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 time of year.

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. 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 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 Mary’s in Art psychotherapy. They are both HCPC registered practitioners with further training in Environmental Art Therapy. You can find more information about Richard at…Badth Find a therapist and Mary at…BAAT Find a therapist

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 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 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 a 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 22nd Nov 2026
• Sunday 13th Dec 2026 
• Sunday 24th Jan 2027
• Sunday 21st Feb 2027
• Sunday 14th March 2027
• Sunday 25th April 2027
• Sunday 23rd May 2027
• Sunday 27th June 2027 
• Sunday 18th July 2027
• Sunday 22nd Aug 2027
• Sunday 19th Sept 2027
• Sunday 17th Oct 2027

The cost for each day is £75. There is also a concessionary rate of £50 if money is tight and a £100 rate if you have spare to support others. 

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

Feedback from last year's group

In response to What has been the most important part of your experience with this group?

“Mary and Richard, and the way that they lead these sessions and weave their work together. I was delighted to discover how gently and respectfully they 'held' and led the sessions, with prompts being invitations. I absolutely love Richard's story / myth telling and how this comes together with learning about, and meeting the Trees! I feel very supported by how considerate Mary and Richard are - squishy sit-mats, blankets, cake and even hot water bottles and warm water for drinks! You have thought of everything! These days are just beautiful!”

“The time given to myself”.

“The many little intimate connections with the activities and individuals”.

In response to What would you say to someone who was thinking of joining this group?

“I can’t recommend this group more highly. Please try it! Don’t be shy!”

“Just join. Give yourself the time and opportunity to explore your inner world”

The facilities

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. Lunch is ‘bring-your-own,’ and hot drinks and sweet treats are available throughout the day. 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.

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