Talks and Workshops from Last Years Conference
Talks
“CAVEMAN TO SPACEMAN – SPEAR TO SPACECRAFT” – VISION QUEST IN THE 21st CENTURY
Robin Sheehan – EQE Outdoors
Robin bares his soul, drawing on deeply personal video footage of his first dive into Vision Quest in Death Valley in 2013, allowing us to dip into what a Vision Quest actually is and what it feels like.
We explore what the impact is on the individual, and crucially… Is this ancient Rites of Passage process relevant or applicable today, or is it consigned to history as something that belonged to our ancestors and the world they lived in?
Trauma in the Body
Dr Karen Sankey – The Holistic Medic
Karen talks about the very real manifestations of trauma in our physical body including physical ill health, auto immune disorders, mental ill health and addiction.
she will be drawing on her own experience both as a Doctor in General Practice and in her award winning root cause trauma work with marginalised groups.
Exploring Levels of Nature Connection
Bridget Sheehan – EQE Outdoors
How connected to nature do you feel? How connected are your client group? What would it look like/feel to be even more connected? In this session we will explore a model for looking at the depth of our nature connection and discuss how we can move ourselves and others towards even deeper connectedness. Come and share your ideas and experience as we develop this model together.
Oooh Nice Poncho !!
Christopher Grice Wilderness Tribe
Chris talks about his journey into the Nature Therapeutic Space, telling tales of his learning trials and Triumphs on his journey into becoming a Therapeutic Facilitator
The Importance of Modern Tribes
Luke Slater Wilderness Tribe / Luke Rewilding
Redefining what it means to be part of a modern tribe and why it’s crucial to deal with our past
trauma and to live a genuine, authentic and full life. Right now, when you Google “modern tribe,”
you mostly find stuff about consumers grouped together for selling purposes. Let’s change that
and get back to our real roots of tribe.
Workshops (Therapeutic Track)
Understanding the Nature Therapeutic Ecosystem
Christopher Grice – Wilderness Tribe
In this workshop wit will be taking a deep dive into the various levels of nature therapeutic activity taking place is in the Uk at the moment and where one starts and the other ends. As well as looking at the medical frameworks and characteristics that they link in with to.
But don’t worry its not all theory we will be getting hands on as Chris shares some of the tips and tools that have helped make Wilderness Tribes programmes successful over last 3 years
this workshop is perfect if you new to therapeutic work and want to know what therapeutic direction suits your current outdoor activity. Or if you are looking to develop your therapeutic programme and take it to the next level
Talking Circles in the Outdoors
Luke Slater Wilderness Tribe / Luke Rewilding
An introduction to holding space in talking circles and the benefits and barriers to overcome when doing it outside around the campfire in nature
Breathwork Workshop
Andy – Return To Roots
In a world that wants to run fast, do more, and control all. Return to Roots breathwork circles represent an alternative direction, a way out of the hamster wheel by gently reminding you that everything you need is already here.
Andy has carefully threaded over a decade of self-exploration, study and mentorship in NLP, Shamanism, Buddhism, Circle Work, Reiki and Breathwork to offer a unique space for personal transformation focusing on community and nature-based values.
Design to Empower
Vanessa Warrington – Halkyn Castle Woods
Join Vanessa from Halkyn Castle Wood around the campfire to talk about how nature boosts holistic wellbeing and how to plan your own sessions. A mindful, informal and productive process to help shape your business offer to help empower yourself and your client’s.
The Human Experience
Dr Karen Sankey – The Holistic Medic
In this experiential workshop we explore how stress and traumatic events programme the way we show up in the world – our thoughts and beliefs , our feelings and emotions and our patterns of behaviour leading to pain , suffering and ultimately ill health.
Mindfulness & self-compassion in nature
Imelda McQuaid – Mindful By Nature UK
Imelda will guide you through a series of gentle mindfulness practices, creating space for you to slow down and to become consciously aware of your thoughts and feelings. Imelda will support you to cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself, while connecting with mother nature.
Mindfulness is the act of consciously paying attention to the present moment. Often the present moment is unpleasant, perhaps tinged with pain or distress. Self-compassion allows us to be gentle with ourselves in these moments of discomfort, rather than giving ourselves an additional hard time, or avoiding our difficult thoughts with unhealthy distractions.
This workshop is suitable for all, whether you have a regular mindfulness practice or if you have no previous experience at all. You are welcome to join and share in natures wisdom.
