I had to ask the children’s permission to share this with you, because this post gives away the existence of their secret forest rope swing… they’ve agreed, as long as you keep it to yourselves.
In previous posts we’ve shown the farmland and woodlands that are right beside our home, whilst this is one of the ancient woodlands, a short drive (or a longer hike) north of the village we live in. Here’s the pathway that meets you:
After 10 minutes the path then opens out into a clearing, before you veer right into the less-trodden forest paths.
I like to mark the seasons by taking photos of the forest floor… which after autumn is usually covered in sweet chestnut husks and fungi.
After a short climb…
… you can just about make out the outskirts of the largest town in the area, through the trees and across the fields.
And this was the first time we found the swing that someone had rigged up, just on the other side of the hill, with no path leading to it – but luckily we discovered it, just the same.
Tiny Potager 
Amazing pictures!
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Thanks so much 🙂 x
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Perfect. I promise not to tell. 🙂
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The children are all calling “thank you!” from the other room as I read this comment out to them 🙂
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What fun! Your secret is safe with me. 😉
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🙂
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Can adults play?😀
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They certainly can! … ( we have photos to prove it somewhere … 🙂 )
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I’ll keep it secret too. All the way from the other side of the world.
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My children love the idea of the secret being kept all over the world 🙂
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Love the story in your pictures!
I remember when I was a child we found a really similar style rope swing by wondering off the paths in the forests around the moorland. It was in a small clearing right next to a river and was a wonderfully serene scene, especially with the sound of the water flowing slowly. I always liked the idea of finding something someone else had left and wondering how many other explorers had found it too .. ! I liked the idea of sharing I suppose (as long as I didn’t bump into them!) But I promise to keep your secret 😉
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Thank you Eleanor! We love your recipe site too, the photography is gorgeous. You’re right – there is definitely something more special about discovering the swing left by others, than if you’d built it yourself, and I think just the sheer joy of being surprised. A rope swing next to a rive sounds idyllic 🙂
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Thanks so much for the compliments! I’m sort of in love with your blog – reading reminds me of my own parents who encouraged me towards sustainable living, aromatherapy, getting outdoors, and a mediative life to foster positivity and also cope with the more difficult moments of aspergers & the anxiety I had as a child. Because of them I remember fondly all the adventures we had together, and not the harder times. It’s a wonderful idea to share it on a blog. 🙂
My home county is Devon and I live just on the edge of the moorland, it really is idyllic here. Perfect place to set up camp too! 😉 I’m wondering if you’d be interested in a family friends blog – https://permaculturehouseintotnes.co.uk She used to have a lot of posts, I think she’s recently cleared it up – but her whole house is a paradise. 🙂
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Thanks so much Ellanor, that’s really kind of you. You’re so lucky to live in Devon, a beautiful part of the country 🙂 We used to camp there in the summer when I was little. We’re up in the Shires in the Midlands, about the furthest point from the coast you can get! It’s interesting to hear that your parents did the same as we are doing now for our little son with autism – the wilderness definitely makes it easier for him to relax and be himself, it’s modern life (beeping tills, flashing lights, noisy crowds etc) that he finds a challenge. Thanks for the website link, it sounds perfect – I’ll go check it out now 🙂
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thank you for following my blog. I look forward to reading yours
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You’re welcome – I’m always looking to gather lots of recipes to use up the veg harvest, and your blog is perfect 🙂
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My children had one in a nearby wood that even I didn’t know about about. I know how to keep a secret, so mum’s the word!
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aww how lovely! everyone should have a secret childhood rope swing. We were climbing trees all morning today … I’ll have to post the pics 🙂
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What a beautiful setting for the kids to play in!
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It is, forests make the perfect playground 🙂 I love the beautiful photographs on your site too.
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