Kilmore Care of Creation Latest “Earth Matters” Bulletin

Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

(To Autumn by John Keats)

We have reached the end of the Season of Creation, a special time dedicated to raising greater awareness among ourselves and the public at large of the importance of respecting and caring for God’s Creation.  This is more urgent now than ever as we see the devastation caused globally by the effects of climate change, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and the exploitation of poorer nations. 

September was a transition month from summer to autumn, with daylight and temperatures decreasing and crops harvested and re-sown.  Nature is prompting humanity to slow down and rest in the knowledge that everything will spring to life again in a few short months. 

Our farmers have had a productive season with ample sunshine and rain.  We should all be feeling the many benefits of one of the warmest summers on record in Ireland, when many of us enjoyed spending pleasant holidays in some of our many beautiful resorts and heritage sites. 

During September and October, we are treated to a wonderful spectacle of colour as leaves on trees turn yellow, brown and/or red due to a depletion of nutrients from the trees.  This time of year is a good time to plant native trees – (a golden rule for planting bare root trees in general, is only do so when there is an “R” in the month).  Potted trees can be planted any time of year.  Planting native trees supports biodiversity, fosters ecological stability and provides numerous environmental benefits for mankind, wildlife and the planet.  It’s timely to remind ourselves that trees are our oldest neighbours.  More ancient than technology or philosophy, trees were on earth at the time of dinosaurs.  Personally, when I look out at trees growing on our family farm, I am conscious that it was my ancestors who planted them, and this I gain comfort from as I feel it bridges the gap between myself and previous generations of my family.

The sunshine and rain of the past few months has rewarded us with a bountiful harvest of all sorts of fruits, vegetables and flowers.  This year is what is referred to as a mast year.  A mast year is when specific tree and shrub species produce an unusually large crop of fruits, nuts, and seeds.  This phenomenon occurs every few years as an evolutionary strategy, overwhelming seed-eating predators like jays and squirrels, thus ensuring some of the trees’ offspring survive to grow into new trees. For example, a mast year provides a bumper crop of acorns from oak trees or beech nuts from beech trees.  With harvest thanksgiving time approaching, we will be happy to adorn our places of worship, community centres and homes along with colourful admirable presentations at various shows and exhibitions.  Indeed it’s a gentle reminder that we have much to be thankful and grateful for. 

Wildlife and our feathered friends have fared well with the ample food supplies.  As autumn progresses we should be watchful that they have enough food supplies and shelter.  Many of our birds are preparing to migrate or have already done so.  Keep an eye out for spectacular flying formations, particularly the noted murmuration’s of our starlings in certain parts of our county.  One well known location to spot the starlings is along Lough Ennell in the midlands, but I have often seen greater numbers of them myself congregate before sudden spontaneous departure. At a national level, Lough Neagh is experiencing an ecological crisis, where toxic algae are suffocating the lake and harming wildlife. 

There has been an upsurge in promotion and awareness of our need to protect our native birds, in particular our swallows and swifts.  Annual surveys on recorded sightings of these and other birds, insects, wildlife are being carried out at local levels and the public are being made more aware of urgent need to either preserve or produce nesting sites for these creatures in safe appropriate places. Modern construction sites and farming methods have reduced their nests, food, shelter and these issues are now being addressed. 

Keep an eye out too for our beloved hedgehogs.  I have had two in my back garden for many years now, but this last few weeks I realize that I now have a new addition – the baby!  I had Harry and Hector and now Hilda has joined them!  They need to double their body weight before hibernation, so if you spot any in your gardens before winter, leave out either meal-worms, water, and non-fish-based dog or cat food!  Avoid bread and milk, as they harm their digestive systems.

I hope you enjoyed the recent Indian Summer which we experienced lately. 

Every leaf speaks bliss to me

Fluttering from the autumn tree

(Fall, Leaves, Fall by Emily Bronte)

Your Earth Friend, Anne

Member of the Kilmore Care of Creation Group