Something a Little Different

The past three days have included some lovely hours reading this book.  A look at a way of life and work not familiar to me, having lived all my many years here in Southern California, in cities mostly, where I am not aware of anything like what this book describes.  I found it fascinating and I loved every word!

I first discovered Of Thorn and Briar via Instagram (@westcountry_hedgelayer), where the author, Paul Lamb, shares some lovely posts.  I kept referring to it as I read the book, to see visually what he was describing so well in his book.  He also has a website here detailing what he is doing these days in his effort to encourage further interest and appreciation for the centuries-old craft of hedgelaying and its benefits for the biodiversity and preservation of the environment.   He begins with August and describes, month by month, the work and life of a woodsman, countryman, hedgelayer in the beautiful countryside of southwest England.  It is well written and an easy and pleasant read.  Something a bit different from my usual reading, and no less enjoyable.