The events below have a wild plant and nature focus, beyond the garden. At the bottom you will find links to garden related workshops/walks & Talks.
Summer tree walk
at Doddington Hall, Nr. Lincoln
I am delighted to be running another guided walk of countryside trees on the Doddington Estate this summer, to give visitors the chance to learn more about some of the many wonderful trees there.
Trees have always played a vital role, both culturally and ecologically, and nowhere more so than at Doddington. This walk will meander through parts of the park and woodland close to the Hall, to take a closer look at some of the amazing specimens they have there.
The English countryside is home to many beautiful species, and at Doddington they have some old and interesting examples of oak, beech, sweet chestnut, sycamore, hawthorn, poplar and more. These trees are full of stories and wonder, and continue to draw our fascination and respect.
As well as hearing about some of the natural history and folklore of these trees, you will also learn some of the ways to tell one tree from another – such as the shape of leaves, texture of bark and overall form of the tree. Country walks will never be the same!
No prior knowledge is needed.
Date - 21st June 2025
time - 10am - 1230pm
Cost - £20
Booking - Booking via Doddington Hall website - here
Foraging Walks
An Introduction to wild edible plants
Many wild plants have long been used in the kitchen, but as food habits have changed and plant knowledge has declined, foraging has receded from our lives.
But there is much still to be found not far from our homes, if we choose to look. Apart from the potential to occasionally supplement our diet with someething wild from the countryside, foraging also gives us the opportunity to slow down, tune in and connect with plants and nature.
These slow walks look at soem of the wild plants around us - how to safely identify them, where and when to find them, and the rules that apply when collecting wild food from the countryiside.
Along the way, we will also talk about some of the interesting stories, folklore and natural history that surround plants.
Foraging walks are planned at the following locations:-
Dates will be listed here as soon as event confirmed
Pin Mill, Nr. Ipswich
Dates - Tbc
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £25
Location - Pin Mill is a charming little hamlet on the edge of the river Orwell, with the beautiful Cliff Plantation’ on its doorstep. We will primarily be in the woodland here.
Lincoln
Dates - Tbc
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £25
Location - South Common
Peak District
Dates - Tbc
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £25
Location - Tbc
Love Letter to Trees
Join Rachel Petheram (of Catkin) and myself for a beautiful workshop celebrating our connection to, and the beauty of, trees.
Over 20 years as a garden designer I have developed a huge affinity for trees and now lead tree walks at Doddington Hall, RHS Harlow Carr and Sheffield Botanical Gardens, whilst Rachel, from being a floral designer for many years, now offers nature inspired retreats, workshops & mentoring from her beautiful therapy garden at Doddington Hall.
Guy and Rachel will lead a session in the gardens at Doddington Hall, where Guy will tell you about our connection to trees and their role in our history and culture and Rachel will guide you in a sylvotherapy session, where the therapeutic nature of trees will help you to relax and connect with nature.
We will use the trees for artistic expression, using mulberry paper and charcoal to create beautiful, unique bark rubbings, which will capture the essence of the trees in the garden at Doddington Hall.
The Practical Stuff
The workshop is held in my studio and in the gardens at Doddington Hall and the date is Tuesday 14th October 2025.
Hot drinks, lunch and all materials are provided.
The investment is £125 per person.
Booking via Catkin website - the link below will take you there
Winter Tree ID
Half day workshops
Various locations - in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & Suffolk - see below for details
Many of the distinguishing characteristics of trees - such as leaves, flowers & fruits - are lost in winter, which can make it seem tricky to identify one tree from the next. However, look closely and there are many subtle clues to help you with identification - from buds and twigs to bark and overall shape. Once you get your eye in you will see more and more detail, and winter walks will come alive with added interest.
These are a practical workshops that will focus on native tree species, the types you are likely to come across in the English countryside. As well as identification skills you will also learn about some of the natural and cultural history associated with different trees.
Unless otherwise specified, workshops involve time spent in the classroom combined with time outside, walking to view trees.
I am afraid that not all locations are easy access, so if you have any mobility issues, please contact me before booking.
Winter Tree ID workshops are planned at the following locations -
dates in Feb & March 2026 will be listed as soon as event confirmed:-
Doddington Hall, Nr. Lincoln
Dates - 2026 dates coming soon
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided)
Booking via Doddington Hall website - follow link
Venue - Doddington Hall is an Elizabethan house outside historic Lincoln. The Hall is surrounded by parkland and woods where many magnificent mature native trees reside, which we visit during the workshop.
Pin Mill Studios, Nr. Ipswich
Dates - 2026 dates coming soon
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided)
The Venue - Pin Mill is a charming little hamlet on the edge of the river Orwell, with the beautiful Cliff Plantation’ woodland on its doorstep, which we will access for part of the workshop to enjoy the many mature trees there . Pin Mill Studio includes a lovely little cafe that will be open after the workshop, and there is also the well-known Butt & Oyster pub very close by.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Dates - 2026 dates coming soon
Time - 10.30am - 1.30/2pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided)
The Venue - Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a wonderful green space in the heart of the city, with a wealth of trees and plants, both exotic and native. Courses take place in the purpose built Dorothy Fox Education Centre, on the south side of the garden and close to vibrant Ecclesall Road.
Talks
From the garden and beyond
A number of short talks are offered to garden clubs, WI groups, schools and other organisations, both public and private.
For an idea of the talks offered, and a list of any currently scheduled events open to the public, please click 'Learn more' below.