Aden Country Park
​The following activities are listed in the order they appear on the Aden Nature Trail. Use the trail map on the Aden Country Park website (a printed map is also available from the Gift Shop or Farming Museum) to find your way, then enjoy the activities at your own pace. Feel free to pick and choose - there is no need to do them all.
Bear in mind, some surfaces can be a little rough or bumpy around the park and some of the trees will not be fully accessible to all types of wheelchair - please do feed back to us if you encounter any issues during your visit. Aden Country Park are very focused on accessibility and are always working to improve, so your thoughts are welcomed.
1) BROAD BUCKLER FERN
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An 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
The Fern Sleeps in Winter
Say : “When the fern is sleeping for the Winter, it hides under the cold soil and frost.”
Do : Make a clenched fist to show how the fern curls up. If appropriate, help the person make a soft curl with their hand, or let them feel the shape of your fist.
The Fern Wakes in Spring
Say : “When the warm sunshine comes, the fern begins to wake. Slowly… very slowly… it uncurls.”
Do : Slowly uncurl your fist. Support the person to uncurl their fingers or open their hand if they enjoy this movement, or let them feel your fist uncurling.
The Fern Dances in the Breeze
Say : “The fern stretches its fronds… and dances in the breeze.”
Do : Wiggle your fingers or gently wave your hands or arms. Encourage the person to join in however they can by moving fingers, moving hands, holding hands together and moving arms, or simply watching.
The Fern’s Secret
Say : “But the fern has a secret…its rustling leaves can be a hiding place for fairy folk.”
Do : Rub your hands together softly to make a rustling sound. Let the person listen for a while, feel the vibration or gently guide their hands if suitable.
Listening for Fairies
Say quietly : “If we’re very quiet… shhh…”
Do : Make a gentle “shhh” sound together. Pause to listen to the natural sounds around you.
Say : “Sometimes you might hear tiny voices…laughter like birdsong…a whisper in the wind.”
Do : Make a soft whistle or gentle blowing sound. Let the person feel the movement of air if they enjoy it.
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The Fairies’ Gift
Say : “The fairies give a special gift…a warm feeling deep inside…a feeling of being seen and cared for.”
Do : Place a hand on your heart. Support the person to place a hand on their chest, or gently rest your hand on theirs so they feel warmth and comfort.
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To close this activity, you could suggest finding a gift to leave for the fairies. They are known to collect pine cones and feathers, and love to make clothes from leaves. Perhaps pop a leaf or two near the Fern and take a moment together to say thank you.
2) ALDER
Symbolism: Guiding us through personal and emotional transitions, support and healing.
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Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Alder – the tree of support and healing. By the water you stand tall and strong, the threshold tree
a bridge between water and the earth, the seen and the unseen."
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
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Make a Symbolic Bridge
Say : “We can make a bridge like Alder, holding hands together.”
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Do : Hold hands to form a bridge. If needed, guide participants’ hands gently.
This is about connection and support - literally linking people together to embody what Alder represents.
Breathing Like Flowing Water
Say : “Let’s breathe in… and breathe out like flowing water - shhhhhh.”
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Do : Inhale slowly, then exhale making a soft “shhhhhh” sound. Repeat 2–3 times. Carers can move participants’ hands gently with the breath to add a sensory cue.
This is a calming, grounding exercise. It helps participants feel supported, just like Alder stands by the water.
​Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Alder, for your quiet support.”
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Do : Place hands together, touch the tree or object, or gently wave.
This wraps up the experience, acknowledging the connection and support felt during the activity.
3) OAK
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Symbolism: Strength, protection, calm
Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Oak, ancient king of the forest. You represent strength, protection, and calm.”
Do : Place both hands gently on the person’s shoulders. Slowly press down with steady, even pressure, like heavy branches resting. If suitable, rhythmically press down their arms with your hands or with a soft, weighted object. Move slowly so the person can feel grounding and support. You may pause and repeat this a few times.
Breathing with the Oak
Take a slow breath in. Breathe out with a deep, gentle “ohm” sound. Invite the person to join in, or simply let them feel the vibration through your presence or touch. Repeat a few times.
Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Oak, for your strength. We feel it and we carry it with us.”
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
4) MALLARD DUCKS
Begin in a comfortable spot where the person can move or be moved gently and safely.
Say or Sing : “Let’s give a cheer…
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Do : Make cheering sounds as loud or quietly as tolerated. Pause so the person can listen or join in.
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Say or Sing : “the ducks are here.”
Do : Make QUACK sounds as loud or quietly as tolerated. Pause so the person can listen or join in.
Say or Sing : “They have flippy, flappy feet.”
