THE HAZEL: TREE OF WISDOM, CRAFT & CONNECTION

The Hazel: Tree of Wisdom, Craft & Connection

Join Dan Moar and Max Henderson of Forage Pembrokeshire & Hydref Collective for a deep exploration of one of Britain's

most useful, enchanting and culturally significant trees: the Hazel.

For thousands of years, hazel has been integral in the lives of people across Britain and Ireland. Celebrated as a tree of wisdom and inspiration, valued for its nutritious nuts, and cherished for its versatile wood, hazel sits at the heart of woodland culture, traditional crafts and folklore.

During this immersive gathering, we'll journey into the world of the hazel and its multiple uses. Together we'll explore how to identify, forage and work with hazel responsibly, discover its remarkable ecological relationships with wildlife and woodland ecosystems, and uncover the myths, stories and traditions that have made this tree a symbol of knowledge, creativity and abundance.

We'll also share practical ways of working with hazel, from gathering its edible nuts and catkins, to its long-standing role in traditional crafts, walking/shooting stick making, basketry and woodland management. Along the way, we'll discuss the fascinating ecology of coppiced hazel woods and the biodiversity they support.

Blending natural history, storytelling, ecology and hands-on learning, this experience is an opportunity to deepen your connection with the landscapes around you through the lens of a single extraordinary tree.

Whether you're interested in foraging, woodland crafts, nature connection, folklore, ecology or simply curious about the hidden lives of trees, come and discover why the Hazel remains one of the most beloved and important species in our countryside.

What to Expect:

🌿 Woodland Foraging Walk

🌰 Hazel identification and responsible foraging

🐿️ Ecology and species relationships

📖 Folklore, mythology and traditional uses

🧺 Crafting a walking stick

🌱 Seasonal observations and natural history

🔥 Stories, discussion and shared learning

🍪 Seasonal treats inspired by the Hazel tree

Step beneath the hazel's canopy and uncover a world of wisdom, creativity and connection.

Location:

TBC

Near Haverfordwest or Narberth 📍