I am fascinated by the landscape and animal/ human interaction and impacts on it. I was first introduced to this concept by Robin Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass, that landscapes have evolved to work in tandem with the dominant species that thrive there in a mutually beneficial symbiosis, which I think is just the most beautiful expression of love and harmony. So it's really interesting to follow your journey and how you and your animals are embodying this principle irl here in Ireland. That the land may once have been a mosaic of different natural habitats makes more sense to me than a solid woodland, particularly as different plants/ animals experienced increase and decline, peaks and troughs. I'm sure changes in climate played a significant role too. Thanks for such intriguing train of thought on a Sunday morning. I hope you are all well and happy. 💕
It really is fascinating! Yes, a more open mosaic landscape makes much more sense to me too, with like you say peaks and troughs, nothing remaining static. Glad you enjoyed reading! x
As a keeper of goats and sheep, farming marginal land at the far southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains in North America, this is so interesting to me. I appreciate the wisdom you share, I always learn much from you, both in practical knowledge and gifts of the heart.
Your Irish Oaks, could you tell me their size and lifespan? My land is a mix of regenerating grasslands and oak and hickory woodlands.
Thank you so much Sherry! Irish oak, Quercus petraea, apparently can reach up to 40 metres and live up to 1200 years. (The oaks on our land are not that big, maybe 25-30m and I don’t know how old - I need to measure their girth to estimate).
I am fascinated by the landscape and animal/ human interaction and impacts on it. I was first introduced to this concept by Robin Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass, that landscapes have evolved to work in tandem with the dominant species that thrive there in a mutually beneficial symbiosis, which I think is just the most beautiful expression of love and harmony. So it's really interesting to follow your journey and how you and your animals are embodying this principle irl here in Ireland. That the land may once have been a mosaic of different natural habitats makes more sense to me than a solid woodland, particularly as different plants/ animals experienced increase and decline, peaks and troughs. I'm sure changes in climate played a significant role too. Thanks for such intriguing train of thought on a Sunday morning. I hope you are all well and happy. 💕
It really is fascinating! Yes, a more open mosaic landscape makes much more sense to me too, with like you say peaks and troughs, nothing remaining static. Glad you enjoyed reading! x
As a keeper of goats and sheep, farming marginal land at the far southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains in North America, this is so interesting to me. I appreciate the wisdom you share, I always learn much from you, both in practical knowledge and gifts of the heart.
Your Irish Oaks, could you tell me their size and lifespan? My land is a mix of regenerating grasslands and oak and hickory woodlands.
Thank you Carly!
Thank you so much Sherry! Irish oak, Quercus petraea, apparently can reach up to 40 metres and live up to 1200 years. (The oaks on our land are not that big, maybe 25-30m and I don’t know how old - I need to measure their girth to estimate).
Thank you for writing about your work and the impact on the land. Your love for it shines through.
Thank you for reading, I’m so glad you liked it! :)