Honouring the Sacred: Exploring Spirituality in Nature,
Victoria Clark- http://www.elementsofnaturenow.com
Embark on a journey of understanding and embracing spirituality as a fundamental aspect of being holistically healthy. Through a grounded and inclusive lens, we will delve into the intersection of spirituality and science, dispelling misconceptions and exploring the practical implications as well as the benefits of incorporating sacred ritual into outdoor therapeutic practices.
Throughout the session, we will explore the roots of human spirituality, drawing from diverse traditions such as Shamanism and transpersonal psychology. Through experiential exercises like a drum-guided journey, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their inner selves and explore the profound link between spirituality and mental health. Delving deeper, we will discuss cross-cultural perspectives on spirituality, examining how different societies have integrated sacred practices into their cultural fabric, such as the unique blend of Catholicism with Andean culture in Cusco. Ultimately, participants will gain insights into contemporary shamanism as an evolutionary and inclusive practice, adaptable to individual needs and universal in its essence.’
Workshops (Skills Track)
Inspiring Parallel Learning and Development
Dave Watson Woodland Survival Crafts
Life lessons are easy to talk through but in order for them to be effective it typically requires a prompt. On this workshop you will go through a selection of practical skills in order to highlight just how significant our attitudes as well as our history can influence our results.
The Magic of Macramé
Karen Grice
This workshop is an opportunity to relax while learning this incredibly versatile craft which has great value as a flow state activity
Macrame is the are of decorative knot tying. Using cord Karen will show you some simple (and cost effective) projects. Once you master the basics of this craft the possibilities are endless
Friction Fire and its therapeutic uses
Tara Crank
In this workshop tara shows us how to breakdown and deliver friction fire methods like bow drill and hand drill with your groups and how to link these fascinating and ancient methods with your therapeutic activity
Pewter Casting
Christopher Grice
In this session Chris will show you how to safely cast a simple coin, pendant or ambulate from pewter. Chris will also talk about how he uses this craft in his therapeutic practice
Fun With Funding
Tom Hughes Wilderness Tribe / Community Catalyst
Getting funding can feel scary , frustrating and stressful. in this informal fire side clinic, Tom shares his tips and insights into how to get funding for your project, what funders are looking for and how to avoid the dreaded poison chalice of getting funders that are not a good fit for your organisation.
Identifying Native Trees
James Kendall – Woodland Classroom
James will show you how to identify native and common trees in Spring by looking at new buds and growth as clues. We’ll also look at the bushcraft and traditional uses that trees have, their place in the ecosystem and dive into a bit of woodland folklore. Spring is a season of massive change across our countryside. Flowers, young leaves, catkins and blossom are all appearing to help give us clues of what we’re looking at. It’s a really interesting time to be out in the woods. Participants will receive a copy of our Spring Tree ID Guide to take away.
Power of Nettles
Lea Kendall – Woodland Classroom
Nettles have got a bad reputation because of their sting. it’s probably the first wild plant we learn to recognise as a child. But did you know how amazing nettles are? Discover wild food uses, hedgerow herbalism, natural cordage, dyes, health benefits, plant food and more. You will get hands on as we make use of the nettles too. This super-plant is one that anyone practising wellbeing in nature will want come back to again and again. Lea will open your eyes to the many ways nettle can be used in your own therapeutic activity sessions.
Spear Throwing and Atlatls
Rupert Loch – Feral Science
Could you be a Neolithic hunter? In this workshop you will be using a ‘spear throwing stick’ usually referred to as an Atlatl to increase the power of your throw. Feral Science are offering you the opportunity to use this ancient technology to test your skills as a prehistoric hunter. Rupert will explain how this technology fits into our history, introduce you to the equipment and teach you how to throw darts into targets.
The workshop is suitable for all ages and can be adapted for seated users
Activities and Entertainment
Music With Rip Roaring Success
The conference is not just about learning, it is about celebrating the fantastic work that you you do in your community. On Saturday night we have live music from the fantastic trio ‘Rip roaring success’
You can see them in action here:
Open Mic With Peter Gee
On Friday night Pete will be hosting an open mic so bring the gift of a song, tune, spoken word or poem and bring it to our campfire.
Pete will also be playing some tunes to get us started off !!
Archery Have a go
We will be running archery sessions in the range throughout the conference. A great way to get to know your fellow tribe members or blow off some steam in between sessions.
Axe Throwing
Connect with your inner Viking or Shield Maiden. We will be running some friendly axe throwing competitions throughout the weekend. Be sure to check the time table for details.
Orienteering
There will be a self lead orienteering course on Friday. A great way to get to know the site before the show begins.