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Home » The Legal Stuff

The Legal Stuff

Privacy Notice – Hopyard Wood – Nature’s Healing (thehappyhippy.co.uk)

Cookie Policy – Hopyard Wood – Nature’s Healing (thehappyhippy.co.uk)

Disclosure Policy – Hopyard Wood – Nature’s Healing (thehappyhippy.co.uk)

thehopyardwood

🌳 Custodian of Hopyard Wood
🌱Nature-based Wellbeing Mentor & Forest School Leader
🌞Play, ritual, retreat & family connection.
In the wood + online

Nature doesn’t ask me to look a certain way — and Nature doesn’t ask me to look a certain way — and in that space, I remember that I don’t have to either.

In a past life, how I looked played a huge part in my daily life, whether it was wearing my RAF uniform with pride, or conforming to a corporate image, now there is such freedom in choosing ease over perfection, presence over performance, authenticity over appearance and on some days, just leaving the makeup bag tightly shut.

If this is what “wild and untamed” looks like… I’m here for it 🌿

#authenticity #bereal #nofilter #untamed #wildthing
Home‑ed is coming to Hopyard Wood. From Monday 1 Home‑ed is coming to Hopyard Wood. 

From Monday 16th March, I’ll be opening the gates for stay & play sessions designed especially for home‑educating families with children aged 4–11. 

These gentle, nature‑rich mornings will run once a month during term time, with 2‑hour sessions starting at 10.30am. 
 
Tickets are £12 per session (adult + 1 child), with family and block‑booking discounts available. 

Children will have exclusive access to beautiful Hopyard Wood here in Kirk Langley, where they can join in with seasonal nature crafts, explore our planned invitations to play, or simply follow their own imaginations and see where it takes them.  Parents are welcome to play, wander, or chill out with a warm drink. 

A calm, creative space to learn, connect, and wander — all at their own pace. 

To join us, you can book your place now — spaces are limited to keep the woodland peaceful and spacious for everyone.

Follow the link in our bio for online bookings. 

#derbyshirehomeed #homeschooling #DerbyshireMums #forestschool #homeducation
Here at Hopyard Wood, we love getting the play dou Here at Hopyard Wood, we love getting the play dough out. It’s so versatile and always a hit with our Explorers (I secretly think the moms love it just as much).

It’s incredibly easy to whip up at home and is one of my go‑to activities when planning woodland sessions. This version is a simple no‑cook recipe... fully allergen‑friendly, taste‑safe, and ready in minutes. Soft, squishy, and perfect for little hands that love to roll, press, and create.

Swipe through for ingredients, methods, and natural colouring ideas. These are brilliant for rainy days, playgroups, or any moment when you need a calming, creative activity that doesn’t require cooking or special equipment. A great pick for outdoor play. 

TOP TIP....if you are sure the play dough isn't going to get nibbled, replace the vegetable oil with baby oil - smells divine, you're welcome to thank me later 😉

Save this post for later, and tag me if you make a batch — I would love to see your little ones’ creations. 💚

#sensoryplayideas 
#earlyyearsactivities 
#playdoughrecipe 
#tastesafeplay 
#playinspiredlearning
🌗 Between Light & Dark: A Women’s Spring Equinox C 🌗 Between Light & Dark: A Women’s Spring Equinox Circle

Right now, many of us are carrying anger, anxiety, frustration, grief, fear, and heartbreak for our children, our families, and the state of the world. It’s a lot to hold, and many of us are tired.

Join us for our Spring Equinox circle, a space to bring it all. We remember the women who came before us, rooted, resilient, and steady even when the world around them was not. No fixing. No bypassing. Just women gathering to breathe, be seen, and steady one another...exactly as we are, as they once did.

🌗 Spring Equinox Women’s Circle
🗓 21st March
⏰ 1pm – 3pm
💚 £27

🌳Gently wandering the wood, we allow the trees to cradle us and the earth to steady and support us as we reconnect with Mother Nature.

