THE Hawaan Forest was the setting for a moving Autumn blessing ceremony, led by the Venerable Martin Tifflin from St Michael’s Anglican Church on Saturday. Tifflin also paid tribute to the late Alastair Carnegie, and at the end of the ceremony a bench was unveiled, dedicated to the well-known environmentalist.

The non-denominational service is based on the ancient Celtic blessing of the land.

“We have this service every year as a symbol of our thanks to God. And this year was also about paying tribute to Alastair Carnegie, who was instrumental in looking after and caring for the Hawaan Forest with his wife, Phoebe,” he said.

Tifflin also blessed the soil and said he hoped that the forest would bring forth goodness and nourish and renew the creatures and plants for generations to come.

Alastair’s wife, Phoebe, said her husband was one of a group of Wildlife Society members who took it upon themselves to assist and learn the ways of the forest.

“We learnt the names of the trees and their uses, and the paths and the art of guiding. We were also responsible for the maintenance of the forest. We used to have regular tours of the Hawaan Forest on the first Saturday of every month. Alastair loved these outings, where his humour and knowledge were enjoyed by all. Apart from the forest, Alastair was chairman of the Umhlanga Wildlife Society for five years.

“My son remarked how the forest was like a symphony to him. It was a wonderful service; Alastair loved music and art, and there was a beautiful violin player who accompanied the hymns played, and I know he loved that,” Phoebe said.