Trees For Life Ticket Portal

Monday 24th March 2025 7pm-8.30pm or 9pm-10.30pm.

As seen in BBC news! After the last event's popularity, we're pleased to welcome back nature guide David Atthowe for an extraordinary adventure into the fascinating world of biofluorescence! Biofluorescence is a unique phenomenon where certain organisms emit light in different colors than the ones they absorb, and we will embark on a guided walk to discover this captivating natural phenomenon up close.

With UV torches provided, we will venture into the darkness to witness a stunning display of biofluorescent organisms in their natural habitat. From fungi to insects and plants, we will encounter a diverse array of species that come alive with vibrant hues of green, blue, red, purple, orange, and more, revealing Nature’s hidden spectacles.

This guided walk is suitable for anyone aged 8 years and above, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please come prepared with warm clothing as the pace of the walk is slow. We recommend sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven (walking boots ideal, but trainers adequate) and wearing trousers to avoid stinging nettles. Safety glasses will be provided and must be worn throughout the walk for your protection.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of biofluorescence and uncover the wonders that await in the darkness. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will open your eyes to the breathtaking beauty of nature’s hidden secrets. Book your spot now and get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure!

Maximum distance 2 miles.

Saturday 10th May 1pm-3pm

What would an oak tree, a badger, or a damselfly say to you about what’s happening in the natural environment?  In this Creative Writing Poetry Session, you will be guided to explore such conversations between Nature and Humanity in relation to the Climate Crisis.  By the end of the session, you will have these calls and responses shaped into a poetic form to take away with you.

No previous poetry writing experience is required as you will be guided through each step.  Please bring your own pens.

Suitable for ages 14 and over.  Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

About Caroline

Caroline Burrows’s first full poetry collection Verse Cycles was published by indie-press The Jawbone Collective in 2024.  Her most recent performance was at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Caroline’s poetry has appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, and Kendal Adventure Film Festival.  She’s been Poet in Residence at Cromarty Arts Trust, shortlisted for best show in the Saboteur Awards for her one-woman poetry tour ‘Turning Pedals into Poems’, and named one of Cycling UK’s #100WomenInCycling.  She’s written poetry commissions for Glenside Hospital Museum, Bristol Ideas, and Triodos: The Ethical Bank.  Her short stories have been published in The National Flash Fiction Anthology, and The Charles Causley Trust.  Articles about her literary cycling adventures have appeared in Cycle, and Adventure Cyclist Magazines.

IG/Twitter:X/Facebook/YouTube/Linktree: @VerseCycle 

Salt House have been a mainstay on the folk scene for over a decade. The band’s reputation as thoughtful and innovative interpreters of both old ballads and contemporary songs has been solidified with acclaimed album releases and extensive touring. Described as a "gentle, lulling delight" by The Guardian, Salt House blend heartfelt vocal and instrumental interplay, offering listeners a moment of reflection and connection.

New songs that sound like they’ve always been here, ancient ballads woken up. Poems given melodies they’ve long deserved.

Salt House's sound is influenced by the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Northumberland and Shetland, the respective homes of band members Ewan MacPherson (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), Anna Hughes (vocals, fiddle, viola, tenor guitar) and Jenny Sturgeon (vocals, keys, guitar). They incorporate their natural surroundings into the fabric of the music that speaks of a shared love of place, people, and evolving tradition.

More about the band members:

Jenny Sturgeon, who has a PhD in seabird ecology, is known for her introspective solo work and collaborations with Birdvox and Outliers. Through her creative output as a sound artist and songwriter she explores themes of landscape and human connections. Her solo project ‘The Living Mountain’ based on the writing of Nan Shepherd was released to wide critical acclaim.

Anna Hughes, a versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer, draws on her transitory life experiences to create music that reflects forgotten landscapes and the wonders of the natural world. Working across multi-disciplinary projects Anna is a sought after collaborator as well as working with duo project Watersmeet.

Ewan MacPherson, is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with over two decades of experience working at the forefront of the folk / trad music scene. He toured extensively with Shooglenifty for thirteen years, was a member of Malinky and Nu-Nordic Quartet Fribo. His session work includes working with a variety of artists from the British Isles and beyond. His most recent solo project album ‘Hushman’ was described by KLOF Magazine as “…a little masterpiece of confidence and understatement. Wonderful.”

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Salt House and their individual artistic endeavours, we encourage you to explore their official website or connect with them on social media for updates on their music and upcoming performances.

"effortless" BBC 6

“elegant” Mojo Magazine

Jenny Sturgeon is a Scottish singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist. Her music combines field recordings with sonic and lyrical imagery which is bound together by common threads of nature, folklore and the connection people have with the landscape

Patsy Reid has become one of the most admired fiddle players in the UK. She is a one-woman string quartet, contributing violin, viola and cello and combines skills and techniques from both traditional and classical backgrounds.

Mycorrhizal fungi play a vital role in forest ecosystems across the planet, and are essential to the conservation and restoration of native woodlands. In this workshop, mycologist David Satori will give an introduction to the ecology and conservation of mycorrhizal fungi, exploring the symbiotic relationships they have with trees and animals. We will then set off on a guided walk to sample - and later identify - mycorrhizal roots, getting first-hand experience with this fascinating group of organisms.

Join naturalist and forager Lauren Lochrie of Herbal Homestead for an exciting birch craft workshop that will celebrate the rising pulse of the season. One of the first wild harvests of the year, there is only a short window when the birch tree sap rises. Participants will learn how to identify and connect with birch, how to sustainably harvest the refreshing sap, and be introduced to its many uses. We will explore items crafted from birch materials, learn of the associated medicinal fungi, and try chaga fungus tea. Follow up notes and recipes will be emailed to participants afterwards, so just come along and enjoy the day at this beautiful location.