Moorland Guides Dartmoor Walks

There's one more piece of the puzzle that we haven't shared yet when it comes to the Wild Words Creative Retreat in October...

And that is that we are going to be joined by local masseuse, Jo Redwood, who will be offering massage to the attendees.

With a rich and diverse work experience, over the last few years Jo has transitioned into bodywork. As someone who has suffered with chronic illness, she has a particular interest in supporting people holistically to improve their quality of life. Her aim with massage not only to provide a relaxing experience but also to improve functionality and reduce discomfort.

We think that this element of bodywork is the perfect addition to a weekend that will be nourishing mind, body, and soul 💚

There's just a few places left if you'd like to join us on Dartmoor from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th October. Comment RETREAT for more details, we'd love to have you there.

A pleasure that we were able to facilitate this walk today!

🌿Home Education Walks! 🌿

Although it's only early August, we're already thinking ahead to our autumn walks and we're excited to share our schedule for walks for home educated kids and their families once the term starts again...

- Thursday 17th September: 1.30 - 4pm: Exploring Water Filters on Dartmoor at Shipley Bridge
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- Thursday 1st October: 1pm - 4pm: The Geology of Dartmoor at Haytor

- Wednesday 15th October: 9.30am - 12.30pm: Explore a Rainforest at Shaugh Bridge!

If you have a home educated child in your life and would like to join us, these walks are suitable for ages 7+ and cost £7.50 per person attending. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Comment EXPLORE for a direct link to find out more information and book today! 🥳

It was an absolute pleasure to guide for the incredible international organisation Seeds of Peace a few weeks ago.

We met them at Merrivale to spend the afternoon walking, exploring the landscape and partaking in some activities designed to encourage teambuilding and leadership.

When we received the following words from them a few days ago, we were just blown away. Such a pleasure and a privilege to hold the space for this group who are doing phenomenal work...

"What struck me most was how naturally the hike created the conditions for authentic connection. Removed from the structure of Camp and immersed in the Dartmoor landscape, the young people demonstrated increased openness, trust, collaboration and mutual support.

Perhaps most powerful were the reflections the Peer Supports shared afterwards. Many described the hike as creating space for more honest conversations, explaining that being physically active in nature made it more difficult to "hide behind a façade" and easier to build genuine trust with one another. Others spoke about how the activities challenged them to lead, support and depend upon one another in new ways.

For an organisation like Seeds of Peace, whose mission is to equip young leaders with the skills to build relationships across difference, this type of experiential learning is invaluable. The hike complemented our dialogue programme beautifully by allowing participants to practise empathy, communication, resilience and leadership in a real-world setting.

Moorland Guides created a psychologically safe, professionally facilitated environment that balanced challenge with support. Their ability to engage young people, foster confidence and strengthen relationships through nature-based learning made a meaningful contribution to the overall development of our Peer Supports."

Somehow the year has flown by and we are fast approaching the final episode of the first series of the Voices of Dartmoor podcast!

Yesterday, we released our penultimate episode, in which we were delighted to talk with the wonderful Geri Skeens - Moorland Guide. Geri has a wealth of knowledge but specialises in mosses, lichens and the temperate rainforests of Dartmoor.

She joined us in Bovey Down Woods, just outside of Bovey Tracey, to talk about these unique habitats that we are lucky enough to have several of on Dartmoor. We talked about how she came to Dartmoor, her background in nature conservation and she explained what exactly a lichen is!

Her infectious love of nature and wild habitats was evident throughout the conversation and we discussed the work she does on the moors and talked about how people can be mindful of protection whilst visiting these fragile and special landscapes.

You can find this episode on all major podcast platforms but comment SPOTIFY to be sent a direct link for listening!

🧭Building on Basics Workshop 🧭

We mentioned last week that excitingly, we've collaborated with Leading Steps On Dartmoor to offer a full day navigation workshop for those wanting to take their map-and-compass navigation to the next level!

This workshop is ideal for those who have been on the Introduction to Moorland Navigation workshop or those who understand the basics but are feeling a little rusty with map and compass.

You'll be in a safe, supportive environment as you continue to build on the '6 D's' and have plenty of opportunity to practice and refine your skills across the day.

Taking place on Saturday 26th September, you'll meet in Princetown at 10am for a short indoor segment before heading off onto the moors to put your skills in action!

Spaces are limited to ensure a good experience so don't delay - comment WORKSHOP for more details and to book today!

Another fantastic Forest Chi walk last week at Belstone 💚

They were grateful for the clouds that came up during the afternoon and there was a nice breeze as they meandered along to the stone circle, then down into the woods and along the river.

Everyone really enjoyed the afternoon, especially the stone circle mythology and links to the full moon in aquarius with its astrological theme of letting go and casting off any limitations to move forward with our goals.

Kate's next Forest Chi walk is on Saturday 26th September, starting at Sourton Village Hall. Fancy joining us? Comment FOREST CHI for more information and booking details 💚

On Tuesday, the Wheeled Access Group met at Fingle Bridge, where they had a fairly good turnout, with some WAGs they hadn’t seen for a while.

They enjoyed a relaxing level 1 trek along the sylvan banks of the River Teign. A medieval pottery was pointed out, as well as charcoal platforms. Amanda explained the problem with conifer forestry, which does not allow in sufficient light for an understory to develop. The conifers in Fingle Wood are gradually being removed, allowing pioneer trees like alder and birch to develop.

Phil Watson identified Sequoia sempervirens, Tsuga heterophylla and Taxus baccata. These were good specimens but will eventually be felled for timber and replaced with mixed deciduous.

Thanks to Amanda and Phil, the guides for the day, for keeping them all safe. The WAGs all very much enjoyed Amanda’s Beetroot and Strawberry Cake!