As we walked through the countryside event in Petersfield, I noticed a man sitting outside one of the tents. We stopped to look at the owls and as we walked back, I went over and spoke to him. It was a rather abrupt approach for me but Rodney, as I found him to be called, was fine and we had a chat about his voluntary work with the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
He was holding a walking stick made of ash but also told me about the work coppicing hazels on their wood at the West Dean Estate for fences and the high level of demand for them, lorry loads being delivered regularly to sites in Kent and Sussex.
Time to explain my project and Rodney was willing to participate. I took quite a few photos, trying always to keep a clear background.
A lady joined us at this point and I realised from her name badge that she was Rodney's wife, Maria. She is equally passionate about their voluntary work.
I learnt about the dormouse (or hazel dormouse): they are a protected species and only 3 volunteers (including Maria and Rodney) have a licence to handle them. It's an important role when coppicing as dormice hibernate in the winter and make their nests in the stools (hollows amongst new spindly growth) of previously felled trees and need to be saved from being coppiced themselves.
Rodney showed us nestboxes which are put on the trees for the dormice. A dormouse is the only mouse with a bushy tail and to further complicate matters is not really a mouse at all. They are calm and will just curl up in your hand.
Before we left I bought two wooden pears which Rodney had turned from sycamore. I treated these with olive oil at home to enhance the colour and markings and have sent one to my daughter who lives in Scotland.
I sent photos to Rodney and have received thanks already. I was sorry I omitted to take a photo of both him and Maria but I guess I was carried away by their enthusiasm and the interesting information.
Your portraits are always good but this one is a bit special! Beautifully framed and you clearly had a good rapport. Really interesting narrative... and I learned that dormice are other than mice and exist outside the imagination of Lewis Carroll! Fav
David, thank you and yes I also liked this one but I find it's often rather hard for me to say what makes a portrait special. I am a bit chuffed, of course, that a dormouse is also called a hazel mouse.....
Loved reading about Rodney and Maria and their work. Your strangers very often do restore faith in human nature for me - thank you. I hope your draught loves the wooden pear.
Thank you, Sally, the angle was due to my co-operative subject.
I confess I must give credit to that for Rodney - but thank you and I will remember it for future reference!
David, thank you and yes I also liked this one but I find it's often rather hard for me to say what makes a portrait special. I am a bit chuffed, of course, that a dormouse is also called a hazel mouse.....