As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many dog walks I’ve enjoyed over the past year. Armed with my trusty Google Pixel phone (a Christmas 2023 gift from my husband that has more than earned its keep), I’ve captured nature’s moments in and around where I live. It’s been a delightfully simple and grounding project—just me, my dogs, and whatever caught my eye. 

December, though, threw in a bit of an unexpected twist. Like many, I found myself running headlong into the whirlwind of the festive season, which left little time for leisurely strolls with my phone in hand. And to be honest, the woods seemed to have hit the pause button. After months of observing its changes, December’s landscape offered more of the same—browns, greys, and a feeling of stillness. But nature, as always, has a way of surprising you when you look a little closer. 

The early part of the month was marked by some rather dramatic weather. After weeks of relentless rain that saturated the ground, horrendous winds swept through, loosening tree roots and toppling several trees in our local park. The sight was both awe-inspiring and a little heartbreaking. Trees that had stood firm for decades now lay in a tangle of branches and exposed roots, victims of nature’s occasional temper tantrums. 

Once the winds settled, I made it my mission to find splashes of colour amid the dreariness. And, with a bit of patience (and quite a few soggy boots), I found it. A determined hazel was clinging to its last few leaves, defiantly green against the gloom. Nearby, its branches were already adorned with the beginnings of catkins, hinting at the promise of spring. The common ivy, steadfast as ever, provided a lush display of greenery, its glossy leaves standing out like jewels amongst the muted tones. Beard lichens, which I’d photographed throughout the year, continued to add their silvery-grey elegance to the scene, proving that even the smallest details can bring a landscape to life. 

The cherry laurel also caught my attention. Its dark green leaves were vibrant and glossy, and, if you looked closely, you could see tiny buds forming—a reminder that even in the depths of winter, nature is always planning its next move. A particularly magical find was a spider’s web covered in dew, hanging delicately on our local park gate. Despite the harsh weather, it clung on, each droplet glistening like tiny jewels in the winter light.  

And then there was my little mystery find: what I believe to be an oak apple gall. I’ve yet to confirm if I’m right, and I’m still curious about its purpose. If anyone reading this happens to be a gall expert, do let me know—I’d love to solve that little puzzle. 

This year-long project has taught me so much about paying attention. It’s remarkable what you can discover when you slow down and really look. From the shifting seasons to the steadfast resilience of trees and plants, there’s a quiet beauty in the everyday. And while December may not have offered the most dynamic of landscapes, it reminded me that even in the stillness, there’s life, growth, and colour to be found—if you know where to look. 

Here’s to another year of walks, wonders, and perhaps a bit more sunshine. Thanks for following along, that is the end of the challenge I set myself, I hope you have enjoyed it. 

 

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