Do : Walk like a duck, or tap or move the person’s feet gently in a flapping or stepping rhythm.
Say or Sing : “Their wings are so neat.”
Do : Move your arms like wings, assist the person to move theirs if possible, or lightly flutter your fingers along their arms so they feel the movement.
Say or Sing : “Their feathers shine.”
Do : Gently pat or smooth your own head, or with permission and if tolerated, softly stroke or pat the person’s head or hair.
Say or Sing : “They’re feeling fine.”
Do : Give a little hip or body wiggle, or gently rock the person’s hips or shoulders in a steady, calm rhythm.
Say or Sing : “The ducks are here…
Do : Make QUACK sounds as loud or quietly as tolerated. Pause so the person can listen or join in.
Say or Sing : “Let’s give a cheer…
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Do : Make cheering sounds as loud or quietly as tolerated. Pause so the person can listen or join in.
5) WILDFLOWERS
Symbolism: Variety, unity and harmony, natural beauty and unrefined perfection.
The Wildflowers Story Massage
Created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
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The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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Watch the video and follow along!
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The Wildflowers Story Massage
Their stems might be tall
Or their stems might be small
Their petals might be rough
Or smooth
Bright colours in the sunshine
Dancing lightly in the breeze
Free they grow where they are
All so very different
All so very beautiful
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6) ELDER
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Symbolism: Protection and healing. With the Elder Mother as its guardian spirit, the Elder is thought to be a boundary between worlds.
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1. Greeting the Tree
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Say : “Hello Elder, tree of transformation. Through your flowers, berries, leaves and bark, you heal us and from evil you protect us.”
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
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2. Breathe like the Elder
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Take a gentle breath in… and a soft breath out. Accompany the out breath with a soft “hoooh” or “whooo” sound. like air moving through a hollow elder branch.
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3. Soothing Touch
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Say : “This is like the soothing touch of the healing elder.”
Do : With fingertips, very gently trace small circles on their hand or forearm. Keep rhythm slow, matching your breath.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Old Lady of the Elder, thank you for your protection.”
Do : In folklore, water was often used as an offering to tree spirits. Perhaps to close, offer a single drop of water to the ground.
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Pause for a few quiet breaths before gently moving on.
7) ASPEN
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Symbolism: emotional expression, sensitivity, and finding courage in vulnerability.
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1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Aspen, tree of emotional expression. Through your hidden roots that bind your community, you guide us to connect through our shared feelings."
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
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2. Stillness
Gently place your hands on the person's back or shoulders. Encourage a moment of stillness, noticing the presence of the touch. Take a slow, quiet breath together.
3. Flutter and Sigh
Gently flutter your fingers up and down the person's arms, neck, or back like aspen leaves trembling.
You could also try this yourself - flutter your fingers over your face, head or arms.
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Breath in deeply and slowly, then sigh softly on the out breath. If you have any tension, sigh it out. Exhale a long soft sigh. Repeat 2–3 times, using it to settle or gently release tension. If this cannot be done together, make sure the person can hear or feel your breath.
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Gradually slow and stop the finger fluttering.
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​4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Aspen reminding us that it’s okay to feel everything”
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Do : Place hands together, touch the tree or object, or gently wave.
This draws the experience to a close, acknowledging the connection and support felt during the activity.
8) SCOTS PINE
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Symbolism: endurance, strength through adversity, purification and healing
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Scots Pine… evergreen tree of endurance. You grow and thrive, even in tough conditions.”
Do : If touch is tolerated, place hands gently on the person’s shoulders or back to provide a grounding, steadying touch. Allow them to feel your presence as a symbol of support and strength.
2. Breathing Like Wind
Encourage a slow inhale through the nose, inhaling or imagining the fresh forest scent. Exhale slowly, imagining wind moving through the pine needles - a loud but gentle elongated “whoosh” breath. Repeat a few times.
3. Strength Through Adversity
Say : A Gaelic Proverb - “Cruaidh mar am fraoch, burn mar an guithas", meaning “Hard as the heather, lasting as the pine.”
Do : Place a hand over the heart, then the other over the belly. Hold gently, reflecting resilience and lasting strength. Breath in and out deeply a few times and let the words settle, giving the sense of rootedness.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Scots Pine, for showing us that quiet strength is still strength.”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible. Offer a gentle hand hold or soft touch to end the session with a sense of safety and calm.
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9) BIRCH
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Symbolism: new beginnings, renewal, protection and hope
Bundles of birch twigs used to be used to physically and spiritually sweep away negative energy from a space.
