Where we work
There are so many excellent woodlands and nature reserves around Huntingdonshire. We usually work out of Aversley Wood, Archers Wood or Monks Wood in Huntingdonshire, but if you'd like us to run activities at a different woodland in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire or Peterborough, get in touch. We decide which woodland to use based on the needs of our particular group or activity and based on the ecological impact of our visit.
Aversley Wood in particular is a Site of Special Scientific Interest - as an ancient woodland it contains species and biodiversity that need to be protected. For this reason, we are careful about the size of group we take and how often we go. Our programme is designed to develop our sense of reverance and relationship with the land, not to cause damage.
Further Reading
We believe intuitively and through our own felt experience how important our connection to the natural world is. After all, we are a part of nature and we have spent much more of our history in direct relationship with it, than we have in our modern digital age. But there is now measurable, scientific research to help back up these sorts of intuitions or feelings, so much so that in the UK we're seeing the development of 'Green Social Prescribing' to help people feel the benefits of nature based activity. Find out more below:
The benefits of hanging out with trees - Phytoncides and stress hormones
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US National Library of Medicine Research Article by Qing Li, 2009
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Countryfile article, 'Why everyone can benefit from heading into the woods' 2017
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University of Derby Article 2017 - Pathways to Nature Connection
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How Mud Makes Us Happy - Mycobacterium Vaccae - From Soil to Serotonin
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UK Government's 'Green Social Prescribing'
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Your Host
Ceri Littlechild
Hi! I'm Ceri and I'm the lead host and facilitator at Woodland + Well. I've always felt a strong impulse to work for the benefit of society or in ways that connect people. I've got over 15 years of experience in the public and charity sectors managing operations, events and community partnerships. Alongside Woodland + Well, I currently work for an environmental charity in Cambridge.
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I've run a self-employed art practice for 20 years which has included facilitating classes and workshops for groups including in schools, at events, on walking tours and at my home studio.
​Woodland + Well was created in response to my own longing for more connection with nature and it utilises my extensive experience in leading and planning operations, organising events and facilitating groups in a way that aligns deeply with my heart.
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Certificates and Professional Memberships:
​First Aid at Work (British Red Cross) (2022),
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England) (2020),
Current DBS check (2023)
Forest School Association Level 2: Assistant (due to complete Sept 2023)
Nature + Health Practitioners Network (current)