This May, the National Trust Surrey Hills are encouraging visitors to take some time out from the busy-ness of daily to spend some time surrounded by nature, either on a walk, a workshop or just by sitting and being in the moment.
Coinciding with Mental Health awareness week, Mindful May in the Surrey Hills offers an opportunity for visitors to take part in a variety of mindful activities including free outdoor yoga sessions, meditative walks or creative workshops.
Visitors can pick up a ‘mindful sheet’ from Box Hill or Hindhead Commons and try out some of the tips and techniques to help try the practice of mindfulness.
And at Leith Hill place, visitors can immerse themselves in the glorious vibrant colours of Rhododendron Wood on a guided walk or download a free mindful ‘Under a Canopy’ by Alison Carlier.
Box Hill
Park yoga at Box Hill
Sun 5 May- 15 Sep, 9.30-10.30am
The National Trust and Park Yoga are delighted to bring Park Yoga to Box Hill every Sunday throughout the summer. Yoga aims to connect people to the natural outdoors through relaxing, energising yoga sessions. Everyone is welcome, no registration required, accompanied children welcome. The sessions are led by qualified local instructor, Amanda Wass. Free.
Leith Hill
Free photography workshops
Sat 11 & Sun 19 May, 10am-12pm
Join an expert photographer for a relaxing outdoor photography workshop in the glorous bluebell wood at Leith Hill. Camera settings, composition and creativity and post processing will all be covered. Suitable for beginners and intermediates. Booking essential as places are limited. Free
Guided walk of the Rhododendron wood
Sat 25 May & Sun 2 June, 11am
Immerse yourself in the colour and history of Caroline Wedgwood’s collection of unusual and vibrant rhododendrons on this guided walk of the historic woodland. Booking advised. Free
Clay workshops
Sun 26 May, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Discover your creative side with local artist Karen Pearson. She will guide you in creating your own little clay bird, a perfect addition to any garden or windowsill. £16 adult, £11 child (5 yrs + and accompanied by an adult). Booking essential.
Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Wellbeing and artisan market
Sat 18 May, 10am-4pm
In collaboration with Surrey Hills Enterprises, enjoy a day of wellbeing and connection with nature. Try yoga and mindfulness sessions and browse the artisan stalls selling a selection of food, drink and arts and crafts. Free entry
Landbarn Farm, nr Dorking
Mindful meditative walk
Tue 7 & 28 May, 7-8.30pm
Join the ranger for a gentle walk and early evening nature-based meditation in the beautiful Surrey Hills. No experience necessary. Booking essential as places are limited. Free
During this month, there will also be opportunities to book on forest bathing sessions at Box Hill and Leith Hill run by the Forest Bathing Institute. Forest Bathing is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by being immersed among the trees.
For information how to book please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey-hills