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1. Greeting the Tree
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Say : “Hello, Birch… tree of renewal and hope”
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
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2. Sweeping Away Negativity
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Invite the person to breathe in deeply, imagining positive, light energy.
Exhale slowly and audibly, imagining any negative or heavy energy leaving the body.
Model a sweeping motion with your hands along the person’s arms in time with the breath. Keep movements slow, gentle, and supportive.
If you have a birch branch or soft stick, you can gently sweep along the arms in time with the exhale. Or use it to sweep the ground or air in front of you.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Birch, for your positive energy. We are refreshed and renewed by it.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.​
10) ROE DEER
​An 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
Say softly : “The forest is very quiet… shhhhh.”
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Do : Pause and make a gentle “shhh” sound. Allow a few moments of stillness for listening.
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Say : “The deer sniffs the air.”
Do : Sniff calmly but loudly. Encourage the person to breathe in slowly, as if smelling the forest.
Say : “Gently, she winds through the forest, one hoof in front of the other.”
Do : Click your fingers or tap gently on your own leg to mimic hooves. If appropriate, gently tap the person’s leg in rhythm to feel the walking motion.
Say : “The gentle breeze brushes her fur.”
Do : Blow softly on the person’s arm, hand, or shoulder to simulate a light breeze. Pause and allow them to feel the movement of air.
Say : “The deer stops to listen.”
Do : Gently tug or touch the person’s ear or guide their hand to their ear. Pause and wait a moment of stillness.
Say : “She hears birds singing.”
Do : Make short, soft whistle sounds.
Say : “All is calm. She is part of the forest… and so are we. Quietly listen and be.”
Do : Pause for quiet reflection. Offer a gentle hand hold or leave your hand nearby. Allow a few breaths of stillness before finishing.
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11) BRAMBLE
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​A Story Massage created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
​​
The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
​
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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The Bramble Story Massage
Winter brings the bramble's thorns
Spiky branches reach out far and wide
It offers protection for the trees all around it
And a safe place for mice and hedgehogs to hide
In springtime the bramble flowers
With nectar for butterflies and bees
Thanks to the plant’s healing powers
We use the flowers and leaves to make teas
Autumn brings the bramble's juicy fruits
A treat for humans and birds alike
Be sure to pick the fruit carefully
Remember it still has spikes
So, for all your gifts throughout the year
Through sun
and snow, and showers
We thank you, blessed bramble
for your spikes
Your fruits
And your flowers
12) ROWAN
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Symbolism: Protection, magic, warding off evil
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1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Rowan… tree of protection and magic.”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
2. The Rowan Shares its Magic
Say : “The Rowan shares its magic with us.”
Do : Blow gently on the person’s arm or hand, imagining a soft, magical breeze. Pause and let them feel the gentle movement of air.
Perhaps play a soft tinkling bell or wind chime sound to enhance the sense of magic.
3. We Share our Magic
Say : “Let’s share a little of this magic with each other.”
Do : Place palms together. Gently drum or tap fingers from the palm to the fingertips, imagining casting a magical spell. Repeat slowly, allowing the person to feel the gentle touch or follow your movement.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Rowan, for keeping us safe. We carry your magic with us.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Offer a gentle hand hold or leave your hand nearby to end the session with a sense of calm and protection.
13) HAZEL
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Symbolism: Gentle energy, quiet voice of wisdom.
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1. Greeting the Tree
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Say : "Hello Hazel, tree of insight, wisdom and inspiration."
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Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. Alternatively, you could use a picture of the tree, tactile elements to represent the tree, or try 'being the tree' and being as calm and still as possible.
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2. Sharing our Secrets
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Say : "Hazel holds all the secrets of the earth. Let us share our story with the Hazel"
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Do : The Hazel receives lived experience so the aim is to share 'the story of us in this moment', led by the person with PMLD and supported by the carer. Begin small, slow movements that reflects the person’s current state, staying with their rhythm and not dictating it. Perhaps a gentle sway, a slight rock, a repeated hand movement, or a rhythm of breathing.​ See how this changes with person noticing and interpreting the shared movement and continue moving with them wherever they go with it. This might be calm, curious, funny…or perhaps they just remain still and breathing. That's fine too, it is the story of that moment in time.
3. Thanking the Tree
Gradually let the movements become still. Pause for a few quiet moments.
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Say : “The tree holds this for us. Thank you Hazel”
14) HAWTHORN
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​A Story Massage created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
​​
The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
​
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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The Hawthorn Story Massage
The fairies dance
The fairies sway
By the Hawthorn tree
The fairies play
They spin under the branches
They sway from side to side
But when they see us coming
The fairies immediately hide.
