Here on the farm in Norfolk, a peaceful, bright and warm sunny spring day is now beginning at my workshop and studio. As I do so, this year’s new saplings along with last years crop have started on their expected long journey through time. As they do so, now they are all beginning to shine and embolden, as their powerful growing season is helping them flourish and come to life, this is also now complemented by all their beautiful splendour and complexity, which is already on show for all to see and enjoy. Also encouraged by the growing April warmth, a circling single red kite is overhead, it is mesmerizing and majestic as it goes about its work. However, it is now joined by some of the hardworking, but playful barn swallows too. What a pleasure, now as they return here for their third year, they are also making the workshop their home too, and in doing this they are also continuing to introduce their young to the world. So, as they regenerate in the circle of life, it’s really fantastic to have the opportunity to see them, and be able to share time in their lives as they are happily nesting close by.

The pleasures don’t stop there, and as an early riser, the mornings update is delivered by the faithful and friendly wren perching like a trumpeter on a hill, sending out its loud message on the surrounding piles of broken wood and metal. If I am lucky, I will also hear a lunchtime conversation with the special and delightful robin, so all this is bringing an added brilliance to the day with it's warming chirps of love. Finally, and how wonderful! Because for me it is such a perfect inspiration for all of that creativity held within.

In addition to all the creativity over time developed within the workshop itself, alongside there are many trees which are growing fast both in size, variation, and in number too with every new year that passes. Mostly all the trees are grown from seeds, these coming from visits to places all over the British Isles, but mostly the seeds are very locally sourced. These eventually being planted after the propagation process has taken place, this is after many weeks of being closely nurtured by hand.

The special and treasured trees or saplings are then used for remembrance or celebration gifts; these sometimes being combined with other bespoke crafted or carved products all made within the walls of this cozy workshop. The trees also create a good backdrop to the workshop too, with more encouragement for a safe environment for the encouraged nature all around. And so, the trees that remain will eventually be planted out if unsold. They will be planted in their own area in the mature wood, and at times be side by side with other bespoke creative pieces, this will be both locally on the farm, or in other selected venues to be at home among and at one with nature, and therefore hopefully being in peace for many more years to come.