Wellbeing Wander (Summer Picnic)

For our 2025 Summer/Autumn sessions, we are exploring how nature can support us in tuning into our senses, with a focus on a particular sense each time.

In August we shall bring our focus to the delights of taste with a summer picnic.

We shall meet in the Bowling Green Car Park in Holford and enjoy a summer stroll along the lanes to Hodder’s Combe, one of the beautiful sessile oak wooded combes found in the Quantock Hills. The combes are a joy in summer with migrating birds such as Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warbler. Also the hedgerows are rich in diverse plants, so along the way we shall forage for edible plants and fruits we may find, hopefully have the opportunity to sample some of nature’s seasonal delights and we shall learn something of them. Our session will also include thematic poetry and folklore.

Our Wellbeing Wanders have a mindfulness approach woven in. There will be opportunities for each of us to share something of our own knowledge and the meaning the topic has for us in pairs, small groups or all together (but there is never any pressure or expectation to join in these discussions). There may also be invitations to spend some time alone to reflect.

What to bring and what to wear:

Please bring along your own food and drink.  This can be either something just for yourself, something to share, or a bit of both!

Come equipped for all that an English summer day can bring. Sturdy footwear and rain coat/sun hat/sunscreen are strongly advised (though if the weather forecast is looking very unsuitable for a picnic, please be aware we may need to cancel or re-schedule).

We would like this event to be as accessible as possible. If you need a chair to sit on please bring one along and we can offer some help in carrying things if needed.

If you have food allergies, such as a nut allergy, please let us know in advance.

Please also see https://www.quantockhills.com/attending-an-event for more useful tips.

Maximum number in group – 15

For enquiries please contact us at quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk  

Meeting at Holford Bowling Green Car Park at 10.45am.

Grid reference - ST 154410 (Grid Reference Finder | OS Map)

What 3 Words - hairpin.dumpy.obtain (what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location)

A little bit about Joanna:

Joanna has a background in nature connection projects and promoting good mental health.

She spent 3 years working with the Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) as the Quantock Hills Project Officer for the highly successful Somerset Nature Connection Project, a collaboration between the National Landscape and SWT.

She has competed Bristol-based Natural Academy’s Advanced Pathway in Ecotherapy and Eco Depth Practice.

Joanna is a mother and grandmother who loves wild foraging and poetry.