On hares in court, and loys and all that ...

Went orienteering on Sunday at a place called the Burren in Fermanagh, a historical ancient forest which has established itself over existing court tombs and stone circles. The whole area is powerfully spiritual, long drapes of moss hanging from old oak trees, carpets of snowdrops over a man-shaped mixed landscape of limestone and caves and raised bog. Very difficult terrain.

I came across something I had not seen for years, a court of hares: about eight hares standing in a circle, basking in the low weak winter sunshine on the south face of a small hill. Unfortunately I was on them before I spotted them, and so disturbed them and did not have long to watch. Woodcock and snipe everywhere under foot, this is really my spiritual home .

I attended Potatoes Day at the Organic Centre in Rossinver afterwards, watched a demonstration of men working with loys. Never saw it before, were they ever around Kilcullen? I went to a talk about heritage potatoes and saw samples of over 300 varieties of potatoes that have died out in Ireland. A good day for the soul, much needed.

Off to a spring solstice gathering with some like-minded people this morning. Have just finished work for the time being as the Peace Funding for the job has run out and the project has to close, four people out of work as a consequence. Much-needed community work and Intellectual capital scattered to the four winds ... what a way to run a country!

But one door closes and another opens ... I've been thinking of turning our local community arts group into a social enterprise … started on that this week, and I'll send a progress report now and again.

Marella Fyffe (formerly Byrne, of Silliot Hill), Omagh, Co Tyrone.