The Great Pause: A Nature Immersion Experience

Join us at Heal Somerset on the afternoon of Sunday 19 July, where together we will take The Great Pause — the first-ever mass nature bathe on a UK rewilding site.

The event is open to all ages and free to attend. If you’re able to make a £10 donation per person, it helps support Heal’s work. 

This will be the perfect chance to be part of a shared experience — enjoying half an hour or more of peace and stillness together in the midst of nature on a sunny summer’s afternoon, followed by a bring-your-own picnic if you would like.

All you will need to take part is a blanket to lie on. You will make yourself comfortable and settle in. Then, as we signal the beginning of the Great Pause, you may choose to look up into the blue or close your eyes. In silence, over the next half hour or so, you will take in the sounds of nature: birds calling, grasshoppers chirring and grasses rustling in the warm breeze.

Participants are also invited to bring a picnic for afterwards and to join and share with those around you who might have come alone. 

Camping will also be available on the Sunday night if you want to extend the peace and spend even more time immersed in nature in our beautiful rewilding site.  You can select a camping ticket when you book your place.

Please note that this event is weather dependent and if the forecast for 19 July is poor, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday 26 July at the same time.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Great Pause is for everyone and is taking place in two areas, one for people aged 14 and over, and one for families. This allows those without children to relax in a quieter environment, while parents can feel comfortable knowing their children can enjoy themselves without concern about making noise.

The 14+ area is a five minute walk to a place at the heart of our rewilding site. 

The family area is close to the parking area and will also be suitable for those with mobility issues. 

Both areas have a drinking water tap and a compost loo. Neither area has car access onto the field.

The site is in a very quiet rural area but we want to make event participants aware that there is a train line which runs along the valley, with trains passing through from time to time.

LOCATION

Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.

TIMINGS

Arrive: 2.30pm

Briefing: 3pm

Immersion begins: 3.30pm

Immersion ends: 4pm

Optional picnic: 4pm onwards, stay on and tuck in to your picnic

Event closes: 5.30pm. Campers can now set up their tents in the campsite

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CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We ask that you bring a blanket or something else to lie on like a yoga mat, and recommend that you bring sunscreen, antihistamines if you suffer from hay fever, sunglasses and a water bottle which you can refill on site. Do wear comfortable clothing so you can properly relax.

If you are staying for a picnic, please be advised that there are no shops near by so you will need to bring everything you need with you. We will have limited refreshments available for sale on the day.

ACCESSIBILITY

The family area for the event will be closest to the car park so is the most suitable for those with physical access needs. The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event. 

If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.

If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.

OTHER THINGS

Cancellation

We reserve the right to postpone this event. We need a warm, sunny day to go ahead, so if there is a poor weather forecast or another unforeseen circumstance, we will reschedule the event to Sunday 26 July and your ticket will automatically be transferred to that date. If the rescheduled date is also not good enough to go ahead, we will try again in 2027.

Your donation

If the event does not go ahead in 2026, any donation you make for this event will be carried over to a date in 2027.

Photography and videos

We will be taking photos and videos at this event, including with a drone, and images and films may be used in Heal socials and on the website. Your participation in this event is your permission to be photographed or videoed in this way.

Children and babies

Children and babies are very welcome. Any families with children under the age of 14 will be directed to the family area for The Great Pause. Children over 14 are welcome in the main area but need to be accompanied by an adult. Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.

Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.

Supporting Heal

There is no charge for this event but you will have the opportunity to make a donation when you book your ticket. Please note that this will be treated as a donation so will not be returned in the case of the event being cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Local accommodation

Camping is available on site and you can select a ticket for camping when you book. You can see more information about visiting including other accommodation options in the area here.

Transport

The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all event participants.