We have just spent this afternoon investigating a local woodland owned by the Woodland Trust called “Coed Elernion”, located near the village of Trefor. We discovered that there was a sizeable local wood owned by the Trust after browsing their website for information about one of their recent acquisitions near Dolgellau, and stumbling across their article about Coed Elernion by a very happy accident.

Newly "discovered" Coed Elernion

The woodland its self is not ancient; it was predominantly farmland until the early decades of the 20th century. However there are stands of ancient Oak trees amongst the smaller and more common Willow, Birch and Alder.

Bridging gaps

Old oak

There is also a large stream running through the wood in a southerly direction: This is crossed several times by little bridges. (Do take care as these can be rather slippery as they’re not exactly new!)

Along this stream run boundary walls which often have mature trees nearby, notably Oak (pictured) and Sycamore.

Under the bridge

By far one of the most promising aspects to this wood is that it has two small meadows in it; these are mown reasonably regularly to encourage the large array of wildflowers (and a substantial variety of magical and medicinal herbs) that are present in the area to flourish. These meadows have been planted with specimen trees around the edges. There is a bench, but only one.

Festival field?

Bench

The larger of these clearings looks to be ideally suited as a ritual site for future gatherings; the ground is firm and reasonably solid, although slightly sloping in nature.

According to the Woodland Trust’s website, the wood is infrequently used for leisure activities; something we did notice in the time we were there, as we only saw one lady walking a dog.

Boundary tree

In parts the wood is rather on the boggy side of things, and as with any grove activity, stout clothes and shoes are recommended.  The Woodland Trust describe the site as having a “natural and undisturbed” nature. This is indeed the case and this is a most peaceful and beautiful place. Its natural regeneration continues with small oak and ash saplings starting to colonise the boggier ground hitherto the domain of Willow and Alder. We even noticed a small Yew tree. Holly too makes a regular appearance.

Babbling brook

The view from on high... The wood as seen from the mountain above

More information about this wood can be found at: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/our-woods/Pages/about-this-wood.aspx?wood=4174

We very much hope and intend to hold a grove ritual in this wood in the future; grove members will of course be kept up to date on grove events.

Hope these photos have inspired you to check out this sacred place of natural regeneration yourself!

This Beltaine saw 30 people descending on Nebo. We arrived at Lunch time, and started the day’s activities by making a labyrinth – each of us had brought a kilo of cooked rise. After our creation took shape, we walked the labyrinth, accompanied by some very enthusiastic drumming – with the aim of tying a ribbon onto a pole in the middle. Then being lead out by the next person coming into the labyrinth – a lovely act of balance, and a very powerful thing!

Beltaine Labyrinth

After this the group was divided into men and women, each group with a set of tasks to perform to lead into the main ritual.

The main part of the ritual consisted of us coming back from our separate preparations and starting the main part of the ritual. The quarters were opened and Caryl lead us into the spirit of the day. The pattern being that men were on the outer ring of the circle, the ladies on the inner ring. The men then went outside of this circle to perform their feats of masculine prowess and general noisiness. Upon returning the the circle, the ladies suddenly burst into angelic waves of singing and turned round and presented the menfolk with flowers – that was unexpected for us guys, and completely de-fused the outpouring of masculine action and stomping that had gone before! Then one of the other activities was that we each came forward to the May King and May Queen (who each had their parts of the ritual to read also) and be presented with a pebble from a basket – presented by the May King to the ladies and the May Queen to the menfolk. This was followed by more readings and the circle being closed.

We then went inside to dry out and enjoy a lovely feast that everyone had contributed to.

Then Caryl lead us through a mummer’s play for the time of beltaine with some very colourful characters indeed; the winter dragon, pan, jack the green, st george -a very diverse collection. All acted out with masterful drama and superb props… despite hardly being able to move as we were all crammed into Caryl’s kitchen at this point!

After this came a little more food, and a little wine also. Singing and generally having a good time. Then as dusk approached, we went outside to light the Beltaine fires that the men had built previously. Those who felt adventurous jumped over the fires of course! More singing followed and then the evening started to wind down with people chatting, discussing and generally coming together as a community after a great celebration – a magic way to end a lovely day!

Beltaine Fires

Happy Beltaine to all/Calan Mai Hapus i Bawb!!!

Videos of some of the day’s events are available here: http://druidicdawn.org/node/1971 – membership of Druidic Dawn is required as these aren’t really public.