Gathering Ground is a series of creative and nature-based workshops for local women and delivered as ‘circles of fire’ to connect participants with nature and nature-related activities.
Designed to align with seasonal events such as solstices and equinoxes, the workshops will evoke a sense of change and transformation. The workshops will feel nurturing, focusing less on self-care and more on resilience, while challenging the assumption of human separation from nature.
Each event will include seasonal food and drink, a ritual, storytelling, a making activity and a circle of fire or ‘counsel’ aimed at creating space for connection and possibly a shift in mindset.
I am working with Kate Meakin from Energise Sussex Coast and Transition Town Hastings to design and deliver the workshops.
Our Imbolc workshop took place at West Hill Community Centre on February 1st, 2026. Despite the rain, we were able to light a fire just outside and use it for burning the intentions and Brigid Crosses made during the workshop.
“Super beautiful event! Lovely pace and connection, to others, to nature, fire and its seasons and stories. Delicious coffee and soup! Sense of community, and creativity!”
We worked with a local actress and a storyteller – who read her own writing – to deliver our storytelling session with a mix of stories about female connection and the power of nature.
“It was so beautiful to take some time out to feel the passing of the year together, with a lovely, welcoming group. It would be great to do this for other festivals throughout the year. The activities were great too — very thoughtfully chosen.”
“Lovely to spend time with women. A nice mix of doing, listening, talking and eating/ drinking. It’s good to connect with each other and find our place in the world. Thank you.”
We gathered in woodland on the outskirts of Hastings for our Summer Solstice event on June 21st 2026. Already, the summer heat required some respite shade. The woodland location reinforced that need.
The session included a more-than-human meditation inspired by resources on the Collective Imagination Practices Toolkit. Participants were asked to imagine themselves as another species. Most chose an animal or tree they had seen on the walk we led.
Thank you for making this a free/accessible gathering. It felt well held, a magical pause in busy times. Beautiful woodland, lovely gentle walk. So good to gather round the fire and meet new people and connect, much needed.
It was a beautiful event and a lovely way to mark and celebrate the summer solstice. Connecting with nature and other women in a peaceful, guided environment, sharing stories and food and thoughts and feelings.