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Update: We are no longer taking bookings for 2024 workshops. Please check back here later in the year for details of the 2025 program.
We are very excited to announce a brand-new programme of events to be held here in 2024.
As well as the usual horticultural propagation courses, we are adding a new selection which we hope will enable you to make the most of the tranquil and beautiful setting we have at Bates Green Garden.
We will be offering ‘mini-retreat’ Thursdays from May 23rd 2024. There will be a variety of disciplines on offer, all designed to promote a feeling of peace and wellbeing. Our skilled tutors are experienced and qualified.
Retreat days will have the following format. The group will be welcomed to the Garden by one of the Garden team and then the tutor will lead the group session.
Whatever the topic, there will be a break halfway through the morning so that the group can enjoy a home-made snack plus a hot drink.
Once the session has been completed, we would like to invite all participants to bring their own packed lunch so that they can join the Garden Team either in the Barn or in one of our picnic areas for a meal together. Hot drinks will be available.
You will then be able to spend the rest of the day in the Garden, Wildflower Meadow or Beatons Wood, all of which you will have to yourselves. Walking, meditation, sketching or movement: you will be free to use the space however you wish.
We think that spending time in Bates Green Garden promotes a sense of peace and wellbeing. Our 2024 programme has been designed to help enhance this feeling and experience this space in a new way.
Retreat from the everyday in Bates Green Garden.
Payment is made on arrival at the workshop but you do need to enrol first. A small processing fee will be added to the course cost.
Friends of Bates Green Garden and Arlington Bluebell Walk receive a 10% discount on all workshops and this will be deducted on arrival.
Thursday
Take a gentle walk through the woods to discover some of the thirty species of bird that live here. They might be hard to spot high in the canopy, but their songs ring through the trees. Learn to identify them by song with the help of Sarah, an experienced guide. Find out folklore and facts about the birds and take home a woodland birdsong spotter.
Coffee and cake afterwards included.
Sarah Wilesmith of Cherry Wood Adventures runs events for adults and children in Beatons Wood all year round. Sarah believes that you should to be able to recognise the features of our Sussex countryside. Understanding and engagement then generates the desire to care for and preserve our local countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
30 May 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
One of the most valuable skills you can learn as a gardener is propagation. It’s a cost-effective way to develop your garden and a great opportunity to swap plants with friends and family.
May and June are perfect times to take softwood cuttings from many of your favourite perennials and shrubs.
The Garden team will teach you how to select the best material from different plants and make cuttings from them. You will then get the chance to have a go yourself.
6 June 2024
10:30am - 1pm
£40
Sound Baths are an effortless form of meditation, offered as a chance to pause, receive, and connect with your Deep Self.
The experience is deliciously all-immersive as our bodies ‘hear’ the vibrations with every cell. Brighitta uses a harmonic set of crystal alchemy bowls which are made with 99.992% pure quartz and blended with other crystals, gemstones, and precious metals. The sound from the bowls resonates through the entire being - you may receive physical sensations of sublime movements of energy, while your mind may see colours or visions of spontaneous insight.
Nothing is expected or required of those in attendance, you are welcome to simply lay down or sit comfortably as we join together to share peace in the beautiful surroundings of Bates Green. The beauty of the bowls combined with the beauty of nature will create a sense of presence, wonder, and upliftment for us to enjoy.
13 June 2024
10:30am - 12:30pm
£35
Come and experience the magic of group singing in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens and woods here at Bates Green.
Singing circles are all about making singing accessible to all, so that we can all experience the wellbeing benefits of singing as a group. You need absolutely no musical or singing experience to join. Songs are simple and are taught by ear, with no technical musical terms, no pressure and definitely no such thing as 'I can't sing!'. During this two hour workshop (with a break in the middle for tea and cake), Lizzie will lead us in singing some beautiful harmony songs from around the world which will stay with you long after the workshop ends.
20 June 2024
9:30am - 11:30am
£35
A gentle walk in the summer woods to find signs of deer, foxes, rabbits and mice. Watch for kingfishers and have a look at the amazing pond creatures; sit in the flower meadow, find your favourite tree.
Includes coffee and homemade cake . Please wear closed-toe shoes. Waterproofs will keep out the wind as well as any rain.
Sarah Wilesmith of Cherry Wood Adventures runs events for adults and children in Beatons Wood all year round. Sarah believes that you should to be able to recognise the features of our Sussex countryside. Understanding and engagement then generates the desire to care for and preserve our local countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
27 June 2024
10:00am - 1pm
£40
Please come and join Ellie and Sarah in 'Movement in nature for health', offering a combination of gentle yoga practices and mindful walking while immersed in nature.
