Mindful nature connection: The edge of winter

Feeling the weight of a long winter, or the lightness of the first stirrings of spring? Join us on Hampstead Heath for a relaxing afternoon as we listen to our bodies and lean into the wisdom of nature with mindful practices, and forest bathing and nature-connection invitations.

Please note the meeting point is near Hampstead underground Station, not Hampstead Heath Overground Station.

Programme highlights

• Welcome and introductions: Connect with your guide and fellow participants.
• Silent wandering: Explore the landscape alone and in a group.
• Engaging with nature through guided, mindful observation.
• Leaning into your relationship with nature: guided, nature connection invitations.
• Listening and speaking circle: Share reflections in a facilitated and supportive space.
• Ceremony: Simple closing to appreciate the generosity of the life, and honour the season.

Key Themes: Beingness, silence, connection, mindful listening, edge of winter, awe and wonder, gratitude, and appreciation.

Cost: £15 – discounted price for Winter 2025. Usual price £25.

FOR YOUR OWN COMFORT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOUR BOOKING

What we will be doing
This is a guided, facilitated session. You will need to be reasonably fit and agile as we will be:

• Slowly walking off main paths on uneven ground, including gentle, long rising slopes.
• Walking distances of 2-3kms. You will need to have sturdy, waterproof boots and not mind getting a little muddy.
• Standing and sometimes sitting on the ground (with provided mats).

What to wear
Lots of layers; more layers than you would usually wear for a winter walk. The following are suggestions to keep you toastie warm.

• Jacket or waterproof
• Hat/ear muffs, gloves, Scarf
• Thick woolly socks (or knee-highs under thick socks)
• Tights/thermal base layer under tops/trousers
• Thick trousers
• Welly boots, or walking shoes or boots.

We will be outdoors for 2.5 hours, moving at a slow pace, with periods of stillness.

What to bring
Basically, as little as possible for being outside for 2.5 hours.

• Waterbottle
• A small sketch pad or journal (optional)
• If you take medication make sure you have it with you or have time to get back to it if you have left it behind.

Facilitator:
Jo has completed a two-year Eco-psychology training and is a trained Forest Therapy Guide. Passionate about fostering connection between people, communities, and the natural world, Jo brings a special love of plants as teachers of reciprocity and interconnectedness. Alongside group sessions, Jo runs 1:1 Ecotherapy sessions.