Uncover the secrets of Mann Wood in this field session that brings the past to life. We will explore the wood’s history by combining evidence from historical records with a live metal detecting search.

You’ll see history unearthing in real-time as we demonstrate how to track down hidden artifacts and identify what lies beneath the surface, offering a unique, hands-on look at the stories buried right under your feet.

Held in a beautiful outdoor space, with trees surrounding us we will begin with grounding breathwork, allowing your body to soften and your mind to settle as you arrive in nature. There will be guided journaling, a restful sound bath, where soothing vibrations from crystal bowls and gentle instruments help to calm the nervous system and bring you into a state of deep relaxation.

This is your time to rest, receive, and reconnect—held by the earth beneath you and the energy of the circle around you.

Join us at our Braintree Community Garden for a relaxed and fun day out in nature! Discover our beautiful garden project, get involved in hands-on activities and games with refreshments from the Braintree Foodbank team.

Whether you love gardening or just love spending time outdoors, everyone is welcome. Come along, meet the wonderful team of people who help the garden grow and discover how our Thursday gardening sessions help bring people together in nature. (no booking required)

Calling All Golfers! We invite you to join us for our next annual Wilderness Charity Golf Day at Braintree Golf Club. Welcoming teams of four to this beautiful 18 hole course followed by a 2-course dinner. All monies raised will support the foundation’s work in helping support vulnerable people throughout Essex.

Learn to identify the UK’s common trees by their leaves, bark, and seeds. This course provides the practical tools to decode the landscape, teaching you how to distinguish between native species including Oak, Hornbeam, Lime, and Birch. You’ll develop the sharp eye of a naturalist as you learn the specific traits of Field Maple, Willow, Hawthorn, Ash, Aspen, and Cherry. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and techniques needed to name the trees in your local woodland.

Kick off your Sunday with a breath of fresh air. Discover the seasonal wonders of Mann Wood on our guided nature walk. We’ll be exploring the heart of the forest and spotting the local wildlife that thrives here during the summer months.

Steve Grimwade from Swallow Birding & Wildlife Tours, who runs unique guided tours of some of the world’s most nature-rich countries, takes us on a wildlife journey around Panama where many delights await including the search for the mythical Harpy Eagle plus many other remarkable species of bird, mammal and butterfly.

Join us at our Chatham Green HQ for a magical evening of bat detecting with the Essex Bat Group. Our experienced guides will help you listen out for different species, explain how bats navigate and hunt in the dark, and share insights into their important role in our ecosystems. It’s a wonderful chance to see – and hear – bats in action and gain a new appreciation for the wildlife that comes alive after sunset.

Step into the quiet beauty of autumn with our lead therapist, Jo Roberts, and give yourself a gentle boost against the darkening days. Our Autumn Wellness Wander is a calming, guided walk through our ancient woodland at Mann Wood designed to support those experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder or simply the stresses of daily life. Join us for a nourishing dose of fresh air, daylight, and nature-based wellbeing. Your autumn reset begins in the woods.