The Circle of Trees: Environmental arts therapy group

This group is an invitation to connect with your deeper self and with the natural world as we circle through the seasons. Following the ancient Celtic calendar, we will spend time with the tree of each month, learning from its life story and from the myths and folktales associated with the changes taking place at that time.

After checking in together, there will be plenty of time to embody and explore these themes through simple activities that allow us to find and make the truth of our own experience in the beautiful natural space around us. 

Lunch is ‘bring-your-own,’ supplemented by hot drinks and homemade vegan cake*. In the afternoon, we will move deeper into the work, using story and ritual to follow what arises for each of us and allowing it to safely to settle. Within the gentle holding of a safe, respectful, therapeutic group setting, this can offer healing, insight and personal growth, and an opportunity for our nervous systems to refresh and reset. 

The day is held and facilitated by Richard Arkwright and Mary Nieder. Richard’s background is in Dramatherapy and holding outdoor spaces. Mary has spent 25 years in the NHS before retraining in Art Therapy. 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 will meet bi-monthly at Heartwood on High Leas Farm following the seasons as they rise and fall. Since starting at the beginning and growing together through the year can be such a beautiful and beneficial experience, we are looking to develop core group of participants, although you can also join the group at any point of the year if space is available. 

The dates for the year are as follows :

• Sunday 30th November 2025
• Sunday 22nd February 2026
• Sunday 26th April 2026
• Sunday 28th June 2026
• Sunday 23rd August 2026
• Sunday 25th October 2026

The forest camp is usually 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 composting toilet with handwashing facilities. The site is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility or other needs, please discuss with us before booking.

Parking is near the farmyard. We will meet here and walk down to our starting point together.

Cost for each day is £60. There is a concessionary rate of £45 for those on low income.

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@heartwoodsfc.com

Special offer!

Book five sessions and get the last session FREE! Just book five sessions and let mary@heartwoodsfc.com know and we will send you a discount code for the last session. v

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. Heartwood's cancellation policy

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