This group is for people who want to connect with themselves and with the embrace of the natural world. Following the Celtic calendar with its roots in the lands of the northern hemisphere, we will spend time with the tree of each month, learning from its life story and wisdom. Myths and folktales will offer further reflection on both our individual stories and those of the wider culture. Held in a respectful therapeutic space, this can be an experience of wonder, healing and personal growth.

The day starts by gathering around the firepit at the forest school. After checking in together, we will introduce the tree of that month, with time to embody and explore these themes in the space around us. Lunch is ‘bring-your-own,’ supplemented by homemade vegan cake* . After lunch, we will move deeper into the work, using story and ritual to follow what arises for each of us and allow it then to settle.

The day is held and facilitated by Richard Arkwright and Mary Nieder. Richard’s background is in outdoor learning and Dramatherapy. Mary has spent 25 years in the NHS before retraining in Art Therapy. She is currently developing outdoor practice at High Leas farm within her role as a director of Heartwood C.I.C. They are both HCPC registered practitioners with further training in Environmental Art Therapy.

This group is designed to be therapeutic rather than take the place of personal therapy. We will support you to connect with the themes and encourage you to work only with material that you feel safe to bring in the presence of others. There is no expectation of deep self-disclosure. If required, Mary and Richard can signpost you to further therapeutic support.

The Celtic year starts in November, arising from the ‘compost’ of the old year. We plan to meet bi-monthly in the woods at High Leas Farm (Heartwood). You can join the group at any point of the year, but starting at the beginning and growing together can be an amazing experience. The dates for rest of the year are as follows :

• Sunday Jan 26th 2025
• Sunday March 30th 2025
• Sunday May 18th 2025
• Sunday July 27th 2025
• Sunday Sept 21st 2025

These dates will be open for booking from the end of November.

The forest school site will be our base for the day. Come expecting to be outside, whatever the weather. Wear comfortable, warm, weatherproof clothes and stout footwear. There is a firepit for warmth and some shelter from the elements under canvas. There is a comfortable composting toilet with handwashing facilities. The site is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility needs, please discuss with us before booking.

Parking is near the farmyard. Follow the satnav to High Leas Farm (put Heartwood Social Farming Centre into google maps or follow this link Heartwood) and follow the farm track for about 1 mile to the parking area. We will meet here and walk down to the forest school area together.

Cost for the day is £45. There are two places available at a concessionary rate of £35 for those on low income. There are a total of 8 places available.

Once you have booked your place, we will be in touch by email a week before the event to confirm details of the day. For any direct queries such as mobility issues etc please contact mary@nieder.co.uk.

Cancellation policy.

In the event that we have to cancel such as due to extreme weather or illness, then we would endeavour to rearrange an alternative date, or offer a full refund minus an administration fee if an alternative date is not possible.

If you have to cancel for whatever reason, we follow Heartwood’s cancellation policy.

* gluten-free or other dietary needs can be accommodated if given enough notice