🌱As we make peace with the dark, we honour the returning light and look toward the spring and summer months. Together, we will plant seeds of hope — both in the wood and in small pots to take home.

🔥Gathering in circle, we release what no longer serves us in our F**k It Fire Bucket ceremony. Bring your doubts, fears, frustrations, whatever you’re ready to let go of, and offer them to the flames

🌓Soaking in the equinox energy, we will sip herbal tea and settle into stillness, reflection, and, as always the laughter and power that rises when women gather. Let the circle, the land, and the season restore you.

Come as you are. Bring your heart. Leave a little lighter, a little steadier. 

This is not a circle to fix the world — but to steady the hearts holding it.

If your heart is nodding, this circle is for you ❤️ Book your place by following the link in our bio.

#worldpeace #springequinox #breathe #women #womensupportingwomen
Never too young for nature 🌿 Yesterday, our littl Never too young for nature 🌿

Yesterday, our littlest explorer discovered a drizzly morning and the woodland floor. Her beautiful smile lit up the grey day as she raked her fingers through the soil, inspected the “tasty leaves” (safely retrieved by her daddy), and dug into some grains and pasta.

When children are free to explore with their hands, their whole nervous system settles. Sensory play supports development, fosters presence, and creates a deep sense of safety… especially in nature 🌱

Our weekly Little Explorers sessions are open to babes aged 0-4. Follow the link in our bio and see how sensory play + nature = happy little one 😊

#childdevelopment #naturekids #sensory #DerbyshireMums #getchildrenoutdoors
Hopyard Wood is growing 🌱 Since I opened Hopyard Hopyard Wood is growing 🌱

Since I opened Hopyard Wood in November 2023, we’ve created something truly special in the trees — muddy boots, open fires, shared stories, magical family moments, women gathering in circle and the children, the wonderful children who explore and teach me so much every time they come into the wood. It is and has been beautiful and I am truly grateful. 

And as with all things rooted in nature, growth asks for adjustment. 

To make Hopyard sustainable, spacious and truly aligned with its purpose, I’ll be moving to a more intentional calendar this coming 12 months.
Rather than offering multiple weekly sessions, we’ll now have:
• Little Explorers on alternate Tuesdays & Fridays
• Home Ed on alternate Mondays 
• Monthly Woodland Explorers & Family gatherings
• Monthly Boots, Brambles & Banter circles
• Seasonal workshops aligned with the wheel of the year. 

Starting from March you will see new dates appearing on our booking system. 

This shift allows sessions to be fuller, deeper and more meaningful....and gives me the time and energy to develop the transformational work that is becoming the heart of Hopyard....Nothing is being lost.
Instead, I am choosing quality over quantity.
Depth over busyness.
Rhythm over rush. 

Hopyard Wood has always been about connection and intention. This new structure honours that and ensures it can continue to grow for years to come.
Thank you for walking this woodland path with me 🌿
Tracey x

#hopyardwood #change #woodlandretreat #forestschool #naturefamily
WISHING TREES These past few days, making wishing WISHING TREES

These past few days, making wishing trees has proven to be one of our most popular activities in the wood. This simple, fun, and easy-to-make craft actually has some beautiful benefits for our little ones.

For each wish tied to the tree, hope and resilience quietly grow. It teaches children that it’s OK to imagine… to dream.

A wishing tree gives a child the chance to express things they may not yet be able to verbalise, such as:
“I hope the other children at school like me.”
“I wish Nanna wasn’t poorly.”
It creates a safe doorway into emotions — without the pressure of having to say the words out loud.

When a child chooses a wish, they are building self-awareness and tuning into what truly matters to them.

Creating something from nature, in nature, strengthens their connection to the world around them. They treat their little trees with reverence, as if they’ve become living witnesses to their hopes and dreams.

Children thrive on symbolic acts, and this small ritual of tying a wish becomes a moment of pause and intention.

