Worcestershire residents have been enjoying monthly nature connection and therapeutic writing sessions in an urban woodland in Worcester.
In a partnership between The Bramblewood Project CIC, and The Word Association CIC, these sessions follow the cycle of the seasons at the Bramblewood site.
In the morning sessions, led by forest education expert, Jon Cree, the group of 12 have planted trees from seed, studied wildflowers, made charcoal over an open fire, created ink from oak gall, crafted with willow, whittled, learnt about bird song and the subtle seasonal shifts.
After a nutritious seasonal feast, cooked by Bramblewood resident chef, Paula Wysocka, the group spend their afternoons writing under the guidance of The Word Association’s founder and managing director, Holly Winter-Hughes.
The writing element taps into the morning session, allowing the group the chance to slow down, reflect on the morning’s offerings and deepen their connection through exploratory writing and sharing.
Bramblewood’s Helen Fairest and Anthony Chesher have been on hand to offer practical and nurturing support throughout the sessions.
Participants have found the sessions helped them in a variety of ways, allowing them space and time to reconnect with nature, learn how to make and enjoy nutritious meals, and enjoy connection without pressure or distraction.
One member said: “Everyone comes with their own baggage, which quite often gets left at the gate and you disappear into this little bubble of Bramblewood for a few hours. I haven’t experienced anything similar for quite a long time in my life, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to be here.”
Another added: “I know that there is a welcome here for me and that I can turn up however I am, is great. It’s a light at the end of the tunnel that just kept me going. I don’t know what I would have done without it. I think it’s one of the few places when I do feel part of a community.”
The project will come to an end this summer, with the group producing a printed artbook to capture their photos, sketches, muses, poems and illustrations. Both organisations are hoping to be able to offer the project again in the future.
The project was funded by a Worcestershire County Council Public Health Grant, Hubbub’s Nature Hubs Fund and Councillor Matt Jenkins.
If you wish to apply for a community grant to increase connection, reduce loneliness and support health and wellbeing, please visit our website for more information: The Stay Connected Community Grant | Worcestershire County Council