The session will encourage connection to space, place and time. We'll slow down in the garden, take in the flow and ebb of the wild meadow and draw wisdom in the ancient forest. The sessions will support you through guided movement to connect with nature, taking you away from the hum drum of everyday life.
4 July 2024
10:00am - 12:30pm
£35
Local artist and resident trainee gardener Emma will lead you in a two-hour creative workshop at Bates Green Garden. We will be using various drawing, mark-making and collage techniques to foster a grounding connection to the garden and its rich wildlife. Swapping gardening tools for sketchbooks, we will explore how drawing amongst nature can be a tool for grounding and mindfulness in an otherwise hectic world. All abilities welcome!
Materials will be provided but please bring a sketchbook if you can.
11 July 2024
10:30am - 12:30pm
£35
Come and experience the magic of group singing in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens and woods here at Bates Green.
Singing circles are all about making singing accessible to all, so that we can all experience the wellbeing benefits of singing as a group. You need absolutely no musical or singing experience to join. Songs are simple and are taught by ear, with no technical musical terms, no pressure and definitely no such thing as 'I can't sing!'. During this two hour workshop (with a break in the middle for tea and cake), Lizzie will lead us in singing some beautiful harmony songs from around the world which will stay with you long after the workshop ends.
18 July 2024
10:00am - 12:30pm
£35
Local movement artist and resident trainee gardener Emma Lindsay will lead you in a two-hour exploration of the garden using movement, dance and meditation techniques. Drawing on her somatic movement training at Trinity Laban and Independent Dance, Emma will guide simple movement activities and playful explorations which will deepen our connection to the environment we are in, as well as the other creatures we are moving amongst. Dancing in the natural world and it’s changing seasons, is not only grounding but can also provide a nourishing and joyful alternative to eco-anxiety.
Please bring comfortable clothes/shoes to move in, weather-appropriate clothing, sun cream and a water bottle. Do bring a notebook/sketch book too if you wish. If the weather is bad, we will be moving inside with short explorations into the garden. No dance/movement experience required!
25 July 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
Stop doing and start being with a yoga reset.
Candida aims to smooth out and soothe breath, body and mind in her yoga sessions. Transitions between poses are slooow, with options for challenge for those seeking this. You’ll be encouraged to find comfort in both movement and stillness, so just come along with an open heart and mind. Yoga will be outside, or in an open sided barn, so wear warm, comfortable clothing layers if necessary and a yoga mat. After the welcome and introduction, there will be a 90 minute yoga session, which will incorporate breath, movement and meditation. Then after a break for tea and cake there will be a 30 minute extended meditation and complete rest, allowing you to fully appreciate the sensory experience of practising in this beautiful setting.
We hope you will stay on and enjoy your packed lunch in the Barn with the Team and the rest of the day in Garden, Woods, and Meadow.
1 August 2024
10:00am - 12:30pm
£35
Local artist and resident trainee gardener Emma will lead you in a two-hour creative workshop at Bates Green Garden. We will be using various drawing, mark-making and collage techniques to foster a grounding connection to the garden and its rich wildlife. Swapping gardening tools for sketchbooks, we will explore how drawing amongst nature can be a tool for grounding and mindfulness in an otherwise hectic world. All abilities welcome!
Materials will be provided but please bring a sketchbook if you can.
8 August 2024
10:00am - 12:30pm
£35
Local movement artist and resident trainee gardener Emma Lindsay will lead you in a two-hour exploration of the garden using movement, dance and meditation techniques. Drawing on her somatic movement training at Trinity Laban and Independent Dance, Emma will guide simple movement activities and playful explorations which will deepen our connection to the environment we are in, as well as the other creatures we are moving amongst. Dancing in the natural world and it’s changing seasons, is not only grounding but can also provide a nourishing and joyful alternative to eco-anxiety.
Please bring comfortable clothes/shoes to move in, weather-appropriate clothing, sun cream and a water bottle. Do bring a notebook/sketch book too if you wish. If the weather is bad, we will be moving inside with short explorations into the garden. No dance/movement experience required!
15 August 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
Stop doing and start being with a yoga reset.
Candida aims to smooth out and soothe breath, body and mind in her yoga sessions. Transitions between poses are slooow, with options for challenge for those seeking this. You’ll be encouraged to find comfort in both movement and stillness, so just come along with an open heart and mind. Yoga will be outside, or in an open sided barn, so wear warm, comfortable clothing layers if necessary and a yoga mat. After the welcome and introduction, there will be a 90 minute yoga session, which will incorporate breath, movement and meditation. Then after a break for tea and cake there will be a 30 minute extended meditation and complete rest, allowing you to fully appreciate the sensory experience of practising in this beautiful setting.
We hope you will stay on and enjoy your packed lunch in the Barn with the Team and the rest of the day in Garden, Woods, and Meadow.
