Through the seasons

A note on the seasons

These suggestions suit the temperate Northern Hemisphere, such as Britain and much of Europe. Seasons come at different times elsewhere, and in the tropics there may be wet and dry seasons instead. Use the pattern as a guide and note what your own place does.

Spring

What to notice

Buds, new leaves in many shades of pale green, birdsong at dawn, bluebells or wild garlic in damp woods, and the smell of wet earth.

How to adapt

Go early, when the dawn chorus is at its best. Sit by a single tree and watch its leaves open over several weeks.

Take care

Paths are muddy and ground-nesting birds are breeding, so keep to paths and keep dogs under control.

Summer

What to notice

Deep shade, dappled light, insects, the green smell of leaves, and the cool of woodland compared with open ground.

How to adapt

Go early or late in the day. Slow your pace in the heat, and take a long pause by water or in deep shade.

Take care

Heat, dehydration and sun. Carry water, wear a hat, and watch for ticks in long grass and bracken.

Autumn

What to notice

Changing colour, falling leaves, fungi, nuts and seeds, low sunlight and the smell of leaf mould.

How to adapt

Walk slowly through fallen leaves and listen to them. Collect a few leaves and sort them by colour.

Take care

Wet leaves are slippery. Never eat fungi unless an expert has identified them, and keep to safe paths.

Winter

What to notice

Bare branches and the shape of trees, evergreens, frost, bird tracks, long shadows and unusual quiet.

How to adapt

Dress in layers and keep sessions shorter. Bring a hot drink and enjoy the contrast of warmth after cold.

Take care

Cold, ice and short days. Tell someone where you are going, and be back before dusk.

Bad weather

You can practise in most weather as long as you dress for it. Safety comes first, so skip the woods in storms or when warnings are in force.

Rain

Light rain suits forest bathing. Leaves drip, the smells strengthen and the woods are quiet. Wear a waterproof, and stay out from under trees in thunderstorms.

Snow and ice

Snow muffles sound so that you hear your own breathing. Wear boots with grip, and avoid frozen water.

Wind

Wind makes woodland noisy and branches can fall. In strong wind choose an open park away from large trees.

Heat

Seek shade, move slowly and drink water. If the heat is intense, save the practice for early morning.

Fog and mist

Fog narrows the view and makes the woods feel close. It is a good time for sound and smell. Stay on paths you know.

In Japan

Japanese culture has a long tradition of marking the seasons closely. The traditional calendar divides the year into 24 periods and then into 72 short seasons of about five days each, with names such as "first peach blossoms". The system came from China, and the names were rewritten for Japan's own climate in 1685. Everyday use of the old calendar ended when Japan adopted the Gregorian one in 1873, though the names are still enjoyed today. People visit parks and temples to see cherry blossom in spring and red maple leaves in autumn, and the practice of watching them has its own names, hanami (flower viewing) and momijigari (autumn leaf viewing). Hanami began with plum blossom among the aristocracy, and by the Heian period (794–1185) the cherry had taken over. You do not need to follow these customs, but they show how closely attention to the seasons can shape a year.

To bring the idea home, try keeping your own short seasons. Write one line in the journal each week about a change in a place you visit often.