or maybe even a shortcut to Annwfn! (the Welsh otherworld) ✨💫 Surely an archway invites the fairies in, right? ✨ Who else feels the same?

🌿✨ This weekend, we wove a little more magic into the land! We coppiced and planted more willow for windbreaks—one of the most adaptable, medicinal, and creative trees. 🌳💚 And to finish the day, we added an extra willow arch as a shortcut to the polytunnel…

I had great fun being part of Criw’r Fari in Aberteifi on Saturday night! The pubs were alive with the sound of Welsh songs, and it was the perfect antidote to the darkness of January. I sung so much that I almost lost my voice by the end of the evening! 🎶❤️

I celebrate the chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with my home, my culture, and the land that holds me. May your season be as nourishing as mine. Nadolig Llawen Pawb – Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄✨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

What do I celebrate? I celebrate Nadolig (Christmas) here in Wales, and I also celebrate Hirnos y Gaeaf (the long dark winter), a time to embrace the stillness and the shadows. I honour the deep darkness and the quiet it brings.

This picture of my tree—a reflection of my feelings and celebrations. It’s adorned with symbols close to my heart: Celyn (Holly), representing the enduring spirit of winter, and Mari Lwyd, which brings joy, raucous laughter, and wildness to the winter months here in Wales.

Today marks my last official working day of the year! 🌿 For two whole weeks, I’m stepping away from the hustle and into the stillness. This is the only time of year I take off officially, though that will be changing next year… exciting plans ahead!

This course is exclusively for those who have completed the Year One Course or an equivalent foundation course. And if you’re not quite there yet, great news! There are still three spaces left to join the 2025 Year One course, starting in May.  https://t.co/z6rrZSbWZE

We also take a deep dive into the transformative story of Cerridwen, embracing the characters within the myth to explore and discover different aspects of ourselves. Through this journey, you’ll gain not only herbal skills but also a profound connection to your own inner growth.

On this course, you'll explore Welsh herbal constitution types, studying case studies that allow you to apply this wisdom with friends and family. It's all about turning theory into practice, building your confidence as a herbalist.

Are you ready to take your herbal practice to the next level? The Wild Welsh Herbalism Year Two Course is where we truly deepen our connection to herbs and people. Herbalism becomes personal—learning which herb for which person by understanding herbs as unique individuals.

And on a lighter note, Ivy is also a fantastic air purifier, making it a great plant to have around your home. 🌬️💚 Do you see the ribcage connection too, or is it just me?

But a note of caution: Ivy deserves respect. This is Common Ivy (Hedera helix), and it’s not a herb for long-term use. The berries are poisonous—do not eat them. Always check for contraindications before using herbal remedies. 🌿⚠️

Here in Wales, Ivy is called Eiddew. It opens up the lungs, eases breathing, loosens mucus, and relaxes the airways. When I look at the way Ivy grows—hugging the tree like a ribcage—it feels like it’s echoing its role of nourishing and supporting the lungs.

While clearing a giant ash tree that came down in the storm, I couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate structure of the Ivy (Hedera helix) wrapped around it.

Every Wild Welsh Herbalism class begins with fresh, seasonal teas gathered straight from the land. 🍵✨ Even in December, nature provides an abundance of herbs to harvest—and the polytunnel gifts us with a few vibrant blooms to brighten the bowl.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us next year, don’t wait too long—there are now only three spaces left for the 2025 Wild Welsh Herbalism Year One course, starting in May. https://t.co/J1XTkVDUC2

On Saturday, I taught my 1st year Wild Welsh Herbalism students, it was perfectly seasonal! We explored the wonderful medicinal qualities of Holly, Ivy, and Norway Spruce, delving into their rich folklore and uses. The medicine-making for the day was creating a Festive Oxymel.

Despite the loss, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for these precious beings, standing strong and fighting back the wind on our behalf. #stormdarragh #cymru #wales

I’m deeply grateful for the trees that bore the brunt of the north-westerly winds, shielding our house, polytunnel, and yurt from the worst of the storm. Many trees have fallen, and now it’s time to pause, reflect, and reassess the land.