Just a little update to let you know that our very special Birch burl collection will be instore at 7pm today, this Beltane eve.
We have been feeling the call of the Birch trees so strongly this month as their new leaves unfurled, and their deep roots have been busy drawing up nutrients from the earth.
Each pendant comes infused with the message, ‘I am courageous‘, which feels like the generous gift of the Birch trees who courageously move into new land before any other tree is ready…
We have loved working with this unique wood to create these 5 pieces that we hope celebrate the wild grains and colours of the burl.
Beltane Sale
In celebration of Beltane, our print collection & Wheel of the Year card deck have 20% discount all weekend!
Beltane blessings
As May arrives, I wish you all some magic this Beltane. Sometimes the very simplest of moments are the richest. I will likely be gathering herbs from our garden to make some fresh tea, watching our resident swallows build their nest and soaking in some of this beautiful sunshine as we prepare for Lincolnshire Makers Spring Artisan Market at Stourton Woods on Sunday 4th May 2025.
If you are looking for a Beltane ritual for the coming days, you may enjoy checking out our Beltane fire ritual.
I will leave you with these cheerful little beauties that have become our (very early) alarm clock as they chatter outside the van from 4:30 each morning!
Our resident swallows are back and busy nest building!
As we approach Beltane in the northern hemisphere, the land feels rich with growth and vitality. On Saturday, we travelled to the brilliant Nottingham Pagan Market. On the journey, I was just mesmerised by the vivid green that has cloaked the land once more, and of course, the blossom too.
In today’s post I wanted to share with you an experience that changed my life and helped deepen my connection with the natural world. I will also be sharing some information about our very special, upcoming Wild Jewellery collection, so let’s dive in!
In 2018, I signed up to a forest bathing course, held in an ancient woodland on Dartmoor. Guided by pioneer Eco therapist Stefan Batorijs of Nature & Therapy we spent a long, autumnal weekend immersed in the healing power of nature. Drawing together two areas of life I had long been fascinated by; nature and wellbeing.
Forest Bathing
‘Forest bathing’ is a translation of the Japanese term ‘Shinrin-yoku’, referring to the practice of immersing ourselves in a forest or wild place. It has become an important part of preventative healthcare in Japan, and the benefits to health and wellbeing have been widely studied.Research has been able to demonstrate scientifically, that which we may feel instinctively, that being immersed in nature, is good for us.
Some of the benefits of spending time amongst the trees include increases to our immune function. Trees release natural antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides that protect the tree from pests and diseases. When we breathe those compounds in, they impact our own immune system by boosting the number of NK cells in our bodies. NK cells help us to fight infection, disease and even detect and control early signs of cancer. These benefits to the immune system were observed for up to 30 days after a visit to a woodland. Stress hormones, heart rate and blood pressure were all shown to decrease when we spend time around trees, whilst metabolism increased and sleep quality improved.
A Deeper Connection
During our forest bathing course, we were guided to slow down and engage our senses to notice things that we may otherwise overlook. I didn’t know it at the time, but this skill allowed me to deepen my connection to the world around me in a profound way. I began to listen, to notice, to observe and experience my surroundings more deeply. I was no longer just walking through a woodland but becoming a part of it, welcomed and held by the land around me.
I began to notice more about the trees I walked beside. The way in which the new leaf buds that open in spring actually grow at the end of summer when the trees have more energy. I noticed how little Birch trees could so often be found springing up in land that had recently been cleared, as if to reclaim it for the wild. I observed how Rowans claimed spots high on the top of hills, whilst Willows and Alders thrived whenever water was near. My walks and visits to wild places became more enriched and filled with meaning and discovery.
The Energy of Trees
These days I am usually found talking about a tree’s energy. Sometimes this word can feel a little ‘out there’ but to me, it is simply information that is shared when we open up to a connection with something. Just like how we come to know or feel a person over time, the same can be true of the wild world.
That brings me on to our latest collection of Wild Jewellery, that has been inspired by the recent call of the Birch tree, a wonderful tree guide for courage and new beginnings.
