Astons Eyot - 02/05/10
A few of us gathered at the foot of Jackdaw’s Lane on a cool, but not-quite-raining afternoon. We entered Astons Eyot and headed south into an area of semi-mature plantation. Mostly ash, with cherry and poplar and alder amongst them, with hawthorn and elder low down. Closely grown, so tall and thin. A fair wind was causing sound and movement in the tops, drawing our attention to their verticality.
We wandered in silence for an hour or so; then spoke a little.
We verbalised some of what we noticed, and then talked of what might come next… we enjoy the non-prescriptive element of open exploration, but also desire something else.
The exchanges suggest we are ready to experiment with a more rigorous methodology; more structure to our meeting, and more explicit and robust interaction between us.
We also identified a need for some suitable shelter, so that we can sit and talk in comfort, as well as move amongst trees.
We wondered about approaching Hill End Field Study Centre, next to Wytham Woods, and the Northmoor Trust at Wittenham Clumps. Shelley described a day of workshop she has offered in Germany, which we encouraged her to offer in the Oxford area. We expect to meet again, Sunday 16 May, at Jackdaw Lane, unless news of a more ambitious plan is sent around in the meantime.
