Tag: Lake District

Beauty of the Natural World

GREEN-VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY

My piece last week about Dolly Parton and the reference to her love of butterflies, prompted my friend Gill Henwood to send me photos of a Green-Veined White Butterfly taken in the Lake District.

The green-veined white is quite a common butterfly (though I have never seen it!). Its habitat is hedgerows, woodlands, garden and parks as well as river areas and damp meadows. It can be seen from Spring to October.

In Gill’s photos, it is taking its ease on sedum plants which are currently turning from their summer green to autumn pink/purple.
The Butterfly takes its name from the prominent green stripes on the underside of its wings. One description I read about this is: The so-called green veins on the underside of the adults are, in fact, an illusion created by a subtle combination of yellow and black scales.”
A comment made from folklore is that if you see a white butterfly at the beginning of summer, it will be rainy. If, however, you see a green-veined white butterfly it is a sign that there is hope for a little sunshine!
a different and more spiritual lore is that “the graceful, darting flight of the green-veined white represents seasonal re-birth, fragility and the clean beauty of the natural world.”

This thought makes the green-veined white is a suitable symbol of Creation on a week-end which includes a new ecumenical festival adopted by the Church of England as it joins churches across the globe in celebrating the new Festival of Creation in Christ, marking the worldwide Christian consensus that the Earth should be treasured and protected as a gift from God.

Lord of creation,
You have created the universe by your eternal Word,
and have blessed humankind in making us
stewards of the earth;
We pray for your world,
that we may share and conserve its resources,
and live in reverence for the creation
and in harmony with one another.
In your mercy, hear us.

[Mr G & Gill Henwood. 5th September 2026]

In Praise of Hogweed

*Hogweed in Grizedale, English Lake District; photographed by Gill Henwood*

Colours, textures, patterns: the slow but steady miracle of flowers unfurling on the forest verge, Grizedale. Even the young leaves bright green are delicate unfolding in the light.

Hogweed is the common name for this native plant in the carrot family, not toxic like the non-native giant hogweed. The Wildlife Trust tells us: “The hollow stems of hogweed were traditionally used in many children’s games as water guns, pea-shooters and swords.” Clearly, it’s been around since the days of foraging hogs (possibly for its root as it’s related to the carrot family), and sword play.

Attracting many insects, hogweed spreads its many seeds but can be welcomed into wild gardens by cutting off the seedheads before they scatter. However, on a winter frosty morning, any standing dried seedheads are glorious, sparkling architectural wonders.

When is a wild plant and flower a weed? Beauty, scent, nectar, and hollow stems for hibernation, all offer a different perspective. Hogs knew better, for they tasted delicious.

“Praise Him, all creatures here below”

[Gill Henwood]

From a doxology on the Holy Trinity, by Bishop Thomas Ken (1637-1710)
It is sometimes linked with St Francis of Assisi and his canticle of the Creatures.
This is the full doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

P.S. There will be a short break before the next Blog entry, after a short holiday. {Mr G}

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet
photographed in the English Lake District. Reflection by my friend Gill Henwood.

In a damp field, tall Meadowsweet has spread across from the track verge to the woodland.
Sweetly scented, attracting insects and humans alike, meadowsweet has been used for flavouring,
herbal remedies and strewing cottage floors.
Once named ‘Bridewort’, the flowers were woven into garlands for summer brides, perfect to celebrate village wedding days

Every summer, I used to cut some meadowsweet from ditches for the church windowsills. Placed in simple tall jugs and jars, the scent perfumed the side aisle while south sunlight filtered through the beautiful soft flower plumes.
Now, I welcome meadowsweet in our garden dell, leaving the grasses and rosebay willowherb for insects and the elephant moth caterpillars.

The heatwave is bringing glory to the damp meadows too, with their roots deep into the wild soil. No sun reaches through to dry out the field, creatures have a sanctuary to hide in, owls and kestrels watch the tracks for small prey.

This wild field isn’t cut by humans, but manages itself. Badgers visit too, unseen by us. The mysterious life of one wonderful field.

Sweet Meadow Queen, bring peace into this space.
Like your frothy blooms, let turbulent thoughts drift away.
Heal the body, soothe the mind, and calm the weary heart.
May this flower bring love, joy, and comfort to my home,
Rooting me in the present moment.
So be it.

[GH 16th July 2026]

‘BELTIES’ at rest

My friend, Gill Henwood, has sent me this photograph of cattle resting from the heat near Coniston in the Lake District.
Here’s her short refection.

The Belties (Belted Galloway cows) and their recent calves have chosen deep shade on the felltop, where a cool breeze is lifting from Coniston Water up the hill towards them.

An essay on how to keep cool. A couple of mornings ago, they were down at the water edge of Tarn Hows. They are free range around the National Trust fells, choosing the best resting places for the young calves. As parents do.

As our heavenly Father does when we listen in Creation to the wind and shade and the weather warnings…

Every blessing,
Gill Henwood