22 August 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
One of the most valuable skills you can learn as a gardener is propagation. It’s a cost-effective way to develop your garden and a great opportunity to swap plants with friends and family.
Late summer provides an ideal opportunity to take semi-ripe cuttings from a variety of herbs, ornamental plants and shrubs. As well as providing new plants for your garden, it can be a useful way of ensuring you can replace your favourite plants if you need to after winter.
Come and learn how, and then practise the technique alongside members of the Bates Green Garden team.
29 August 2024
9:30am - 11:30am
£35
Ramble through the ancient wood to learn the native trees. You’ll make your own little identification book to take home and use on your own walks. Discover a little more about the natural history and folklore of the trees.
Includes coffee and homemade cake. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Waterproofs will keep out the wind as well as any rain.
Sarah Wilesmith of Cherry Wood Adventures runs events for adults and children in Beatons Wood all year round. Sarah believes that you should to be able to recognise the features of our Sussex countryside. Understanding and engagement then generates the desire to care for and preserve our local countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
5 Sept. 2024
10:30am - 1pm
£40
Sound Baths are an effortless form of meditation, offered as a chance to pause, receive, and connect with your Deep Self.
The experience is deliciously all-immersive as our bodies ‘hear’ the vibrations with every cell. Brighitta uses a harmonic set of crystal alchemy bowls which are made with 99.992% pure quartz and blended with other crystals, gemstones, and precious metals. The sound from the bowls resonates through the entire being - you may receive physical sensations of sublime movements of energy, while your mind may see colours or visions of spontaneous insight.
Nothing is expected or required of those in attendance, you are welcome to simply lay down or sit comfortably as we join together to share peace in the beautiful surroundings of Bates Green. The beauty of the bowls combined with the beauty of nature will create a sense of presence, wonder, and upliftment for us to enjoy.
12 Sept. 2024
10:30am - 12:30pm
£35
Come and experience the magic of group singing in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens and woods here at Bates Green.
Singing circles are all about making singing accessible to all, so that we can all experience the wellbeing benefits of singing as a group. You need absolutely no musical or singing experience to join. Songs are simple and are taught by ear, with no technical musical terms, no pressure and definitely no such thing as 'I can't sing!'. During this two hour workshop (with a break in the middle for tea and cake), Lizzie will lead us in singing some beautiful harmony songs from around the world which will stay with you long after the workshop ends.
19 Sept. 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
One of the most valuable skills you can learn as a gardener is propagation. It’s a cost-effective way to develop your garden and a great opportunity to swap plants with friends and family.
We sometimes overlook this useful resource in our own gardens, but autumn brings an abundance of seeds that we can collect and sow in readiness for next year.
During the morning, you will be shown suitable plants to collect seeds from and then learn different methods of seed sowing.
26 Sept. 2024
10:00am - 1pm
£40
Please come and join Ellie and Sarah in 'Movement in nature for health', offering a combination of gentle yoga practices and mindful walking while immersed in nature.
The session will encourage connection to space, place and time. We'll slow down in the garden, take in the flow and ebb of the wild meadow and draw wisdom in the ancient forest. The sessions will support you through guided movement to connect with nature, taking you away from the hum drum of everyday life.
3 October 2024
9:30am - 11:30am
£35
Wind your way through the woods collecting autumn treasures. Weave a wreath base for an autumn or winter display and a willow platter for your cake!
Includes coffee and homemade cake. Please wear warm clothes - woolly hats are great and waterproofs keep out the wind as well as rain. Wellies or strong shoes advised.
Sarah Wilesmith of Cherry Wood Adventures runs events for adults and children in Beatons Wood all year round. Sarah believes that you should to be able to recognise the features of our Sussex countryside. Understanding and engagement then generates the desire to care for and preserve our local countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
10 October 2024
9:30am - 11:30am
£35
Why do fungi pop up in autumn? Discover how they grow, learn the many different shapes and features to tell them apart. Enter the weird world of slime moulds and discover how fungi research has led to the discovery of the "mother tree". Take home a simple guide to help you learn more.
Includes coffee and homemade cake. Please wear warm clothes - woolly hats are great and waterproofs keep out the wind as well as rain. Wellies or strong shoes advised.
Sarah Wilesmith of Cherry Wood Adventures runs events for adults and children in Beatons Wood all year round. Sarah believes that you should to be able to recognise the features of our Sussex countryside. Understanding and engagement then generates the desire to care for and preserve our local countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
17 October 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
£35
One of the most valuable skills you can learn as a gardener is propagation. It’s a cost-effective way to develop your garden and a great opportunity to swap plants with friends and family.
Don’t worry about getting bored during the winter months - hardwood cuttings can be taken from late autumn until late winter.
The team will talk you through suitable plants to use this technique on, and show you some methods of taking cuttings.
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