About this Event
Discover the medicinal properties, folklore and seasonal gifts of Britain's trees with Rachel Owen, professional tree consultant , and Julia Behrens, Medical Herbalist. Over twelve inspiring months you'll learn to identify trees, understand their healing properties, make seasonal remedies, and reconnect with the ancient traditions that have linked people and trees for generations. is an invitation to slow down, observe the seasons, and rediscover the healing relationship between people and trees through knowledge, craft and tradition.
Course Highlights
- Monthly practical workshops
- Learn the medicinal uses of over 25 trees
- Make herbal oils, ointments and seasonal remedies
- Explore folklore, legends, traditional songs and woodland customs
- Guest tutors and practical crafts
- Two bonus online webinars included
- Garden visit and Forest Garden inspiration
- Exclusive discounts on selected Sunday workshops
Trees of Healing: A Seasonal Journey into Herbal Medicine
14th November – Willow – The Tree of Healing
From ancient pain relief to the origins of modern medicine, discover the remarkable story of Willow.
Special Guest: Katie. Learn traditional willow weaving and make your own small willow basket to take home. There will be an extra cost of materials for this one
12th December – Winter Evergreens & Nature's Christmas Apothecary
Featured Trees: Fir • Pine • Yew
Celebrate the festive season by exploring evergreen medicines, sacred resins including Frankincense and Myrrh, and winter folklore.
Practical Day: Create natural Christmas gifts, herbal remedies, festive decorations and seasonal treats inspired by nature.
16th January – Holly, Hornbeam & Beech
Winter Folklore, Ancient Songs & Woodland Legends
As the trees sleep, we'll explore centuries of folklore, traditional songs, customs and woodland legends while learning to identify trees through buds, bark and winter silhouettes.
20th February – Trees of Longevity
Featured Trees: Yew & Cedar
Discover two of the world's most iconic trees, exploring their symbolism, medicinal traditions and enduring place in history.
20th March – Reading the Woodland
Featured Trees: Blackthorn & Oak
Master practical tree identification using habitats, seasonal clues and key features while discovering the medicines hidden within these magnificent native trees.
24th April – Spring Awakening
Featured Trees: Elm • Birch • Hawthorn • Elderflower
Celebrate spring's abundance with cleansing remedies, blossom medicines and traditional spring tonics.
29th May – Rooted in Nature
Featured Trees: Hawthorn & Elder
Explore woodland ecology, healthy soils, root systems and sustainable harvesting while discovering two of our most valuable medicinal trees.
19th June – Summer Trees & Herbal Harvests
Featured Trees: Mulberry & Lime (Tilia)
Harvest the gifts of midsummer and learn how to prepare calming, nourishing and restorative tree medicines.
Summer Online Webinars
July – Surveying Trees & Recording the Landscape
Featured Trees: Sumach & Sea Buckthorn
Explore the benefits of trees on land and along the coast while learning practical surveying techniques, recording methods and essential field skills.
August – Forest Gardens & the Future
Come and discover the stories, science and healing traditions held within our trees. By the end of the year you will have developed the confidence to identify key species, understand their medicinal value, and deepen your relationship with the living landscape around you.
Our Tutors
Julia Behrens is a Medical Herbalist, author and educator with over 25 years' experience in herbal medicine, clinical practice and teaching. Since graduating with honours from the College of Phytotherapy in 2000, she has combined traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific research to support people in reconnecting with the healing power of plants.Above all, I am passionate about reconnecting people to the healing power of plants and supporting a deeper awareness of the vital links between health, community, and the natural world.
Julia has worked alongside NHS GPs since 2013 at the Integrative Herstmonceux Health Centre, where she continues to receive referrals for complex conditions including Lyme disease and women's health. Her work focuses on treating the whole person, combining herbal medicine with nutrition and lifestyle approaches to support long-term wellbeing.
Alongside her clinical practice, Julia has taught herbal medicine at universities and professional training schools, consulted for organisations including WWF and Neal's Yard Remedies, and leads walks, workshops and courses exploring medicinal plants, trees and seasonal healing traditions.
She is the author of Neal's Yard Remedies: Healing Herbs and Lost in Lyme, and her work has been featured on BBC and Channel 4 television. Passionate about sustainable healthcare and the ethical use of medicinal plants, Julia loves inspiring people to rediscover the wisdom of nature through practical skills, traditional knowledge and hands-on herbal medicine.
For The Tree Apothecary Almanac, Julia brings together herbal medicine, folklore, remedy making and seasonal traditions, helping participants build confidence in using trees safely, sustainably and creatively for health and wellbeing.
Rachel Owen is an experienced tree specialist with extensive knowledge of tree identification, ecology, folklore and woodland management.
Rachel's teaching encourages participants to look beyond simply recognising a tree, inspiring them to understand its place within the wider landscape, its relationship with wildlife, fungi and people, and its role in supporting both environmental and human health.
Katy Young basketry teacher, artist, plant dyer, shepherd, spinner and weaver in between my 'proper job' running a community woodland.
The teams relaxed and practical approach makes learning enjoyable for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike, encouraging everyone to build a deeper connection with the natural world.
Event venue & nearby stays
One Garden Brighton, Lewes Road, Stanmer, United Kingdom
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