Trees
ALDER
Symbolism: Guiding us through personal and emotional transitions, support and healing.
1. 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."
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. Make a Symbolic Bridge
Say : “We can make a bridge like Alder, holding hands together.”
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.
3. Breathing Like Flowing Water
Say : “Let’s breathe in… and breathe out like flowing water - shhhhhh.”
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.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Alder, for your quiet support.”
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.
ASPEN
Symbolism: emotional expression, sensitivity, and finding courage in vulnerability.
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."
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. 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.
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.
Gradually slow and stop the finger fluttering.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Aspen reminding us that it’s okay to feel everything”
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.
BEECH
Symbolism: Wisdom, reflection, grounding clarity, personal empowerment.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Beech… tree of clarity and grace”
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. Grounding breaths
Do : Invite the person to breathe in deeply. On the inbreath, if they are able and comfortable doing so, support them to raise their arms like branches reaching up to the sky. Alternatively, model a sweeping motion with your hands up the person’s arms or their back in time with the breath. Keep movements slow, gentle, and supportive.
On the exhale, lower arms down towards the ground, like roots reaching into the earth. Alternatively, stroke back down the arms or back in a sweeping motion.
On the out breath, make a deep deep "hum" or "ohm" sound. This is an effective, natural way to stimulate the vagus nerve which activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system to promote a sense of calm. Perhaps, if it is appropriate to do so, invite the person you are with to feel the vibration as you exhale.
Repeat a few times together.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Beech, for your wisdom. We move forwards, grounded and strong”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
BIRCH
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.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Birch… tree of renewal and hope”
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. Sweeping Away Negativity
Do : 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.
Alternatively, 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.
COMMON YEW
Symbolism: Timelessness, death and resurrection, transformation, deep calm and stillness, ancient wisdom.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Common Yew… tree of transformation and ancient rhythm”
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 Rhythm of the Yew
Do : Gently 'drum' a slow, steady heartbeat rhythm on the person’s hand, arm or thigh. If touch is not tolerated, gently drum the slow rhythm on your own thighs or tummy.
You can either remain silent, focusing on the 'heartbeat' on introduce a quiet chant to match the rhythm.
Say : "Yew, Strong Yew, Steady and True"
Do : Repeat a few times together, with or without the chant.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Common Yew for standing here and letting us rest with you. We move forwards, grounded and strong”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
DEAD WOOD
Symbolism: the deep connection between life and death, the cycle of life, death and renewal. Growth arising from loss.
Dead Wood 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
Watch the video and follow along!
DOUGLAS FIR
Symbolism: Steadfastness, endurance, durability, hope, protection and shelter
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Douglas Fir, tree of kindness and protection, offering comfort to those in need”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree. 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 Legend of the Douglas Fir
Although this is a no-objects sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement, it is a lovely way to explore the story of the Douglas Fir cones, so having one to hand is recommended. Make sure it has its ‘mouse tail’ intact!
Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
Say : “A long time ago, the forest was quiet.”
Do : Make a gentle “shhh” sound together. Pause to listen to the natural sounds around you.
Say : “Then fire came to the forest.”
Do : Rub your hands together, click your fingers, perhaps crush some dry leaves to make different ‘fire crackling’ sounds. Support the person you are with to join in however they wish.
Say : “Tiny mice ran through the forest”
Do : Move your fingers quickly in gentle skittering motions on a surface, or if tolerated, the legs or arms of the person you are with.
Say : “trying to find somewhere to escape the flames.”
Do : Rub your hands together, click your fingers, perhaps crush some dry leaves to repeat the ‘fire crackling’ sounds from earlier. Support the person you are with to join in however they wish.
Say : “They came to the tall tree”
Do : If possible, reach out and touch the tree. Alternatively, reach your arms up high as you extend the word ‘taaaaaaaaall’. If possible for them to do so, support the person you are with to reach their arms up and be the tree.
Say : “The Douglas Fir said “come in, come in, hide in my cones.”
Do : If tolerated, wrap the person you are with in a gentle hug or a supported self hug.
Say : “The mice curled up inside the cones and they were safe from the fire.”
