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ABOUT
US
Hazel Hill is owned by Alan Heeks, who stewards it on a non-profit basis. The story of Hazel Hill Wood, by Alan
Heeks.
I became the steward of this land in 1987, and since
1993 I have felt guided to establish it as a nature sanctuary and retreat
centre. I bought Hazel Hill Wood simply following my intuitive sense that
I would like to own and care for an area of woodland near my home. In my
main work as a business manager and then consultant, I have often had clear
visions I could act on. This has been different: more a slowly-unfolding,
conversation with the trees and the land, which has taught me to respect
their slower pace. My own relationship with the wood came to life in 1993, when I first led a retreat group there. It was a vision quest for teenagers, and this was my first experience of Hazel Hill as a living entity whose wisdom and healing were being offered to people who would slow down enough to listen. Since then I have obtained planning permission for educational use of the wood, and for simple buildings to support this. The creation of these buildings has itself been a community process. We have celebrated, danced, sung and worked together. The cycle of the seasons and the Celtic and Christian festivals are woven into the activities at the wood, so that they renew the connection between people and nature. Since 1993, there have been a variety of nature-based programmes at Hazel Hill Wood. These have drawn upon the Celtic, Native American, Christian, Buddhist and other traditions, and many have included Dances of Universal Peace. The energies of human communion with the divine through nature have built up here. Every gathering picks up on them, and develops them further. If you would like to know more about Dances of Universal Peace, visit their website at: http://ww.dancesofuniversalpeace.org.uk The magic of Hazel Hill comes partly from its seclusion: the wood is surrounded by fields, and there is virtually no traffic noise. It is an ancient woodland site, with a rich variety of wildlife, wild flowers, and some rare fungi and fritillaries. The age and type of trees varies widely around the wood, creating a range of different habitats and atmospheres. These include mature beech and scots pine in the heart of the wood, hornbeam, oak and sycamore to the east, and oak, young birch and hazel to the west. There are also streams, a pond, and an abundance of wildlife and wild flowers. Since 1993, Hazel Hill Wood has become my spiritual home, and has enabled many people to deepen their contact with nature, and to unwind and renew themselves. I hope it may do the same for you. For information about events at Hazel Hill Wood, or to enquire about making a group booking, please contact: Simon Wyre Tel 077 69598141 e-mail: |