Nicky | Pilgrim's Perch

Web of Wonder

Mention the word ‘web’ and thoughts probably turn straight to the worldwide web – that great engine that connects us to other people, other thoughts and ideas so quickly and so (usually!) efficiently.

The world wide web – where would we be without it…?

But it’s at this time of year that spider webs grab our attention, shimmering and glistening as they waft in a breeze, catching the clear and gentle autumn light.

A sparkling spider’s web shimmers as it catches the light

Spider webs are made from a natural silken fibre made of protein. This fibre has an extraordinarily high tensile strength – five times stronger than steel! The beautiful webs are, for the spider, the means of catching food, raising young, and travelling.

A fly caught in a web generates a vibration along the web – this alerts the spider who then moves in for the kill.

The spider lies in wait for its hapless victim.

Webs are also used to weave a protective covering for the young spiders so they can grow free form the threat of predators. A web can also be used for travelling – known as ‘ballooning’. The spider releases strands of silk that catch a breath of wind and enable the spider to travel – sometimes great distances.

The golden silk orb-weaver, a spider that lives in warm parts of the world, spins webs with a beautiful golden sheen. This silk has even been used to create cloth, an example of which was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2012.

So next time you flinch or hesitate at the sight of a spider, remind yourself just how amazing these creatures are and enjoy the beauty of their intricately woven environment.

The Light Lessens

The autumn equinox approaches and the excitement that comes with the onset of autumn builds…

The equinox approaches and the full moon is spectacular…

It is a fair time of the year. The sun creeps lower in the sky and the heat lessens but the light is clear; mornings come with a hint of chill and evenings are darker.

Autumnal light adds a special brightness to all things

But it is a time to celebrate the ‘drawing down’ of nature as plants shed their leaves, new growth slows, leaves fall and autumn harvests are gathered in.

Enjoy the autumnal colours – they can be truly spectacular!

The colours can be beautiful and need to be enjoyed, admired and wondered at… Enjoy!

Spring into Song

February bounces in and whilst the weather still brings a chill there is certainly more light as the days lengthen.

With that growing light have you noticed how the mornings become filled with birdsong? Our feathered friends sense the approaching spring and their singing is optimistic,bright and cheerful.

Indeed, it is often said that St Valentine’s Day (14th February) is the day on which birds choose a partner ready for the mating season.

But singing is good for humans too. It helps reduce blood pressure, improve lung function, posture, and it boosts the immune system. Breathing deeply and filling the lungs with air opens our body and mind up to new possibilities. Try some deep breathing exercises and see just how much more wide awake, alert and aware you feel. Singing triggers chemical changes in the body and releases ‘happy hormones’ including dopamine and endorphins, which help reduce stress and create a sense of wellbeing.

You can sing alone – or with others. It can be huge fun joining a choir – it teaches you to listen to one another, it helps improve memory and you have the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. Any more benefits? Yes! Lasting friendships can be formed – with a common bond these can be sources of joy for many years. No wonder the birds sound so cheerful!