Inside a Birch burl
A few years ago, we came across a beautiful Birch tree, recently fallen in a storm. It had a small burl on its trunk. Burls can grow on trees for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is where the tree has been injured and healed, sometimes due to an interaction with fungi. Burls are prized in woodwork as they house the most fascinating, irregular grains and colours that are completely unique.
We created 5 wild pendants celebrating this beautiful wood. They will be in store on Beltane eve, Wednesday 30th April at 7pm. You can see a preview of the whole collection in the video below:
I love this time of year, the blue sky and warm afternoons. The vivid green of new leaves and the excitable bird song that fills the morning air. There is an aliveness that I feel seeping back to me from the earth around.
And yet, alongside the joys of spring, other experiences can arise, too. Fluctuating energy levels, feelings of restlessness, overwhelm, and anxiety can all increase as our bodies adjust to longer days and increased light levels.
In today’s post, I wanted to celebrate the beauty of this month and share some of my favourite ways to bring mindfulness into busy days.
This season brings so many invitations to leave the busy realms of our minds for a few moments and come back to the present moment, where life is unfurling.
Here is what we’ve been noticing this month:
Tree flowers
Over the past few years, we have really enjoyed noticing the different flowers that grow on trees in the spring. They tend to open just before or alongside the leaves. This is a wonderful month to see some growing. Here are a few that we have spotted in the last few days…
I must also take a moment to celebrate the blossom that is continuing to bring me so much joy as streets and parks transform. From cherry blossom to blackthorn, white to every shade of pink. I know no better way to welcome spring than to spend a few moments standing beneath a blossom tree, absorbing its beauty, and noticing the life that buzzes around them.
Cherry blossomBlackthorn blossomI adore the pink buds of apple blossom
Getting outdoors
Whether it be the woods, a park, or beside a river, this season is filled with magic and change around every corner. We can spot something new on every visit. The vibrant green of new leaves that draws our eyes skyward never fails to make my heart feel uplifted.
April is the month that bluebells transform ancient woodlands into places of (even more) wonder. Birds, including swallows and cuckoos, are arriving back to the UK after their winter migration.
Tree Guides for Overwhelm
Both Birch and Willow have been capturing my attention this week and are wonderful allies for soothing busy minds. Spending time around any trees can significantly improve our wellbeing. Here are some of my favourites to visit during times of overwhelm:
Willow – beside the water, Willows always offer us a place to soften beneath their branches. Their gentle yet supportive energy can guide us in slowing down, releasing tension, and creating more space in our busy lives.
Birch – these pioneer trees are wonderful guides for courage and new beginnings when we are required to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown.
Hawthorn – these special trees are known for nurturing the heart and nervous system and are particular favourites to visit during times of worry and overwhelm.
Oak – these iconic trees offer a deep sense of strength and grounding and are wonderful to visit whenever we feel on shaky ground or are doubting our abilities.
Wild Fen updates
We are looking forward to returning to Nottingham Pagan Market for Beltane in a couple of weeks’ time.
You can find out where we will be next at the bottom of our about page.
We are currently working on some beautiful new Wild Jewellery pieces, inspired by our favourite spring trees.
Here is a sneak peak of a fascinating piece of birch burl that we found 2 years ago, and now feels like just the right time to share its magic. You will be the first to see the finished pieces in a few weeks’ time…
Wishing you all some mindful moments over the coming week,
How are you as we move into the darkest days of the year?
In today’s post, I wanted to share some of the trees that I love connecting with through the darker months. It is my hope that their generous energy may support you too as we move into Winter.
Let’s dive in…
Tree Guides for Winter Months
In my last Samhain post, I shared the Celtic myth about the old Goddess of Winter; the Cailleach, who beats her Blackthorn staff on the earth to bring Winter to the land. This determined, thorny tree can be a wonderful guide for us in establishing the boundaries we need to protect our dwindling energy at this time of year. And if you find yourself feeling lost in the cold, just know, that it won’t be long until Blackthorn will be opening her small, white blossoms once again.
Energy & Symbolism: Boundaries, Determination, Hope, Overcoming Challenges.
Holly trees shine the brightest amongst the cold days of Winter. Hollys are long lived trees, growing slowly and patiently, often beneath the taller trees in the woodland. When the time is right and space emerges, they claim their space proudly amongst the woodland greats.
