Williamson's Wedekly Nature Notes

The mistle thrushes and redwings will then take his crown apart and General Winter will finish him off, stripping all his leaves. Hawthorn has represented green men all the way back into our history.

A 13th century carved green man as found in Southwell Minister is typical. Young people revelled in its powerful symbolism.

Older people, like those I knew as a child in backward Norfolk villages, thought the scent from all that frothy white blossom with its curiously sexy smell ( caused by chemical triethylamine) was going to cause real trouble amongst the young.

Sixteenth century reformation laws had already forbade the worship of Virgin Mary statues using May blossom bowers punishable as a capital offence.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette June 27