Welcome to Willow & Wellbeing—a unique collaboration between Lorraine Ellery Matthews, expert willow artist and founder of Hedges & Hurdles, and a range of visiting wellbeing professionals. These special events blend the art of willow weaving with restorative wellbeing practices, offering you a chance to reconnect with yourself and nature through creativity and mindfulness.
Set in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Birtley Woodland Art Space, each Willow & Wellbeing event is designed to provide a space for you to slow down, breathe, and create. Whether you are new to willow weaving or looking to deepen your connection with nature, these experiences are open to everyone.
Starting from £133 p.p. (full-day)
All materials will be provided.
A light, seasonal lunch will be included.
Full-day: 10:00am – 5p.m. (inc 1 hour lunch)
Times may vary depending on each workshop schedule.
Join Surrey Hills Qigong instructor Sue Llewellyn and willow artist Lorraine Ellery Matthews of Hedges & Hurdles for a day of gentle movement, stillness, and hands-on creativity – all held in the peaceful embrace of ancient woodland. Guided by the symbolism of the owl – watchful, sensing, and quietly wise – we’ll explore what it means to renew from within as the season begins to turn.
> Qigong with Sue – gentle, accessible movements to awaken the senses, soften the body, and reconnect you with your inner compass. We’ll explore awareness, breath, and the qualities of Spring energy – vision, clarity, and new beginnings – known in Chinese medicine as the Wood element.
> Willow weaving with Lorraine – create your own beautiful willow owl with step-by-step guidance from an experienced artisan. A deeply grounding, tactile craft that mirrors the focus and quiet attentiveness of the owl.
> Time in stillness – space to pause among trees, birdsong, and the natural rhythm of Spring.
> Seasonal lunch and refreshments, plus relaxed opportunities to reconnect with nature, with others, and with yourself.
In many traditions, the owl embodies deep perception, steady presence, and inner truth. As Spring invites us to look ahead, the owl reminds us that clarity comes from listening inwardly, not rushing forward. Just as trees reach upward with new growth, we’ll work with this gentle rising energy to support fresh perspective from the inside out. This workshop blends the body-led insight of Qigong with the grounding rhythm of willow craft, offering a space to sense, create, and renew.
WE ARE OPEN TO PRIVATE GROUP BOOKINGS – MAKE CONTACT TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Join us for a transformative day of creativity, nature, and mindfulness at Birtley Woodland Art Space.
Experience a unique collaboration between Hedges & Hurdles and Harmony In Nature, combining the art of willow weaving with the healing practice of forest bathing. Set in the tranquil woodlands, this retreat offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature and your creative spirit.
During the day, you’ll immerse yourself in the natural world through guided forest bathing, learning about the Wood Wide Web—the underground networks that connect all living things. You’ll also explore the ancient pagan properties of willow, a tree deeply associated with intuition, transformation, and emotional healing.
In the afternoon, unleash your creativity as you craft a meaningful willow piece, infused with your personal intentions and the wisdom of the forest. This hands-on willow weaving session will give you the space to express yourself freely, connecting your creativity with nature’s rhythms.
Welcome & Intention Setting: Begin the day by grounding yourself and setting personal intentions.
Forest Bathing & Willow Wisdom Walk: Immerse yourself in the woods, reflecting on the connection between the natural world and your inner self.
Reflection & Sharing: Time to reflect on your experiences and share insights with fellow participants.
Seasonal Woodland Picnic: Enjoy a light, seasonal lunch.
Willow Weaving Workshop: Create a personalized willow piece, drawing on the ancient properties of the tree. Explore and experiment with your creations, reflecting on the interconnectedness of all living things.
Closing Circle & Breathwork Meditation: Finish the day with a gentle meditation, sharing gratitude, and honouring your creations.
WE ARE OPEN TO PRIVATE GROUP BOOKINGS – MAKE CONTACT TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Join us for a day of creativity and inner calm at the beautiful Birtley Woodland Art Space. This unique retreat combines the art of willow weaving with restorative wellbeing practices in a peaceful natural setting.
Guided by Lorraine Ellery Matthews (Willow Artist) and Amanda Weller (Wellbeing Practitioner), you’ll explore the art of willow weaving while discovering simple techniques to relax and reconnect with yourself.
Welcome & Intention Setting: Embracing creativity and self-connection.
Grounding and breathwork: Calm the mind and settle into the natural surroundings.
Introduction to Willow & Creative Exploration: Learn about willow growing and its preparation for use. Create your own unique piece of willow art—choose from freeform sculptures, mandalas, bird nests, wall hangings and more.
Seasonal Woodland Picnic: Enjoy a light seasonal lunch.
Flow & Creativity Session: Continue exploring willow weaving.
Willow & Energy Connection: Discover how willow colours and textures connect with chakra energy as you create a small willow ring to take home.
Nature & Wellbeing Reflection: Close the day with a guided meditation and reflection to leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
This is more than just a workshop—it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the joy of creating from the heart.
WE ARE OPEN TO PRIVATE GROUP BOOKINGS – MAKE CONTACT TO CHECK AVAILABILITY