The Green Ghosts of Wicklow

I wandered a little off the main track at Glendalough for this pic. Even though the canopy is stripped bare, letting that pale winter light filter through, the forest still feels incredibly alive. It’s the green that gets you - it was everywhere! The moss here was absolutely thriving, wrapping the tree trunks in these thick, velvety coats.

Fun fact: The abundance of moss and lichen on these trees is actually a great sign of air quality. These "epiphytes" rely on the air for nutrients and moisture, so seeing them this thick means the air here in the valley is incredibly pure.