There’s something deeply beautiful about teaching a child: “I’ve placed my wish somewhere safe.” That’s the seed of trust.

To make a wishing tree, you will need:
• A small flower pot filled with soil or stones
• A twig with little branches
• Paper
• String or ribbon
• Scissors

Plant the twig in the pot. Invite your child to write or draw their wish on the paper, then tie it gently to their tree.

Happy wishing ✨
Tracey x

#ritualforkids #familybonding #naturecrafts #activitiesforkids #wishingtree
The temperature dropped massively today, which mea The temperature dropped massively today, which meant we had to work a little harder to keep everyone warm, happy and entertained out here.

When little feet were on the verge of becoming iceblocks, Bonnie’s impromptu "woodland boot camp" kept the chill well and truly at bay and these three banished the icicles with a wild woodland warm-up.

#hopyardwood #holidayclub #outdoorkids #getchildrenoutdoors #naturekids
We are braving another Holiday Club session here a We are braving another Holiday Club session here at Hopyard Wood and to say it's freeeeezing is an understatement but we have a huge fire and plenty of laughter to keep us warm!!!

#hopyardwood #forestschool #holidayclub #winter #laughter
The weather played nice today, and our families so The weather played nice today, and our families soaked up the sunshine while spotting the first signs of spring in the wood. We marked Shrove Tuesday with a wonderfully varied menu of play‑dough pancakes, complete with the magical addition of Jelly Ears (iykyk). 

The children went off in search of sleepy bugs, tried their hands at a little nature weaving, built bird nests sturdy enough to hold an egg, and created beautiful wishing trees. As always, we ended our time together with hot chocolate and marshmallows. 

All in all, a fab day celebrating Pancake Day, early spring, and Chinese New Year. Thank you to everyone who braved the chilly morning 🥶

#forestschool #hopyardwood #familytime #naturekids #getchildrenoutdoors
Our first nature Holiday Club of 2026 was definite Our first nature Holiday Club of 2026 was definitely a chilly one but these children were absolute troopers.

They enthusiasticly braved the wind & rain, all rosy-cheeked and kept themselves busy digging, fire-lighting, building a birds nest and playing  games before settling down around the campfire for hot chocolate, smores and a song. 

So incredibly proud of their resilience, their laughter, animal noises and their wild woodland spirit 🌿

#hopyardwood #forestschool #halfterm #getchildrenoutdoors #NaturePlay
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: "Hopyard U Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you:
"Hopyard Underground Station."

Platforms 1, 2 & 3 now running beneath my hammocks, tarps and Kelly kettle.

Some ambitious little critter has been very BUSY. We’re not talking “cute woodland visitor.” We’re talking full-scale burrow network. 

So yesterdays job list included:
• Eviction notices (gentle, nature-aligned ones obviously 🌿)
• Reinforcing the underground
• Reclaiming Hopyard territory

Because while I am all about co-existing with nature…I draw the line at squatters beneath my Kelly kettle.

#wildlife #burrow #HopyardWood #forestschoolleader #adayinthelifeof
SUNSHINE!!!!!!! 🌞 & Hopyard Wood. Perfect Saturda SUNSHINE!!!!!!! 🌞

& Hopyard Wood. Perfect Saturday morning!

Getting everything ready for our half term sessions next week.
After what feels like a long break, Little Explore After what feels like a long break, Little Explorers are back in Hopyard Wood on Friday at 10.30am.

Join me for a gentle, child led session where the little ones get to explore, discover and enjoy the freedom of the wood as they play. They can hunt for the signs of spring alongside sleepy bugs. The mud kitchen will be open and the hammocks will be swinging. As always the fire will be our focal point where you can sit, grab a hot chocolate and a chat. 

At £7.50 per child - take advantage of our offer. Book 4 sessions and pay for just 3. 

Head to the link in our bio and book your seat at the fire. 

