Boar in the Woods

Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They’ll hide and seek as long as they please

These are a couple of lines from Teddy Bear’s Picnic song – ‘If you go down to the woods today’.  I remember singing it as a youngster, but never really understanding it.  Not that it demanded any great interpretation – it was a cheerful tune encouraging a sense of fun and togetherness and I think supposed to remind us of the joy of playtime and the camaraderie of our stuffed animal friends.

The thing is I could never think of teddy-bears in the woods, or even sitting picnicking.  Couldn’t seem to imagine it, the feel wasn’t right and I didn’t want to shout and gad about in the woods.

For me the woodland was a quiet, listening place – with a sense calm and privacy.  If I was quiet the canopy filled with birds, and rustling could be heard.  The bird sounds were different to those in the garden, a softness underfoot, earthly scents, bark and huge protective trees.

How much better to sing about the birds and animals in the woodland breakfasting, seeking a feast, finding shelter, feeling safe and hidden.

Absolutely I can think about a Boar in the woodland, imagine the rooting through the soil for bulbs, tubers and acorns, or emerging from dense vegetation.  (Wild Boar often choose areas with oak and beech trees near marshes or meadows).

I’d much rather be friends with the trees and the all the wild things in the wood, and can imagine clearly, with unassuming warmth and affection, a Wild Boar as a companion in my wandering.

Boar sculpture (pictured in a small woodland by the River Seven near Cropton Forest) – carved in Ancaster Weatherbed Limestone.