WINTERING: THE HIDDEN LIFE OF WINTER

Part of The Curious Naturalist’s Autumn and Winter Workshop Series, exploring the connections between nature, science, folklore and traditional craft.

Herbal tea, natural science and seasonal folklore

Join The Curious Naturalist for a cosy, beginner-friendly workshop exploring the hidden life of the winter landscape, the science behind seasonal herbs and the art of creating your own winter herbal tea blend.

Led by naturalist and palaeobotanist Dr Amy Wyatt, this relaxed afternoon brings together natural history, plant science, traditional herbal knowledge and seasonal folklore. It is designed for anyone curious about what happens in nature during winter and how familiar herbs and spices interact with our senses and bodies.

Winter can appear quiet or lifeless, but the natural world has not stopped. Beneath the soil, roots remain alive, seeds wait for the right conditions and fungi continue to recycle nutrients. Trees conserve water and energy, while animals survive through remarkable strategies including migration, hibernation, torpor and seasonal changes in behaviour.

Together, we will explore the science behind these adaptations and look at how plants and animals respond to falling temperatures, reduced daylight and changing food availability.

A central part of the workshop will focus on herbal tea and the science behind the plants we use. You will explore a selection of food-grade herbs and spices through smell, taste and touch, learning about the compounds they contain and what scientific research can tell us about how they interact with the body.

We will consider how herbal infusions are prepared, how hot water extracts different plant compounds and how factors such as temperature, steeping time, quantity and the part of the plant used can affect the finished drink.

We will also explore the relationship between aroma, taste and the nervous system, why some herbs and spices can feel warming or soothing and how different ingredients may influence digestion, relaxation, alertness and our overall sensory experience.

Traditional uses will be discussed alongside modern scientific evidence, with a clear distinction between historical practice, emerging research and established knowledge.

You will then create your own personalised winter herbal tea blend. You will be able to smell, taste and compare the available ingredients before choosing a combination based on flavour, aroma and the qualities you would like from your drink.

You will learn how to balance a blend using base herbs, aromatic ingredients and warming spices, as well as how to prepare, label, store and use your tea safely at home.

Alongside the science, we will explore how people have historically prepared for winter through food preservation, warming drinks, herbal traditions, storytelling, community and rest. We will also look at the folklore and symbolism associated with winter plants, evergreens, seeds, darkness and the return of light.

You will finish with a gentle seasonal reflection inspired by dormancy, seeds and the quiet preparation taking place beneath the winter landscape.

This workshop is an invitation to become curious about the season, understand the plants within our winter traditions and enjoy creating a herbal tea blend that is personal to you.

What’s included

• An introduction to winter ecology and seasonal change
• A guided exploration of food-grade herbs and spices
• An accessible look at the plant compounds found in herbal teas
• An explanation of how temperature and steeping time affect extraction
• A comparison of traditional herbal uses and modern scientific evidence
• The opportunity to smell, taste and compare different ingredients
• Guidance on creating a balanced herbal tea blend
• All ingredients and materials
• Your own labelled winter tea blend to take home

Event details

Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Time: 3:00pm–5:30pm
Location: Index, inside Chapter, 19 High Street, Newport, NP20 1FW
Price: £25
Experience level: Beginner friendly — no prior experience needed

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of herbalism, plant science, ecology or folklore.

It is ideal for anyone interested in:

• Herbal teas and plant-based drinks
• Herbs and spices
• Plant science
• Natural history
• Winter ecology
• Traditional herbal knowledge
• Seasonal folklore
• Nature connection
• Cosy, creative and hands-on workshops
• Learning more about how plants interact with the body

What will I make?

You will create your own personalised winter herbal tea blend using a selection of food-grade herbs, spices and other suitable ingredients.

You will have the opportunity to smell, taste and compare the ingredients before choosing your blend. You will learn how to combine flavours and aromas while considering the traditional uses and current scientific understanding of the plants available.

Your completed blend will be labelled for you to take home, along with guidance on preparation, storage and safe use.

What do I need to bring?

You do not need to bring anything. All ingredients, materials and equipment will be provided.

You may wish to bring a notebook if you enjoy taking notes, recording flavour combinations or nature journalling.

Important information

This workshop is for educational, creative and reflective purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

The traditional uses of herbs will be discussed alongside modern scientific evidence. Traditional use does not necessarily mean that an ingredient has been scientifically proven to prevent or treat a health condition.

Herbal ingredients are not suitable for everyone. Some may interact with medicines or may be unsuitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for people with particular health conditions.

Please get in touch before booking if you have any food or plant allergies, fragrance sensitivities, health considerations or access needs. Full ingredient information will be available during the workshop and I will do my best to support you.

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person or move your booking to another available Curious Naturalist workshop. Transfers are subject to availability, so please get in touch as soon as possible if you need to change your booking.

Location

Index, inside Chapter
19 High Street
Newport
NP20 1FW