HARE
HARE is a nature-centric community co-operative of nature-loving practitioners, who collaborate to bring their services to our local community. We are open to any individual or organisation offering any service that is in line with our aims and values.
Based in Hazel Woods, near Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, our purpose is to nurture the well-being of people in the Forest of Dean, through mindful connection with the natural world, creativity, community and spirituality.
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We run seasonal celebrations based on the eight sabats of the wheel of the year. Interspersed with a variety of workshops and events in our woodland.
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Upcoming events in 2026 include:​
Ostara Garden Party (with seed/plant swap & activities)
Monthly Land Stewardship Days
Wild Clay Workshops
Willow Weaving Workshops
Children's Forest Skills Workshops (in school holidays)
Foraging
Herbalism
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Past workshops and offerings include:
Children's Forest School Workshops
Woodland Stay & Play for young children and carers
Woodland Well-being Walks
Gardening in local school for children identified as needing mental health support
Family Days & Open Days
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Networking Events for practitioners
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We also offer woodland celebrations, including children's forest birthday parties.
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Our Structure
We run as a co-operative, which means we are people-centred and are run by our members for our community. We act together to build a better world and a sustainable organisation through cooperation. Putting equity, fairness, and social justice at the heart of everything we do.
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Disconnection from nature, our creativity, community and our spirituality, results in loss of wonder and enchantment, and often meaning and purpose. We believe this is a huge driving factor in our current mental health issues in society as a whole. So all our offerings include these restorative elements and are structured around the seasons and sabbats of the wheel of the year.​
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"Enchantment isn't about magical thinking; it's about being fully present in the world." Sharon Blackie.
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To find out more about becoming a member of HARE, see our Membership page.
HARE's Aims
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) we aim to benefit the community and in particular to improve the mental health and well-being of the local community.
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Objectives:
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Build confidence, self-esteem, emotional resilience and re-energise the spirit.
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Strengthen social skills, relationships, community and connectedness with each other and nature.
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To enable individuals, families, and communities to thrive now and in the future.
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We achieve this through:
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Creating safe, nurturing spaces for families and communities.
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Meaningful connection to the natural world, mindfulness and restorative yoga practices.
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Learning crafts, traditions, celebrations, storytelling, art and music.
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Learning practical skills in Forest School and edible gardens.
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Exploring and understanding the restorative nature of soil, plants and trees.
How HARE Began
HARE was originally created in Autumn 2022 by specialist SEN teacher Georgie Chadwick, in collaboration with Forest School Leader & SEN support teacher Susie, Teacher, business owner & Yoga Teacher Charlie, and artist Tanya. Four friends who have a love of nature and the outdoors and a passion for providing holistic activities to improve mental health and well-being. You can read more about how HARE began in our blog post Synchronicity with the Seasons.
See our Meet the Team page to find out more about our team.