about us

Trees are one of the most important elements on planet earth -

without them we cease to exist.

When walking through the interior of Antarctica to the South Pole where no living creature exists (not even a cockroach) Pom Oliver wondered about the trees and rushing streams she imagined existed once, long ago under the ice cap. To survive her team carried everything they needed - matches, food, fuel, tent.

On returning home to England and Shadow Woods she was reminded how lucky we are to be able to walk amongst trees.

To look, touch and smell, to be aware of the bio-diversity that

this little bit of Sussex upholds.

To be refreshed and revived by simply walking in the woods.

For many years people lived off the land, their home was the woods - making charcoal, walking sticks, bodging - the woods providing fuel, shelter, food the essentials for life.

It was a tough life for the wood folk, but a spiritual one, living alongside and in harmony with the natural environment.

We have nearly lost the knowledge of how to survive and the various skills to make the most of the raw materials the land provides.

At Shadow woods we have begun the path back to sustainability. Coppicing and charcoal making has resumed in the winter months.

The crafts of basketry and pottery making, using clay dug from the stream, are kept alive.

Age-old crafts are given a new lease as those people with a passion come and join us to share their wonder and skills.

We have started to grow our own vegetables in a permaculture woodland garden. In the spring the woods will house Gloucester Old Spot pigs and chickens.

The woods (excluding the ancient woodland) are laid out in sections of ash, silver birch, hazel and hornbeam, which in spring tower over a mass of bluebells. In autumn there is a variety of fungi, some which only grow when the environment is undisturbed and pristine.

The Times tells us that it is now accepted knowledge that a forty five minute stroll through woodlands is supremely beneficial in restoring a sense of balance, whether to a young teenager, a city worker or a housewife...

So come and walk in our woodlands or do more with us. Come to us for an immense change, perhaps even a life changing moment.

Not only do we hope you will have huge fun, we also aim to bring you new knowledge and skills - recognising wildflowers, trees and birds, making a shelter (no igloos here!), learning to make charcoal or collecting the brambles, hazel and other materials to make a basket. Perhaps not useful in everyday life but certainly balm for the mind!

Clive, who knows the land like the back of his hand, will have you creating fire from a pile sticks and string and happily drinking a cup of well desirved tea.

Amazing We are amazing We are the highest form of life that we know of The most humble to the most angry We are amazing Our youngest to our eldest One has clear Pages to fill The other great volumes to share We are amazing One clan upon this flower Moving within the most hostile of Space The flower is amazing So large, so beautiful caressing our moon with gentile breath All life forms are amazing Dependant one upon the other One Clan We are amazing clive cobie 2008

If you wish to have a restorative time - take a walk in the woods with Alan who will point out lots of things you would probably miss. Then Amanda can give you one of the best massages you will ever have using herbs she has picked and dried to infuse her oils.

Or you can learn various crafts including bow making and flint knapping, catch a lecture from one of visiting speakers, eat delicious food (sourced locally of course and lovingly prepared on site) and even stay over in a comfortable bed and with your own shower if tenting is not your cup of tea.

So, you can be as active or as tranquil as you like at Shadow woods.

To ensure we do our upmost to maintain the tranquillity and the bio-diversity of these woods, we collect you from the local railway station. You won't get lost and we cut down on vehicles and their emissions visiting Shadow Woods.

Everyone who works here is in love with the environment and is actively working to encourage and keep safe the fantastic biodiversity that abounds.

We welcome you to join us for an experience, we are sure you will want to repeat. Whether you come as a group, an individual or a family. Whether you decide to join us on one of our set programs or we put together one to suit your needs. I am sure you will leave having learnt new skills, feeling inspired and ready to face the world taking a little of the tranquillity of Shadow woods back with you.

I look forward to meeting you in the woods –

Pom Oliver 2008