In March 2025 Iris will be part of a new project to create a therapeutic woodland space. We will be planting a small wood of over 100 saplings at The Little Explorers Activity Club. Trees have always been a massive part of Iris’s life and we have travelled to many forests around the world and adored spending time in the ones close to home.

Our piece of land here in Leicestershire in the UK has provided us a base for so many wonderful experiences from pygmy goat agility to natural horsemanship and archery. With the ponies now all settled in their new homes and the land feeling less productive my mind came back to what I strive to create for Iris, peace, a safe place where she can learn and grow.

Our aim – to create a therapeutic sensory space for our workshops. These trees will be donated to us by The Woodland Trust. The UK needs millions more trees to reach its 2050 carbon-zero target and we will dig with them to bring them closer to that goal.

Our wood will be a mix of field maple, rowan, silver birch, wild cherry, common oak and grey willow.

The start of something so special for us and a little contribution to a very big mission.

Let’s think about why we need to plant trees

Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment. When it comes to climate change native woods are one of the best ways to tackle the crisis we all face. They lock up carbon, reduce pollution and flooding.

There is a profound sense of calm and well being just by spending time with trees.

They can reduce our cortisol (stress) levels, enhance creativity and keep us cool in the summer heat. The feeling of oneness and peace simply by sitting under a tree can alleviate depression and feelings of isolation. We feel a sense of belonging while spending time with trees. So our wood maybe little but wow what a difference it will make.

Here is a great page of resources for parents, educators and group leaders from The Woodland Trust website

We hope that our little woodland will inspire others to plant more trees even if it’s just adding one to your garden at home we can make a big difference.