Do : Explore the Douglas Fir cone or cones and look for the mouse tail poking out.
Rub your hands together, click your fingers, perhaps crush some dry leaves to repeat the ‘fire crackling’ sounds from earlier. Support the person you are with to join in however they wish. Gradually quieten and slow the sounds until the fire stops.
Say : “The fire is gone now but the mice still curl up in the cones.
Do : Explore the Douglas Fir cone or cones and look for the mouse tail poking out.
Say : “They know the Douglas Fir will always keep them safe.”
Do : If tolerated, wrap the person you are with in a gentle hug or a supported self hug. Alternatively, place your hands around their hands like a cone. Or let them become the tree and do the same for you.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Douglas Fir, for showing us how to be strong and gentle.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
ELDER
Symbolism: Protection and healing. With the Elder Mother as its guardian spirit, the Elder is thought to be a boundary between worlds.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Elder, tree of transformation. Through your flowers, berries, leaves and bark, you heal us and from evil you protect us.”
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. Breathe like the Elder
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.
3. Soothing Touch
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.
Pause for a few quiet breaths before gently moving on.
"We don’t see them
But we know they’re there
So let’s leave a gift to show we care"
Gather a gift from the forest floor for the fairies - they love to play with cones and make clothes from leaves and feathers – and leave it by the Hawthorn tree.
HAWTHORN
Symbolism: As a sacred "fairy tree," it marks the boundary between worlds, signifying transformation, magic, and the cyclical nature of life.
Hawthorn 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
Watch the video and follow along!
HAZEL
Symbolism: Gentle energy, quiet voice of wisdom.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : "Hello Hazel, tree of insight, wisdom and inspiration."
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. Sharing our Secrets
Say : "Hazel holds all the secrets of the earth. Let us share our story with the Hazel"
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.
Say : “The tree holds this for us. Thank you Hazel”
HORSE CHESTNUT
Symbolism: Perspective, quiet strength, protection, patience.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Horse Chestnut, tree of gentle power and playful energy.”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree. 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.
Say : "Like the tree, we all have playful energy flowing through us.”
Below are a few gentle ways to connect with each other in a playful manner. You may have some of your own, knowing the person you're with and what they enjoy. Take some time here to be less serious, connect with the spirit of the Horse Chestnut tree and engage with your playful selves.
Call and echo
“I’ll make a sound and you can copy it however you can.”
“You make a sound and I will copy it however I can.”
Mirrored movements
“I’ll move my arms or hands slowly and you can do the same.”
“You make your own movement and I will mirror it.”
Scuttling fingers
“Let’s wiggle our fingers like tiny creatures moving.”
Rhythm games
“Tap a rhythm with me on your lap, chair, or hands”
(Optional: if you find Conkers)
Conkers represent nature's resilience. They are also traditionally carried as good luck charms to ward off illness or bring money.
Say : "This is your gift from the Horse Chestnut tree - a conker to keep you safe as can be”
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Horse Chestnut, for your gifts of protection and quiet healing through play”.
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
IRISH YEW
Symbolism: Guardian and protector, thresholds and transition, upright strength and calm
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Irish Yew – tree of presence and grace”
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. Like Wind Through Needles
Do : Holding hands with the person you are with, invite or support them to reach up slowly as you breathe in together, and then lower your arms slowly as you breathe out, making a soft “shhh” sound like wind in the branches. Alternatively, you can perform these actions yourself close to the person, within their field of vision, to enable them to see or sense your presence. Repeat a few times, keeping your movements slow and relaxed, imagining yourself growing tall like the yew tree, lifting and releasing tension with your breath.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Irish Yew, for watching over us. We carry your quiet strength with us”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
LAWSON CYPRESS
Symbolism: Protection and comfort, endurance, softness and shelter.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Lawson Cypress, tree of softness and shelter”
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. A Gentle Hug from the Forest
Say : "Your gentle branches draw us in, a hug from the forest itself”
Do : Invite the person you are with into a slow, gentle hug if they are comfortable, or sit close together and sway slightly side to side. Smile or meet their gaze if it feels right.