Energy & Symbolism: Patience, Adaptability, Wisdom, Acceptance, Clarity, Introspection.
When our minds are overloaded, and our short days disappear into a busy haze, Pine offer a great reminder to pause, look up and breathe deeply. No matter how long our to-do lists are, we can always create more space in our day when we make the decision to pause and come back to the present moment, even if only for a breath or two.
Energy & Symbolism: Cleansing, Clearing, Expansion, Protection.
As Birch trees mature, their bark turns white, brightening even the gloomiest of Winter days. Associated with the Winter Solstice, renewal and new beginnings, they support us in sowing the seeds of our dreams into the dark, fertile earth.
Energetic Properties: New beginnings, Transformation, Flexibility, Courage, Nurturing.
Whilst many plants are dormant over the Winter, Ivy continues its journey, climbing trees and walls in order to reach the light. It is wild and rambling and is steeped in folklore and mystery. It can be symbolic of our own, wild journey and guides us in embracing the twists and turns in our path.
Energy & Symbolism: Wildness, Journey, Change, Growth, Embracing ourselves.
Ivy pendants
Thank you!
We would like to take the chance to thank you all so much for your ongoing support this year. I think I speak for many of us when I say it has been really challenging at times, and your words of support, purchases, reviews and connection mean the world to us. If there is anyone who you think may enjoy our creations, we would be super grateful if you could spread the word and share our details with them.
Wishing you all a little peace and nourishment this week,
In my last post, I shared how observing changes in the natural world has helped me to embrace change a little easier in my own life. In today’s post, I wanted to share some of my favourite trees for supporting us during times of change or uncertainty.
What if I don’t know the species of tree?
I would like to start by saying, if you are not sure how to differentiate a Beech from a Birch tree, please do not worry! You do not need to be an expert to connect with the supportive energy of a tree. There are some brilliant resources out there to help you begin to tell different species apart including this free guide from the Woodland Trust. They also have a brilliant A-Z of trees that is well worth a browse.
Remember, learning about something is a wonderful way to connect with it. Begin with trees you have noticed before. Approach them with the willingness to get to know more about them. Greet them. See what stands out to you about them. What colour and texture is their bark? What shape and size are their leaves? Do you notice anything else growing on them – cones, fruit, nuts or flowers? Are there any feelings or words that come to mind as you spend time near this tree?
Greeting a huge beech tree
Tree Guides for Embracing Change
Here are some of my favourite trees to connect with during times of change and uncertainty. You can read more about each tree by clicking on its name:
Beech – A nurturing tree often thought of as the ‘Mother of the Woods.’ Beech trees go through a vivid transformation each year and can show us how to embrace change whilst nurturing ourselves and others.
Birch – Birch trees are often the first to move into land that has been cleared and can transform a piece of open land into a woodland. They are wonderful guides when we are beginning something new, especially when courage is required!
Blackthorn – These small but determined trees can guide us in strengthening our boundaries or when we are facing a challenging situation.
Elder – These trees grow fast and are one of the first to reawaken at the end of the Winter. They are wonderful guides for times when we may be desiring change but are feeling stuck or unmotivated.
Hawthorn – Hawthorn offers us medicine for the heart space. Connect with them when the fear of change takes over or when we are feeling lost or defeated after a life change that didn’t go our way.
Hazel – A flexible, energetic tree that can guide us in thinking creatively to overcome challenges.
Oak – A symbol of strength and stability. These vast, slow growing trees can be very supportive if we are feeling ungrounded or like things are moving too fast.
Rowan – If we are unsure of our direction, Rowan energy can help us connect with our intuition and inner guidance.
Willow – The energy of Willow trees is one of flow. Associated with water, they offer us space beneath their sprawling branches to rest and release the old.
Yew – Yew trees are our oldest living trees in the UK, with some thought to be around 3000 years old! They are a symbol of rebirth, regeneration and adaptability. Yew trees are wonderful during times of uncertainty or where we may be lacking perspective on a situation.
How to connect with a tree
The most simple way to connect with any tree is to spend time with them. See what you notice in their company, what you notice about them and also what arises within you.
