Barnack Solstice

The sun sinks slowly towards the north-western horizon, a flaming ball cradled by distant trees. Sheep from northern climes graze peacefully, nibbling the withered brown grasses. They are crafting the short velvety sward which will be strewn next summer with flowers of pale-pink Squinancy-wort, Purple Milk-vetch and golden coronets of Horseshoe-vetch. Normally curious, today they are aloof, intent on filling their bellies before the longest night of the year.

As the dusk seeps in, gentle wisps of mist appear in the hollows of the pock marked landscape, sheltered from the breeze by young woodland. The hills-and-holes topography was created mostly in Medieval times, men quarrying the golden limestone rock by hand before it was carted off to build churches, abbeys and both Ely and Peterborough cathedrals, where Christmas will soon be celebrated.

On the crest of a jagged hawthorn, a bush of Mistletoe is silhouetted against the evening sky. Revered by Celtic people for its healing powers, it is also a symbol of hope and good fortune in life. A particularly appropriate talisman on this solstice night. Soon we will see the return of the sun’s powers, the bursting buds of spring and hear the sound of bird song…