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Escape from the noise and business of the city and join us under the extraordinary trees at Tortworth Arboretum, where we will be immersed in nature, free to relax and unwind around the campfire.

Whether you come along just to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the trees, or want to explore and discover the wildlife that this unique landscape offers, you will be welcome to try out a range of woodland crafts and skills in your own time and at your own pace.

All sessions will allow time for you to discover simple woodland living skills, learn new crafts, connect with the natural environment and to feel more comfortable enjoying time in the woods.

Each session will include a new woodland craft or skill, a chance to reflect and meditate, the opportunity to walk around the arboretum and full support from our experienced woodland women.

This event is a safe space for all women, including trans women.

The Science:

Taking time out of our daily lives to switch off, relax, and focus on ourselves is important to our mental well-being. But so often we don’t feel that we have the skills, equipment or knowledge to step out into the wild; nor do we prioritise looking after our own needs over the competing needs of our work, families and relationships.

By spending a day in the woodland with a like-minded group of women, you will gain the confidence you need to spend time in the woodland setting, learning skills that you may have considered ‘macho’ – but with support and guidance from our experienced woodland leaders you will leave with new knowledge and confidence in your own abilities to take on new challenges.

Our woodland visitors tell us that they leave feeling relaxed and calm. The arboretum is a stunning place to be in all weather and all year round, with beauty at every turn. Wild animals, exotic trees, wildflowers, the smell of wood smoke, and of course the gentle bleating of our woodland goats.

This is the breathing space you need to return to your life feeling refreshed and replenished.

The Venue:

We run Woodland Women sessions at Tortworth Forest Centre, which is based at Tortworth Arboretum in South Gloucestershire. The arboretum is easy to reach from Junction 14 of the M5, just 20 minutes from Bristol and 10 minutes from the M4. The nearest postcode is GL12 8HH – follow signs to the Tortworth Court Hotel and Arboretum and turn right into the woodland before you reach the hotel building.

Our solo wild camps take place at a private woodland 15 minutes’ drive from Chepstow.

More Details:

We run four Woodland Women days to fall as close as possible to the four turning points of the year, equinox and solstice.

We run sessions in all weather apart from high winds. Please dress appropriately for the weather and expect rough ground and bramble.

We will bring in different teachers and leaders for different crafts throughout the year, from spoon carving to basket weaving, meditation mindfulness and yoga, conservation and wildlife ID, arts and crafting activities.

We meet at 11.00am and run until 4.30pm during British Summer Time hours. Sessions will finish earlier the winter months.

Sessions are designed for women, and those who identify as women, aged 16 upwards. We also welcome non binary individuals who would enjoy the support of a women’s group.

Tickets

Tickets are kept as affordable as possible while still offering staff a living wage for their work. We operate a sliding scale according to income. The true cost of a ticket is usually around £65 per person, and if you are on a low income or unwaged we invite you to buy a lower priced ticket. We do not ask for proof of income, we operate on trust. All ticket holders receive the same benefits on the day. Some tickets cost more to reflect the materials used.

We also offer Wellbeing tickets for those who cannot otherwise afford to come.

Course Leaders:

Woodland Women is run by all round woman-of-the-woods, Bec Cork.

Bec manages Tortworth Forest Centre as well as a variety of nature-based events in woodlands across the UK. She has worked with a number of different groups at Tortworth from adults with addiction, families, youth groups and forest school groups. Bec is first aid trained and an experienced teacher of woodland crafts and activities. She knows the arboretum inside out, and can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for this magical place with you.

Tora Smith

Tora is a hobby crafter drawn to wild and foraged materials, including willows, hazel and honeysuckle, to make baskets, benches and fences.

She is trained in traditional woodland management as well as being an experienced Forest School leader.

Tora is happiest being in the woodland, especially with her little daughter Cushla, with a freshly brewed cup of foraged tea around the fire.

Through facilitating simple woodland craft activities and demonstrating of simple woodland skills, Tora wishes to help engage others in the beauty and the wonder of the woodland environment and to harness confidence in the woodland setting, furthering a positive connection in the woodland setting.

Leona Williamson

Leona is an exceptional award winning chef, hedge witch and woman of nature.