Land Watchers
Here near the end of the trail we find a song for a tractor, The rangers and we perhaps even meet the old watchers.
Things you can do!
Writing Task - The rangers here do a brilliant job of looking after both the Park, and the people that use it. When have you felt most looked after? When have you felt compelled to care for someone or something?Write a poem or short story about that moment.
​
​
Drawing Task - One of the characters we have discovered while working on the park is "The Watcher". We think this character is related to the magpies that have been supervising out visits to the park...Have you felt them watching you too?
What might this character look like? (If you would rather write about it that's fine too!)
​
​
Final Stop... Monuments
The Watchers
​
This stretch of land betwixt the green and the brine
Belongs neither to you or indeed nor is mine
The footprints that mark a day spent in bliss
Are all washed away with each tidal kiss
​
The magpies standing sentinel over grass, earth and shore
Fly overhead where we will walk no more
On feathered wing black, white and blue
Listen as they call warnings to you
​
The ferryman waits for the day finally to come
When he carries the last passenger and then there'll be none
For with nowhere to land he leaves his vessel to rust
Each Passing year collecting more dust
​
The Fisher's moth that resides here for now
Enjoys the numbered days but understands how
With heavy heart their home will be claimed
By the waters that cannot be tamed
​
After centuries of those watching the sea
For messages, tidings and enemy
You are the final watchers, the end of a line
The last gift for you is this small stretch of time
​
Sleep Summer Child, in the earths warm embrace
Close your eyes and hide your face
The world above will rage and mourn
As the ground beneath your feet is torn
​
Listen...close your eyes and listen...
Take it all in
The wind in your hair, the sun on your face
The smell of the grass and trees in this place
The feel of the earth and sand at your feet
The taste of the salt and rest...feel complete
​
Listen. Breathe. Remember.
​
Bethan Briggs-Miller - Written for the site, Midsummer 2023
​