Join Nina Lovelace from Hackney Outdoors CIC to identify and learn folk stories and histories associated with trees and plants around the Winter Solstice, also called Yule, which is when many cultures including the Celts celebrate the ‘return of the Sun’. This traditionally happens on the shortest day, December 21st. 

You’ll hear about Holly, Pine, Ash, Mistletoe and more - and then learn how to make a Christmas decoration from natural materials. We’ll also serve herbal tea to keep everyone warm. This seasonal walk is for adults and children over 12. Every walk you attend helps Hackney Outdoors to fund its work with local schools.
Highlights:

• Which tree(s) usually supply the true Yule log to burn over the Christmas period?

• When and how should you cut Mistletoe, and why is it always bad news for white oxen?

• Why should you hang mushrooms on your Christmas tree?

• Who is the Holly King and who is he at War with?

This is part of our seasonal cycle ‘wheel of the year’ nature walks in which we invite walkers to explore how nature changes at eight points throughout the year and the stories and folklore associated with the changes. The next walk will be in early February to consider Imbolc, which is when we celebrate the early signs of Spring.

 This seasonal walk is for adults and children over 12. 

Please enter at the Church Street entrance and follow the path on the left side. The meeting point is at the William Booth Memorial, opposite the entry path. 

Please note:
We may need to cancel at short notice if the weather is inclement - please check your emails on the morning of the walk that you have booked. 

Please wear sturdy shoes. 

There are no toilet facilities available.