Visit some known trees at different times of the year and notice how they change. Do they feel any different as you greet them in different seasons?
Gather fallen leaves, sticks or cones to display in your sacred space.
Some of the trees listed above have some wonderful medicinal properties that you may wish to learn more about. At this time of year, elderberries are ripe and make delicious syrups. Hawthorn and sloe berries from the Blackthorn tree are also wonderful to explore.*
We craft tree energy pendants from the windfallen wood of many trees. For the times we can’t be in the woodland, the woodland could still be with us.
Beech tree in late SummerBeech tree in late Winter
I would love to hear how you found this post, and whether you would like to see more like this in the future. Stay tuned for my next post where I shall be sharing some grounding tools with you.
Wishing you a bright week,
Nic x
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* A note in regards to foraging, please do ensure you are able to identify anything you gather with 100% certainty. If you have any doubt, always cross check the identification. The Yew tree is one example of a tree that is toxic to us. Plant medicine can be potent so it is well worth having a look at any known contraindications for the plant that you are foraging.
I encourage everyone to forage with a deep respect to the tree/plant and the ecosystem it is part of. The Autumn berries in particular are a precious food source for many species of wildlife who depend on them so gather with care from areas of abundance.
I am writing this to you as I listen to two swallows chatter away busily outside the window. They returned yesterday from their Winter in west Africa and have reclaimed part of the stables here on the land. If we are lucky, they will raise 1 perhaps even 2 broods here before they head back to Africa in the Autumn. Their arrival is one of the cues that tells me that Beltane is close by. The other is the profusion of beautifully scented blossoms everywhere; Lilacs, Apple, Cherry, Hawthorn and Rowan. I am curious: What are your Spring cues?
Beltane is celebrated around the 30th April and 1st May and marks the peak of Spring’s energy. This is the time of year where the land is fertile, growth is increasing rapidly and flowers are beginning to bloom.
In today’s post, I shall be sharing some of my favourite ways to celebrate Beltane, introducing some of the trees that are calling out to connect with us at this time and have some very special wild pendants to show you so let’s dive in….
Whether you have a long weekend ahead of you or not, we hope you get to experience some Spring joy in the coming days! I have noticed my heart lift whenever the Sun shines recently, as I feel Winter’s grip beginning to loosen.
We have been feeling the call of Blackthorn continue this week. Have you noticed its white blossom lining the roads, hedgerows or woodland edges lately? Every year, certain plants or trees really seem to flourish, and this year is the turn of the Blackthorn, whose blossom is amazingly abundant right now! This small, yet strong tree has been calling us all month long and we felt inspired to craft a few more Blackthorn wood pendants that have gone into our store this morning. We are offering our treasured subscribers 10% off this weekend! You can find your discount code later in this post.
With June almost upon us we have been finding ourselves inspired by the legend of the Oak and Holly kings. In today’s post we shall be sharing a little more about this legend, reflecting on the energy of Oak and Holly and introducing you to our new Wild Jewellery collection, so lets dive in…
I think of May engulfing the land in a vibrant cloak of green and blossoms. One of my favourite things to do this month is stand beneath the canopies of newly opened Beech, Oak or Horse Chestnut leaves and feel the light find its way down to me, filtered through their green pigments. My other joy of the month is of course the Hawthorn or May tree that fills our hedgerows and trackways with its creamy white blossom.
In today’s post we will be introducing you to our 9 Hawthorn pendants, a new Smoke Cleansing Incense blend and giving you first access to both…
Have you ever found yourself drawn to a certain tree? Something about the blossom, leaves, or bark that captures your attention if only for a few moments? Is there a particular tree or woodland you find yourself visiting when you want to unwind or sit and reflect? Do you notice yourself feeling a certain way after sitting beneath a tree – inspired, calmer, or supported in some way?
The calls may be so subtle that we barely notice them at first, they may even get lost on busy days but I urge you to pay attention to what arises the next time you find yourself in the company of a tree. It may just become the start of an enriching journey connecting back to our tree kin. In this post, I shall be sharing more about our own tree journey, hearing their whispers and finding inspiration beneath the apple blossom.
Wild Fen 