the raven

The Equinox really started on the 19th for me. It was a beautiful warm day and Alex and I decided to go somewhere, just because staying at home would have been a waste of a fine day. We randomly selected “Whipsnade Tree Cathedral” out of the National Trust handbook, just because it sounded intriguing. When we got there, we found a park laid out in the shape of a cathedral with trees for pillars. The aisle is an avenue of hornbeam, and the apse is formed out of white birches on a background of yew. To the side are ‘chapels’ with various themes where you can sit and be quiet. The whole thing was planted in the 1930s, so it isn’t quite mature yet. In another 100 years or so it should be better than it is now. It has been planted with an overtly Christian intent, but the place does feel special and not unlike a sacred grove.