Say : "Breathe soft and steady, like the wind through the branches"
Do : Breathe softly and evenly together. As you do this, hold the idea of the cypress tree’s gentle, protective branches in your mind to help you feel calm and grounded and maintain the gentle and steady rhythm.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Lawson Cypress, for holding us safely and reminding us that gentleness is strength.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
MONKEY PUZZLE
Symbolism: Inner strength through uniqueness – being different and proud, rare but resilient.illness, ancient wisdom.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello, Monkey Puzzle… tree of spirals, strength and daring to be different”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree or a leaf. Encourage participants to do the same. REMEMBER: Monkey Puzzle Trees are spiky! Exercise caution here.
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. Soothing Spirals
Do : If touch is tolerated, gently and slowly trace a spiral on the person's back or arm while breathing deeply, slowly and audibly to support and calm, shared rhythm.
Alternatively, support the person as required to trace a large slow spiral on a surface, themselves, or the ground with a stick. Breathe slowly and audibly as above to provide the steady rhythm.
3. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you, Monkey Puzzle for reminding us of our own uniqueness and inner strength.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
OAK
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.”
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.
ROWAN
Symbolism: Protection, magic, warding off evil
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.
SCOTS PINE
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.
SYCAMORE
Symbolism: Protection and spiritual growth. Ancient wisdom and the Divine Feminine. In ancient Egypt, it was seen as the "Tree of Life," connecting the earthly and heavenly realms.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Sycamore - Tree of Life, wisdom and growth”
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 Breath of the Sycamore
Say : "With this breath, we connect with the vibration of the living forest”
Do : Inviting the person you are with to do the same, inhale deeply. Then on the out breath, make a deep deep "hum" or "ohm" sound. This is an effective, natural way to stimulate the vagus nerve which activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system to promote a sense of calm. Alternatively, you could hum near them so they can sense the vibration. Perhaps, if it is appropriate to do so, invite the person you are with to feel the vibration as you exhale.
Repeat two or three times, allowing the hum to become a gentle, shared rhythm. You can imagine the steady sound of the sycamore tree as you do this, while the person you are with experiences the soothing sensation and rhythm.
(Optional: if you find Sycamore Seeds)
3. Tell it to the Wind
Do : Holding the Sycamore Seed in your hands, bring to mind something that has been weighing on you. Imagine placing it into the seed. Take a breath in and lift your hand up. On the breath out, let the the seed spiral or float down slowly - a visual release. Support the person you are with to share the experience of holding and letting go, by supporting them to hold and release the seed, modelling the calm breathing.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Sycamore, for this moment of connection and release.”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.
WELLINGTONIA
Symbolism: Perspective, quiet strength, protection, patience.
1. Greeting the Tree
Say : “Hello Wellingtonia, giant of the forest”
Do : If safe and possible, reach out hands and touch the tree. 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. Take up space (physical)
Begin sitting or standing facing the person with some space around you. Start with your hands close to your body.
Say : “Start small.”
Do : Slowly open your arms out to the sides, letting your body become wider.
Say : “Now wide.”
Do : Pause when your arms are open, holding the shape for a moment.
Invite the person to widen their own body in whatever way feels comfortable. Perhaps opening their arms, lifting their head, stretching their legs, or leaning slightly outward.
Say : “Take up space.”
Stay in the open shape together for a few seconds.
3. Take up space (sound)
Sit or stand comfortably facing the person. Take a moment to be quiet together.
Say : “My sound.”
Do : Make a gentle, steady sound such as a hum or a soft “ahhh.” Let it continue for a few seconds and fade naturally into silence.
Pause briefly, then invite the person to make a sound of their own.
Say : “Your sound.”
Do : Allow whatever sound they make to continue and notice it together.
You may take turns or make sounds together. Let the sound grow and spread.
Say : “Fill the space.”
Do : Then allow the sound to fade back into quiet.
4. Thanking the Tree
Say : “Thank you Wellingtonia for reminding us to take up space. There is room for us all”
Do : Pause for a few quiet breaths together. Allow the person to rest, holding their hands gently or leaving your hand nearby for reassurance.