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The West Dorset Magazine, June 3, 2022
Health & Wellbeing
Walking West Dorset FROME VALLEY TRAIL: 6th WALK This is the sixth of the walks going down the Frome Valley. It’s about six miles long and takes you in a circuit around Bradford Peverell. Start in Charminster, where there’s usually parking available on the A352 north of the crossroads. Walk up the road a short distance then turn left, NW, along Wanchard Lane, passing an industrial estate. At the end of the lane turn left, SW, down Sodem Lane which soon brings you to the A37 where you turn right and follow the pavement
through Wrackleford. If you have time, count the bricks in the garden wall of Wrackleford House! When the road becomes a dual-carriageway, cross it to join the road heading SSW across the water meadows to Bradford Peverell. When you reach the village turn right and walk for a mile
with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade
westward along the road, first through the village and then past the water meadows. You’ll see on your left the remains of the Roman aqueduct. At the end of the road turn left and walk a quarter of a mile to the Z-bend where you take the unpaved road SSE alongside the Muckleford Nature Reserve. At the end of the Nature Reserve, at Three Corners, take a bridleway to your left that heads uphill across fields. There are lovely views from the top. The path then descends to join the
track heading NE down to the village. About 100 yards before the church, take a footpath to your right which leads onto the road where you turn right and go over the hill SE down to Giles Cross. Turn left here and head NE crossing two fords and rejoining the A37. Turn right and head back to your car, possibly pausing to quench your thirst at The Three Compasses.
I bring you tidings of comfrey and joy Andy Cole is a reiki healer based near Melbury Osmund. He specialises in planting for healing. Energy healing is needed more and more as the last couple of years have taken a significant toll on people’s wellbeing. The initial lockdown put tremendous pressure on people, their relationships and mental health. With some degree of normality returning, it has become more apparent that the outside space is needed by everyone. The healing this provides is of great benefit to all, without knowing exactly why and how the healing is taking place. Gardens for wellbeing are becoming a very important part of the recovery process.
These gardens have been specifically designed and planted to enhance the healing provided in that particular space. Some therapy gardens even provide a space where you can pot on plants, weed, plant and get hands on within the space. The benefits of doing this type of activity are unquestionably therapeutic. Firstly, by concentrating on the job at hand it clears the mind of all the stress and clutter. Secondly, you connect with the soil or composts which provide a good grounding for your spirit and soul, you also absorb the positive energies that the soil and compost hold. Finally, you gain the healing energies from the plants you are handling and by the end of your time spent doing these jobs you have cleared your mind and refocused yourselves. By clearing your mind, the problems you had,
have diminished and you get the answer to a problem when you’re not thinking about it. If you decide to just sit and unwind in the garden the healing will still take place but will have less focus. Plant of the day: Comfrey Spiritually it helps to ground the soul and releases unconscious thought patterns. The energies help to prepare you for healing or meditation, and enables you to connect with your subconscious, grounding you and clearing the mind. With your mind at peace, your mental wellbeing is improved, your energy levels are boosted which will help to improve overall health. Common Comfrey is a popular plant in herbal medicine and is regularly used to treat sprains, bruises and wounds, and to ease arthritis. It’s been known to cause skin irritation if you are particularly
susceptible to this plant. Grow comfrey around your other plants as a living mulch and chop-and-drop fertilizer. Fill a bucket with comfrey leaves and cover them with water. Let it sit outside for a month or more until it smells terrible. Dilute it to feed your plants. Be sure to filter the liquid well if you intend to use it in a sprayer. It’s a must for organic gardeners because its roots reach deep into the soil making it rich in minerals, while its leaves can be used for slug control, and as a composting aid. This plant is a must for bee lovers as they flock to it.
