Walking with the Wisdom of Trees

Join us for a richly layered walk through the woodland with tree expert Paul Ritchie, where we’ll go far beyond bark and leaf. While this may seem like a traditional tree identification walk, it will unfold into something deeper — a journey into the stories, folklore, and enduring wisdom of the trees that have stood watch over our landscapes for generations.

Together, we’ll learn to recognise native and common tree species by their leaves, bark, form, and habitat , but also explore how our ancestors once related to them: as symbols, guardians, healers, and storytellers in their own right. From the strength of oak to the intuition of yew, the protection of elder to the medicine of birch, each tree has something to teach us.

Paul Ritchie brings decades of experience in arboriculture, deep knowledge of native woodlands, and a heartfelt respect for the cultural and ecological role trees play in our lives today.

Whether you’re a budding naturalist, a seasoned forager, or simply tree-curious, you’ll come away with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of wonder.

What to Expect: – Tree identification techniques – Folklore, myth and cultural history of native trees – Ecological insights into tree relationships; seasonal rhythms – Space for reflection and gentle conversation among the trees.

This is a walk for the curious, the quiet, the tree lovers and the story seekers. Come walk the old ways, and meet the trees anew.