Trees For Life Ticket Portal

A journey through time as we explore the wild and historic estate of Dundreggan to hear seasonal stories, mythology and lore of the Highland folk throughout the ages.

Available on the following dates from 10:30-12:30:
26th May
20th July
3rd August
31st August
5th October

Wednesday 30th October 10-12 and 2-4

Back by popular demand! Try your hand at needle felting, guided by one of our team, to make a colourful and seasonal pumpkin decoration from wool. Guidance and all materials will be provided.
Book in advance or drop-in, £6 per pumpkin.
Making one pumpkin will take approximately one hour.

Suitable for ages 6+ as good coordination is required to use the needles. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Saturday 21st September 2024 8pm-9.30pm or 10pm-11.30pm.

As seen in BBC news! Join 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.

Sunday 6th October, 10am-4pm

Experience an immersive and embodied Wild and Wellbeing Day Retreat at the majestic Rewilding estate of Dundreggan located in the heart of the Highlands. A place of profound beauty, surrounded by wild rivers and ancient trees. This retreat is located in a landscape saturated with myth and magic. Arrive and take a deep breath in of the pure forest air, relax into the stillness of the surrounding ancient woodland.

We will explore and ground into our bodies with a warming yoga class in our bright open movement space, followed by a nourishing lunch in our cafe. After lunch we will venture into the woods and explore the power of forest bathing and breathwork.

Coming together by the fire to relax and hear ancient ancestral stories of the land with a warm cuppa in our hands.

Experience a day of rejuvenation, reconnecting and rewilding yourself through mindfulness, movement and nature immersion.

Suitable for ages 18+. Lunch is available for purchase in our cafe, alternatively you can bring a packed lunch with you.

Saturday 2 November

10 am - 1 pm

Unlock your creativity with a fun wand-carving workshop!

This great introduction to carving involves learning different techniques using a carving knife to make your very own wand. Carve a hollow spiral handle, add fine details then cast your own spells!

Minimum age is 10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday 25th August and Wednesday 2nd October, 10.30am-11.30am

Join us on a walk around Ceum an Aitinn, the juniper path, to discover more about the relationship between people, Gaelic language and the landscape here at Dundreggan throughout time. We'll talk place names, stories, songs and other cultural heritage to find out how they are intrinsically linked to the land, and why this perspective is vital for rewilding. 

This is a lovely, low-level walk, taking in a waterfall, plenty of wildlife, and evidence of past people.

Under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

If you are interested in a longer, more strenuous walk, we are also running Gaelic landscape walks up Ceum a' Ghiuthais - see here for more information.

Take your carving skills to a new level on this course as you progress through the stages of shaping your birch leaf and adding fine detail to bring it to life. A great introduction to the techniques used for precision carving. It's also a wonderfully immersive and mindful experioence as you get absorbed in the creative process. Unlock a world of potential on this course. Tools used: saw and knife.

Suitable for ages 15 and over. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn how to create bold designs on wood by etching a pattern then rubbing in coffee grounds to highlight and emphasise for design. A great way to decorate wooden items such as spoon handles. On this course you'll use this technique, which dates from Viking times, to create your own pendant or key ring. Tools used@ saw, carving knife.

Suitable for ages 12+. Under 18s must be supervised by an adult.

Tuesday 24th September and Tuesday 29th October, 10am-1pm

Join us on a walk up Ceum a' Ghiuthais, the pine path, to discover the Gaelic heritage of this area. This walk takes you up through beautiful woodland and out onto open moorland, with a detour off the path to see the remains of a former shieling. We will discuss place names, folklore and evidence of past people at Dundreggan, and how Gaelic language and culture help to shape our vision for rewilding the Highlands.

This is a steep, rough and often narrow path, with frequent obstacles, including narrow stream crossings, and boggy patches. There will be a brief detour over tussocky, pathless ground to see the site of an old shieling.

Please wear sturdy walking shoes with ankle support, and bring waterproofs. Don't forget water and a snack: we'll be stopping for a srùbag!

Under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

For a shorter, gentler, low level walk, join us on our Gaelic landscape walk around Ceum an Aitinn, available here.

Thursday 10th October, 10am-1pm.

Did you know that time in nature can improve your memory, boost your attention span, and combat stress and anxiety?

Join us to find out more about how nature exposure actually impacts our brain chemistry. Learn the basics of the brain as we walk through the forest trails of Dundreggan and try out some activities which highlight the link between nature and our brain functions.

This is for anyone over 16 who is interested in the science behind the benefits of being in nature.

