The Rhythm of the Woods: Earth, Art, and Ancient Spaces (Prescribe Nature Weeks 4 & 5)

Lately, life has been all about finding balance—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit while holding onto our steady family routines. A massive source of that healing and grounding has been my time at Newbattle Abbey College for the Prescribe Nature programme. Today, I want to take you on a journey through two very different, yet deeply connected weeks in the woods: Week 4 and Week 5.

​So, take a deep breath, leave the rush of the world behind for a few minutes, and let's step onto the trail.

​Week 4: Deep in the Dirt

​Week 4 was all about the foundation of everything beneath our feet. Fittingly, the theme was earth and soil.

​If you remember from our earlier bushcraft sessions, we recently carved our own wooden tent pegs. Well, we put them straight to work, using them to pitch tents under the shelter of the trees. It’s amazing how a little practical outdoor skill instantly makes you feel more connected to the land.

​Once camp was established, it was time for a proper woodland tradition: having a warm cuppa. This time, we set up in a brand-new location, surrounded by the quiet hum of the forest. Nearby, someone had left a beautifully collected pile of leafy specimens, reminding me of just how much life thrives in these small pockets of green.

​The real magic of Week 4, though, happened when we started looking closer at the ground. We explored the local badger sets and even spotted distinct badger claw marks pressed into the earth. To see what happens when we aren't around, we carefully set up a trail camera, hoping to catch a glimpse of the secret lives of our woodland neighbors.

​We wrapped up the session by leaning into the "earth" theme with some tactile nature art. Using raw clay, we sculpted right there in the woods, chatting about the beautiful cycle of life—how old wood biodegrades, breaking down into rich soil, becoming a habitat for tiny creatures, and how fallen branches provide the perfect structure for nature's nests. It was a beautiful reminder that in the forest, nothing is ever wasted.

​Week 5: Canopies, Clay, and Camera Footage

​Fast forward to Week 5, and the woods felt entirely different. The crispness of the previous week was replaced by a beautifully hot, sun-drenched day.

​Because the weather was so warm, we didn't bother pitching tents this time. We didn't need to. The trees themselves spread out above us, creating a massive, cool, natural green canopy that shielded us perfectly from the summer heat.

​We started the day with a bit of foraging and plant lore. Did you know that rosemary is famously good for memory? Just brushing past it and inhaling that sharp, pine-like scent seemed to wake up the senses. With our minds sharp, we turned our attention to the smaller details of the woods, spending time observing the local pollinators, looking closely at wild plants, and tracking down the little "beasties" and spiders that keep the ecosystem thriving.

​Remember the clay art from last week? It had dried completely, so this week I brought it to life by painting it, leaving a colorful mark of my time here. We also got our hands busy weaving woodland wreaths using privet. Privet is actually an invasive plant species here, so harvesting it for art serves a double purpose—helping the local ecology while creating something beautiful to take home.

​Then came lunchtime. I have to tell you, it is still absolutely stunning to me that we get to eat our lunch inside the beautiful, ancient building that was once Newbattle Abbey. Sitting within walls steeped in centuries of history, right on the edge of the wild woods, is an experience that genuinely feeds the soul.

​But perhaps the most exciting part of Week 5 was checking the trail camera we set up the week before. We pulled the footage, and it felt like unlocking a secret world. There, captured in the quiet hours of the night, were badgers moving through the undergrowth, tiny mice scurrying about, and even a sleek fox passing through.

​Final Reflections

​Looking back at these two weeks, I'm reminded that whether we are digging into the earth or looking up at a leafy canopy, nature has a way of slowing us down to a manageable, peaceful pace.

​Small steps and consistent routines are making a massive difference in my journey. Whether it’s exploring nature, exploring faith, or connecting with community support, taking things one day at a time builds a solid foundation.

​Until next time, find a little pocket of green wherever you can, take a deep breath, and be still.