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We don’t see them, but we know they’re there.
So let’s leave a gift to show we care
To close this activity, find a gift to leave for the fairies. They are known to collect pine cones and feathers, and love to make clothes from leaves. Perhaps pop a leaf or two near the Hawthorn and take a moment together to say thank you.
15) WOODLAND BIRDS
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​A Story Massage created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
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The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
​
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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The Woodland Birds Story Massage
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Whether the trees are bare, or green
The days are wet or dry
Of one thing you can be certain
A bird is always close by
You might see one perched upon a branch
Or hopping along the ground
Perhaps you’ll hear some rustling
Yet they are nowhere to be found
But stop there for a moment
Near the bush, or by the tree
Take a deep breath in and out
A little time to stop and be
And listen for the birdsong
The musical notes they play
A little gift from the birds
A soundtrack for your day.
16) PLANTATION ON ANCIENT WOODLAND SITE
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Please click the button below to access our mindfulness-based activities corresponding to the Aden Tree Trail.
17) OTTERS
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​A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
The otter awakens and yawns a big yawn
He lazily stretches out his arms and his legs
Then leaves his holt and pads to the river
With a gentle splash, the otter slides into the cold river
and joins his friends, tumbling and playing in the water
Suddenly the otter spots the silvery sheen of a fish
He darts after it, swimming faster and faster
Then success! He catches it
The otter enjoys every bite of the tasty fresh fish.
With his belly full, he lies back in the soft grass
He lazily stretches out his arms and his legs
He yawns a big yawn
And falls asleep in the sunshine.
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18) STINGING NETTLES
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​A Story Massage created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
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The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
​
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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The Stinging Nettle Story Massage
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Walking though the woods
The girl didn’t see the nettles
They brushed her skin
They stung. A sharp pain.
Then she remembered what she had been told -
The nettles protect the forest
They remind us to be aware...be present.
She picked a dock leaf
And pressed it gently to her skin
The pain eased
And she remembered what the nettles say
Slow down and look around
Walk with wonder
19) DAUBENTON'S BAT
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​A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
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Daubenton’s Bat is commonly found
In parkland, or in wooded ground
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You might see one as it hovers
Over lakes and slow moving rivers
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It flies low over water when its time to eat,
Catching insects with its very large feet.
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They hide in trees or under bridges
When they’re not out hunting midges
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Their echoing calls sound like a series of clicks
Though humans can’t hear them – they’re too high pitched
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In winter, these bats hibernate underground
But you’ll see them in summer when the sun goes down
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They come back to the same place year after year
And we’re always happy to see them here.
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20) DEAD WOOD
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​A Story Massage created by Gill from PAMIS, a certified Story Massage Programme Practitioner
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The Story Massage Programme combines the creativity of storytelling and song with the benefits of positive, nurturing touch. It is fun and fully inclusive for all ages and abilities.
​
To learn more about the benefits and application of the programme, plus how to access the online training course, book and resources, please visit www.storymassage.co.uk
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Dead Wood Story Massage
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When you look at dead wood, what do you see?
An unsightly mess, a sad dead tree?
Well, please don’t rush to clear it away -
The truth is, we all really need it to stay!
As the dead wood slowly breaks down
It releases its nutrients into the ground
So trees nearby can grow higher and higher
Did you know it can even slow down fire?
Dead wood holds water and offers shade
And a peaceful home, nature-made
Wildlife can’t thrive in a tidy space
Without a leaf or a blade of grass out of place
When we look at dead wood now, we know
It’s a place of life, where nature grows
For its gifts of safety, water and food
We all say thank you to dead wood
21) GIANT - SPOTTED WOODPECKER
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​A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
In the quiet forest, we listen to the trees – listen to forest sounds
We feel the breeze on our skin – blow gently on hands or arms, or use a fan
We hear the occasional bird singing – softly whistle in short bursts, like a bird
Then, suddenly a knock knock knock – clapping/knock on surface
What is that?! What can it be? – gasp and shrug
Aha, it’s the Woodpecker playing its forest melody! – exaggerate ‘aha’ or clap
Let’s play along –
Demonstrate a simple tapping beat with your hands or knock on a surface and encourage the person you are supporting to copy you at their own pace, without pressure and providing support if needed.
Repeat with a variety of different knocking melodies and let the person take turns leading if they wish to.
To end this activity, quieter the beats down
The Woodpecker is tired now, the drumming slows and stops
We only hear the occasional bird singing – softly whistle in short bursts, like a bird
We feel the breeze on our skin – gentle blowing on hands or arms, or use a fan
In the quiet forest, we listen to the trees – listen to forest sounds