Hands on the Land
2025
Please contact us for booking: E-mail: info@natureways-therapy.co.uk Tel: 07765 860 651
Hands on the Land: Therapy and Conservation
This weekly drop-in group combines a fireside support group with conservation work to improve wildlife habitats. The fantastic benefits of spending time in nature are greatly increased when combined with the physical activity and meaningful work that is involved in conservation work. We hope that you will experience the sense of wellbeing and connection that comes from working together on a shared project and playing an important role in improving the biodiversity of this beautiful woodland site.
We have conservation tasks to suit every level of energy or mobility - from butterfly and bird monitoring to building bird boxes, planting vegetables, and creating a wildlife pond.
Testimonials:
“Thank you for welcoming me. It was a wonderful mini break, like a deep breath of fresh air.”
"I remained so calm and grounded all afternoon. I loved the experience…. Did me so much good. ”
Twyford Farm is part of the Countryside Regeneration Trust – a national charity that promotes nature-friendly farming to help reverse bio-decline and combat climate change.
The fireside therapeutic support group is held by two highly experienced therapists. The morning ends with a guided nature connection relaxation practice. It goes without saying that we expect participants will have different needs on different days - good days and bad days. Our check-in at the start of the sessions will help us to tune in to the mood of the group and tailor activities to reflect what is around.
Refreshments are provided, and the project may include some group cooking over the fire.
Hands on the Land – Therapy & Conservation
Course Dates:
Every Monday morning
Times 9:30 – 11:30 am
Hands on the Land: Testimonials
Testimonial from Rebecca
Natureways Therapy popped up on my Facebook feed in September last year, just a month after I’d been told my gall bladder cancer had recurred in my abdomen and a few weeks before my NHS counselling sessions came to an end. It felt like an important message from Nature and I signed up for both projects. The Re:leaf course helped me to manage the anxiety around my diagnosis and the treatment I was having and my continuing work with the Hands on the Land group has been a support since the first meeting.
Coming out to the woodland on Monday morning sets my week up in a really positive way. It’s a reason to get out of the house - no matter what the weather. The woods are beautiful even when it rains, but when the sunlight filters through the leaves or branches it really lifts your spirits. The walk down the lane and the smell, sound and sight of the woodsmoke through the trees as I approach our site is something I really look forward to. The woods are constantly changing and it has been lovely to watch it all through the seasons over the last year. I think I’m more attuned to nature than ever.
It’s great to say Hi to whoever is there and get an idea of how people are feeling, whilst having a warm drink. Every week there’s a choice to work alone or in a group on a range of conservation tasks, it all depends on how you feel that day and what your energy levels are like. You might choose bracken bashing or holly cutting if you feel strong; alternatively, just sit back and listen for the birds with your Merlin app to help with our wildlife survey if you need to recharge your batteries. Working with others bonds us together as we talk about the ups and downs of our lives and we realize that we are all going though similar experiences.
There’s always a chance to share how you’re feeling, reflect on how the morning’s task has affected you and discuss with the group ways to address difficulties, but only if you want to; there is never any pressure to talk if you don’t feel like it.
We were visited by a deer when I shared the news of a clear CT scan recently; it felt so uplifting - like the woodland was listening, taking an interest and supporting us.
I often feel childlike when I’m there; splashing about in the water in my wellies, digging mud, diverting a stream, getting dirty, collecting pretty leaves and berries, building fires, making fire-cakes. Its like Forest School for grownups and I love it!
Testimonial from Evelyne
I’ve found myself to be part of this group in a beautiful environment with like-minded people. It becomes an oasis of calmness and a place for soul rejuvenation each week as we learn forest skills and care for the forest and one another. It has provided numerous benefits on multiple levels, including mental and spiritual aspects. It is enjoyable as we feel a real connection with others, the earth, share our thoughts and share the bounty of the earth. It is pretty magical. The organizers are really caring and mindful. It is an essential stop to start the week with a brand new kind of energy.
Testimonial from Amelie
Hands on the Land is a bright, confidential haven; a space to both nurture and give care. I received real therapeutic benefit through the talking circles and a sense of community that is irreplaceable. In these times Hands on the Land is essential; something celebratory. It is a place where I found support to lift me up out of challenge and into a more grounded state. I am so grateful to Juliet & Lisa for upholding such a soul-fulfilling group, that helped me when I needed something rare.
