Friday 4th – Sunday 6th July 2025
Beth Calverley – Fire in Your Soul Poet in Residence
The Poetry Machine
Poems created in conversation with you!
Poet Beth Calverley will be joining us with her magical Poetry Machine. Beth will ask you some illuminating questions and weave your words into a typewritten poem to take away with you. Just follow the clatter of her vintage typewriter and look out for the machine’s bright yellow umbrella, flagpole and bubble engine…
Nature Connection Writing Walk
An invitation to connect with the elements
Beth invites you to take time to pause, create and connect with nature, exploring the beautiful surroundings of Chew Valley Lake.
Johnny Palmer
Activism, Renewable Power & the Fight for Clean Waterways
Johnny Palmer
Johnny Palmer is an activist who campaigns for swimming access to clean waterways. His style is media-savvy, punchy, playful and sometimes antagonistic – and it works. In his journey he purchased the river island at Warleigh Weir, led a national campaign to stop sewage pollution and founded the campaign which has successfully got swimming in Bristol Harbour. Public speaking, film making, community building and media appearances are his main tools. He is now also a chapter lead for the Ice Breakers mens wild swimming community. In his talk he will share his journey, his love of natural waterways, the value of antagonistic activism and his unique methods for change-making
Mac Macartney
In the Eye of the Storm
Mac Macartney – Talk
Mac Macartney is a writer, mentor, eco-peace advocate, and international speaker, known for his work in leadership, nature connection, and regenerative futures. As the founder of Embercombe, he has inspired thousands to live in deeper relationship with the Earth and co-create a flourishing world. Mentored for over twenty years by indigenous elders, Mac weaves ancient wisdom with modern challenges, guiding individuals and organisations towards meaningful change.
A TEDx speaker and author of The Children’s Fire, Mac has designed and led retreats for festival teams, social enterprises, and businesses worldwide. In this compelling talk, he invites us to pause, breathe, and embrace the fire within, finding clarity and courage in an uncertain world.
Sam Hobson, Forest Circle
The Science & History of Forest Bathing
Discover the ancient roots and modern science behind Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) with Sam Hobson, a forest bathing and nature connection guide. With a background in wildlife photography, Sam’s work has been featured by WWF, National Geographic, Countryfile, Springwatch, and The One Show, giving him a unique perspective on our relationship with the natural world.
In this insightful talk, Sam explores how immersing yourself in nature can profoundly impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being—reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system. He’ll break down the history, research, and real-world benefits of this simple yet powerful practice, making it accessible, inspiring, and tangible.
To help you integrate nature into your daily life, Sam will also share five easy ways to enhance well-being through nature connection.
For more information, visit www.forestcircle.co.uk.
EarthSonic – Music, Nature & the Sound of Climate Change
Ruth Daniel – In Place of War, Earthsonic
EarthSonic, a project by In Place of War, uses music and sound to tell the story of climate change, uniting musicians, scientists, activists, and indigenous communities to inspire global action. This talk explores how artists can collaborate with nature, using sound to measure biodiversity, create music from plant roots, and amplify awareness of environmental issues.
In Place of War, led by CEO Ruth Daniel, empowers artists and activists to drive change in conflict zones and communities affected by climate change. Ruth, a TEDx speaker and award-winning social entrepreneur, has developed over 100 cultural programs and secured a £1M research grant on grassroots arts movements.
Bristol Fungarium
Discover the Healing Power of uk-native Mushrooms
Bristol Fungarium, Tom Baxter
Join Tom Baxter, founder of Bristol Fungarium, for an immersive journey into the world of UK-native medicinal mushrooms. A former organic farmer and forest school leader, Tom’s passion for fungi led him to establish Bristol Fungarium, the UK’s first producer of organic-certified, UK-grown mushroom tinctures.
In this talk, Tom will explore the science and benefits of functional mushrooms, from lion’s mane and reishi to turkey tail and chaga, and how these powerful fungi can support health and well-being. He will also lead a foraging walk, sharing expert knowledge on identifying and working with wild mushrooms.
Visit the Bristol Fungarium stall to discover their triple-extracted, 100% organic mushroom tinctures, grown and produced with sustainability, quality, and efficacy in mind.