal and insect life all the year round but especially so in the summer.
The outflow from the reed bed goes into a second pond full of healthy bull rushes - proof of the effective reed bed process for dealing with grey waste.
Devils bit scabious. The wild flowers at hazel hill are always there.
Doves Foot. Wild flowers may be small but they are still a marvel.
Mouse-eared Hawkweed. Call this a weed?
Orchids. The jewels in the crown of the Wood's blooms.
The true heart of Hazel Hill and always different in each season.
In the heart wood the green light of summer is everywhere.
The pines thrive here despite the heavy clay soil.
The seclusion of summer starts at the way in.
Nice weather - even for ducks!
Find your own secluded place to wander and meditate.
Warmth, light and seclusion - the best memories of Hazel Hill are made of this .
The heart of the heartwood. The fire circle is the main exterior gathering place. As autumn approaches, the pale green light of the beech leaves will soon be gone.
The kaleidoscope of colours meets the visitor on a sunny day in autumn.
Leaves everywhere.
Looking out from the edge of the Wood are wonderful unspoilt views.
Beach and hornbeam leaves give their best at hs time of year.
A royal carpet for the Hazel Hill visitor.
A royal carpet for the Hazel Hill visitor.
The last clutch of birch leaves picked out in the moring sun.
There is even beauty in the bare trees of Hazel Hill.
A fine oak displays its autumn best.
Fungii are everywhere.
But don't eat them unless you really know what you are doing.
Even in mid-autumn, the leaves can be surprisingly green.
As always, the Oak House is there to shleter and inspire.
It's lovely when your in.
Just compare this photo with the one from the spring!.
Now you know why there is a roof on the entrance sign.
Just the place for contemplating icicles.
Look, don't skate.
Like the Oak House, the Long House is heated.
Even in winter, the Oak House provides warm, comfortable accommodation.
You can even heat the Round House.
The meeting circle in the centre of the Wood has its own magic in winter.
Undisturbed by humans, the animals guard this special space.
The footpath to the hot tub - a bit cold on bare feet.
As always, the entrance sets the scene for your time at Hazel Hill.
Just enjoy the stark beauty of Hazel Hill in winter.
The snowdrops tell us that spring is on its way again.
Poo with a view.
Installed in 2006, the hot tub is a favouite will all Wood users.
The Longhouse was the first inhabitable buildig but is still comfortable accommodation with a sleeping loft, sauna, showers and a kitchen.
With a glorious group room, wood-fired heating and hot water, sleeping loft, private bedrooms, kitchen/diner, showers and composting loo, the Oak House makes for very comfortable accomodation in the Wood.
The vaulted ceiling of the Oak house Group Room is bound to inspire.
Detail of the Group Room showing the extensive use of wood, much of it from Hazel Hill itself.
The Round House is the original building and still used for summer (and sometimes winter) sleeping, dances of universal peace and somewhere to meet out of the rain.
In the heat of summer, the Round House provides welcome shade (but then, so do all the trees!).
The magnificent Round House hearth/altar provides an excellent focus for your celebration.
Conservation involves a lot of cutting and burning....
.. that way, we can encourage native regeneration.
Most cutting involves the removal of sycamore, which is not native to the Wood.
Sycamores are prolific. Here we see Air Cadet volunteers pulling sycamore seedlings.
Safety first! Volunteers are taught how to use the necessary tools.
Volunteers are also taught the philosophy behind woodland management.
There are tasks for the men....
... and for the women. Here they are clearing a path to the pond.
Paths need constant clearing to ease access to the Wood.
Conservation weekends are not all about work. Here volunteers are enjoying a nature walk
Children love working at Hazel Hill.
Another happy gathering - this time under teh Longhouse water tower.
The Hazel Hill Beltane celebrations get grander every year.
The company of good friends is always extra special in the Wood.
The sprouting oak frames our celebration of the Goddess and the Green Man
Dances take on many forms and costumes.
Dances of Universal Peace find a happy home at Hazel Hill.
Happy memories of a happy time spent at the Wood.
Of course, its not just dancing - its eating as well. Here on the Oak House veranda.
Learn how to cook over an open fire without the usual cutlery.
The Men's circle are responsible for this feast.
Elderhood is a concept we promote at Hazel Hill. Here is the Elder and Ash gathering
And finally where we started - the firecircle lit up by a splendid camp fire and another joyous gathering.© 2005/6/7 Stu Nicholls - All rights reserved