We'll be taking a walk around our footpaths Ceum an Aitinn (the juniper path) and Ceum a' Ghiuthais (the pine path). For information on the surfacing and gradient of these paths please click here.

Sunday 29th September, 10am-1pm.

Join us to find out about the interconnectedness of all life - trees, fungi, climate, rivers, fish, nitrogen, soil, culture, well being and so much more on this guided walk. Visit an ancient oak tree, symbolic of this interconnected cycle of life, and explore how humans are very much a part of this great web of life we call nature.

There will be opportunities to explore some of the life of the woodland for yourself as well as savour some of the fruits of nature around a fire in our tipi as we connect with each other too.

Thursday 17th October 2024, 2pm-4pm

Combine time in nature during the autumn season where you will learn more about different leaves with a wee wander around Dundreggan’s trees (weather permitting).  We will sketch leaf shapes and patterns, and also make written notes about what we notice.  We will then return inside to create a short poem/piece of creative writing about our experience.  Your pieces will be sketched and written on pages of leaves from old novels, creating your own unique pieces to take away with you.

No previous sketching or poetry writing experience is required as you will be guided through each step.  Please bring your own pens/art materials.  Paper will be provided.

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 

Saturday 23rd November 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 

Sunday 17th November, 10:30 - 14:00

Join professional photographer and filmmaker Will Hall and explore the wonder of the Highlands in glorious autumn. Learn the basics of photography and wildlife photography before advancing onto more complex skills which will allow you to get the most out of your camera.

Dundreggan offers the perfect backdrop for this one day course with it's abundance of colour and wildlife. You'll learn how to compose an image and how to capture the moment every time.

This is the perfect course for beginner and intermediate photographers and you're guaranteed to learn something new while immersing yourself in the iconic Scottish landscape.

Equipment required: digital camera, ideally DSLR. You may wish to bring a tripod and flash, although these aren't essential. Suitable clothing and footwear to be out in the elements on sometimes rough terrain.

There will be a short break for a snack. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase in our cafe, An Nead.

Minimum age 12 years. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday 20th October, 10am - 4pm

Have you ever wondered why we dress up at Halloween? Why we carve pumpkins, and tell stories of ghosts and witches?   

Halloween, known traditionally as Samhain (say SAHW-in), has traditions going back generations. Join us at Dundreggan for a day exploring the ancient roots of this spooky seasonal festival. 

In the morning we'll explore the woods hearing tales from local folklore, before trying out some traditional crafts and games in the afternoon. Felt wool to make pumpkins and other decorations, make clay lanterns, dook for apples, and see what your future holds with traditional divination such as the burning of the nuts over the Samhain fire!

Feel free to dress in your finest Halloween costumes - we will!

Lunch, drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the cafe, or you're welcome to bring your own.

Children must be accompanied by adults.

Sunday November 24th 10am - 1pm

Get creative using nature as your muse as you learn the technique of linoprinting, guided by Maia Eden. All materials will be provided.

Make it a full day of crafting and book the afternoon collage session too for a £10 discount! Offer will be applied automatically in your basket.

About Maia Eden

Maia has a degree in 3 Dimensional Art and Design and is a multidisciplinary Artist whose skills
include mosaic, jewellery making, collage and printmaking, to name a few. As well as working as
a community and schools artist for nearly 20 years, she has also worked as a prop maker for
Glyndebourne Opera House and made work for the Channel 4 programme ‘George Clarke’s
Amazing Spaces'.

Much of Maia’s work is inspired by nature and experimenting with diverse materials, including
recycled materials as much as possible. There is a strong element of experimentation and play
in her workshops which allows participants not only the space to play and explore but to gain
new creative skills.

Suitable for ages 18 years and over.

maia@maiaeden.com

Sunday 24th November 14:30 - 17:30

Create a collage with Maia Eden. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along any cuttings you would like to include in yours!

Make it a full day of crafting and book the morning linoprinting session for a £10 discount! Offer will be applied automatically in your basket.

About Maia Eden

Maia has a degree in 3 Dimensional Art and Design and is a multidisciplinary Artist whose skills
include mosaic, jewellery making, collage and printmaking, to name a few. As well as working as
a community and schools artist for nearly 20 years, she has also worked as a prop maker for
Glyndebourne Opera House and made work for the Channel 4 programme ‘George Clarke’s
Amazing Spaces'.

Much of Maia’s work is inspired by nature and experimenting with diverse materials, including
recycled materials as much as possible. There is a strong element of experimentation and play
in her workshops which allows participants not only the space to play and explore but to gain
new creative skills.

maia@maiaeden.com

Suitable for age 18 and over.