#DerbyshireMums #getchildrenoutdoors #forestschoolderbyshire #kidsplay #hopyardwood
Looking for some family outdoor fun this half term Looking for some family outdoor fun this half term? 

Then join us in Hopyard Wood as we gather to explore the first signs of spring. This is a slow, relaxed session for children and their grown-ups — no rushing, no pressure, just curiosity-led exploration through the beautiful remnants of winter. 

We’ll search for the first tiny signs of new life: buds swelling, shoots pushing through, birds busy in the branches, and the magic hidden in the fallen leaves....and as always there will be hot chocolate & snacks around the fire 🔥 

Tuesday 17th February 
10.30am until 12.30pm

Perfect for families who love nature, gentle adventure, and seasonal connection. There will be all the usual woodland activities on offer such as den building, bug hunting & nature crafts. 

So if this feels like your kind of morning, we’d love to welcome you into the wood.

Head to the bio and grab your family ticket now. Spaces are limited.
Join me for a slow, relaxed session for children a Join me for a slow, relaxed session for children and their grown-ups — no rushing, no pressure, just curiosity-led exploration through the beautiful debris of winter. 

We’ll search for the first tiny signs of new life: buds swelling, shoots pushing through, birds busy in the branches, and the magic hidden in fallen leaves.

This 2 hour session is perfect for families who love nature, gentle adventure, and seasonal connection. If this feels like you and your crew, just head to the link in the bio and I'll see you there 🌱

#familybonding #whatsonderbyshire #familyritual  #spring #getchildrenoutdoors
February is here and the first half term of 2026 i February is here and the first half term of 2026 is closer than you think.

If you’ve got an outdoors-loving kiddo — or a budding Bear Grylls — we’d love to welcome them into the wood 🌲🔥

Our Nature Holiday Club runs at Hopyard Wood on:
🗓 Monday 16th & Wednesday 18th February
⏰ 10am–3pm
👧🧒 Ages 5–11

For £35 per child, your children can spend the day in wild, muddy, screen-free play — building dens, hunting bugs, exploring, tending the campfire, and warming up with hot chocolate and fireside snacks (sibling discounts available).

If you’d like to tick “childcare sorted” off your list while your child has a truly magical day outdoors, head to the link in our bio to book ✅

#forestschoolderbyshire #holidayclub #kidsclub #halfterm #DerbyshireMums
A chilly one today. 5° in the woods (felt like –1 A chilly one today.  5° in the woods (felt like –1 🥶)… but when you’ve built your own den and you’re clutching hot chocolate with marshmallows, you feel ten feet tall and toasty inside. Fab job girls ☕️🌲🤍
Today, I didn't need to fill the wood with equipme Today, I didn't need to fill the wood with equipment…or plan a timetable of activities because nature already has everything the children needed.

Open-ended play builds confidence, creativity and connection.

#getchildrenoutdoors #forestschool #hopyardwood #homeeducation #homeed
If you’re a facilitator, practitioner or group lea If you’re a facilitator, practitioner or group leader and you’re looking for a woodland space to hold your sessions, I want to share a little about what Hopyard has to offer. 

Hopyard Wood is a private, exclusive woodland — so when you hold your session here, the space is yours for the duration of your stay. 

We have off road parking, a toilet, a central fire circle, and I will be onsite and in attendance as custodian — supporting safeguarding, first aid and the gentle holding of the space.

This isn’t just any old venue — it’s a living, breathing place, and I’m really intentional about how it’s used.

Whether you’re running wellness sessions, circles, workshops, creative gatherings or something beautifully unique — I love collaborating with facilitators who feel called to work with the land, not just on it.

If that feels like you, I’d love to hear from you.
Drop me a message, and let’s see if Hopyard Wood is the right fit for what you’re creating.

This wood chooses its people, maybe it's choosing you. 

#hopyardwood #wellness #woodlandderby #community #natureretreat
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