We were hosted by Forestry England on this visit to one of, if not the, most famous arboreta in the country. To be accommodated at the peak of the leaf colour season made the visit extra special. We were accompanied throughout the day with a most knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers. This all came about thanks to Mark Kourie of Rainbow Canopy, Forestry England’s LGBTQ network, who put me in touch with Mandy, a Community Co-Ordinator.
We gathered & greeted faces familiar and new. Some people had very early starts so hot frothy coffee was most welcome. Some from even further afield had booked into local hotels to be sure they would arrive fresh and relaxed.
Following introductions by the team, off into the forest we went. We were given a very informative tour by Mike, with additional input from Pat. We were enveloped in mesmerising hues of reds, oranges and yellows – the colours enhanced by the deliberate planting of darker leaved plants nearby. So many interesting details were shared, delivered in an easy to follow way. Mandy, Tony and Danna also chipped in as we walked around. Everyone seemed engaged and enjoying.
Lunch was taken in the Community Shelter deep in the woods, sitting around a fire pit where we had the opportunity to toast marshmallows and enjoy some other tasty sweet things. Lots of chat and friendly banter as we were warmed by the flames and each other’s company.
Following lunch, we went back out into the forest, where Mandy led some wellbeing activities, including a session on mindfulness. It worked for me - in just a few minutes, I definitely felt more relaxed. We were also each given a soft toy bird, to help us identify different bird calls.
All too soon our day was over, but what a day it was. Hearing people chatting and laughing, getting to know each other in a safe and relaxed environment, was really rewarding. All this was a great testimony to the hard work Mandy, Mike, Pat, Danna and Tony put into make us welcome and create a day packed with happy memories.
Lots of friendly farewells as we departed, with hopes of meeting up again before long. Many thanks to everyone who came along to support it.
Details of more Gardens Group events can be found here: https://www.goc.org.uk/groups/gardens/
Got an idea for somewhere to visit? Get in touch!
Photo credits to Paul, Peter, Stephen & Neil
