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 (Dryopteris dilata)
An 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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.
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.
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 (Alnus glutinosa)
Symbolism: Guiding us through personal and emotional transitions, support and healing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3) OAK (Quercus robor, Quercus petraea)
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.
4) MALLARD DUCKS (Anas platyrhynchos)
Begin in a comfortable spot where the person can move or be moved gently and safely.
Say or Sing : “Let’s give a cheer…
Do : Make cheering sounds as loud or quietly as tolerated. Pause so the person can listen or join in.
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…
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
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!
6) ELDER (Sambucus nigra)
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.
7) ASPEN (Populus tremula)
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.
8) SCOTS PINE (Pinus sylvestris)
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.
9) BIRCH (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens)
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
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 (Capreolus capreolus)
An 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
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.”
Do : Pause and make a gentle “shhh” sound. Allow a few moments of stillness for listening.
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.
11) BRAMBLE (Rubus fruticosus)
Symbolism: resilience, protection, and the duality of nature, often representing both abundance and harshness
Bramble 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!
12) ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia)
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.
13) HAZEL (Corylus avellana)
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”
"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.
14) HAWTHORN (Crategus monogyna)
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!
15) WOODLAND BIRDS
Woodland Birds 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!
16) PLANTATION ON ANCIENT WOODLAND SITE
Please click the tree trunk to access our mindfulness-based activities corresponding to the Aden Tree Trail.
17) OTTERS (Lutra lutra)
A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
Say : "The otter awakens and yawns a big yawn"
Do : Take a deep breath in and sigh it out in a big loud YAWN!
Say : "He lazily stretches out his arms and his legs"
Do : assist the person to stretch out their arms or legs if possible, or gently rub arms and legs.
Say : "Then leaves his holt and pads to the river"
Do : If tolerated, gently tap down legs to feet. Alternatively, gently clapping hands together as 'footsteps'
Say : "With a gentle splash, the otter slides into the cold river"
Do : Clap hands together, making a simultaneous 'Shhhh' sound
Say : "and joins his friends, tumbling and playing in the water"
Do : If tolerated, place your hand over the person's hand so it is gently cupped. Slowly roll your hand over and under theirs in a soft, tumbling motion, gently guiding the movement. Alternatively, cup your hands together and roll them over and under each other in a continuous tumbling motion.
Say : "Suddenly the otter spots the silvery sheen of a fish"
Do : Stop the tumbling motion and make a gasp sound, being aware of any potential startle response
Say : "He darts after it, swimming faster and faster"
Do : Place your hands over the person's hands so they are together in a loose 'prayer' shape. Gently guide the hands from side to side in a slow swimming motion, like a fish moving through water. If touch is not tolerated, perform the same movement yourself, moving your hands across their visual field.
Say : "Then success! He catches it!"
Do : Give a big clap to represent the otter catching the fish in his teeth.
Say : "The otter enjoys every bite of the tasty fresh fish."
Do : Clap softly several times
Say : "With his belly full, he lies back in the soft grass"
Do : Support the person to gently tap or rub their belly or if not possible, gently tap of rub their belly. If touch is not tolerated, rub your own belly and say "yum"
Say : "He lazily stretches out his arms and his legs"
Do : assist the person to stretch out their arms or legs if possible, or gently rub arms and legs.
Say : "He yawns a big yawn"
Do : Take a deep breath in and sigh it out in a big loud YAWN!
Say : "And falls asleep in the sunshine"
Do : If tolerated, rest your hands together beside the person's cheek like a pillow, making breathing in and making gentle shh sounds on the exhale. Or perform this yourself, gently tilting your head into your hands. You could also make a louder snoring noise if preferred.
18) STINGING NETTLES (Urtica dioica)
Symbolism: protection, healing and cleansing
Stinging Nettle 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!
19) DAUBENTON'S BAT (Myostis dabentonii)
A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle and notice the sounds and movement around them.
Say : "Daubenton’s Bat is commonly found in parkland, or in wooded ground."
Do : Wrap arms around yourself, then slowly open and flap arms gently like wings. If appropriate, guide the person's arms to flap with you.
Say : "You might see one as it hovers"
Do : With hands held out like wing, do small quick flutters instead of big flaps. Support the person to do the same, if appropriate. If not, move your hands close to their face so they can feel the light breeze from your 'hovering' action.
Say : "Over lakes and slow moving rivers."
Do : While continuing to flutter hands, make a gentle, continuous 'shhhh' sound
Say : "It flies low over water when its time to eat, catching insects with its very large feet."
Do : Flap hands faster and faster by face, speeding up the 'shhhh' sound then pause for a moment. Out loud, you could count "3, 2, 1..." to build anticipation, then clap to catch the insect. Alternatively, if preferred, you could slowly stroke along the person's leg to their feet, continuing the 'shhhh' sound then tap on the sole of their foot.
Say : "Their echoing calls sound like a series of clicks. Though humans can’t hear them – they’re too high pitched."
Do : Make soft clicking sounds with your tongue or fingers. Pause then gently tap the person's hand in the sae pattern to represent the echo coming back.
Say : "When they’re not out hunting midges, they hide in trees or under bridges."
Do : Gently guide the person's arms to fold across their chest like wings closing and hold for a moment as a supported self-hug.
Say : "In winter, these bats hibernate underground"
Do : Speak in a slightly hushed tone, continuing the self-hug as above.
Say : "But you’ll see them in summer when the sun goes down."
Do : Speak in a brighter, more upbeat tone while gently stretching out arms and wiggling fingers.
Say : "They return to the same place every year"
Do : Encourage the person to move their hands away from their body, offering gentle hand under hand support if welcomed, then back in to their body, resting hands on heart or knees and tapping twice gently in the same place.
Say : "And we’re always happy to see them here."
Do : Smile widely and clap happily a few times.
Say : "They flit through trees and glide through the sky"
Do : Alternate between small quick hand movements, or slow sweeping movements through the air, encouraging the person to track the movements or offer support as needed for them to copy the movement.
Say : "Our quiet neighbours, just passing by."
Do : Lower your voice for this sentence, encouraging a return to calm and awareness of the sounds and movement around them.
20) 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!
21) GIANT - SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos major)
A 'no-objects required' sensory story told through human and nature-made sounds, gentle touch and guided movement.
Begin in a quiet spot. Invite the person to settle comfortably and notice the sounds and movement around them.
Say : "In the quiet forest, we listen to the trees"
Do : Pause and listen together to the natural sounds around you.
Say : "We feel the breeze on our skin"
Do : Gently blow across the person's hands or arms, or create a light breeze with your hands or a fan.
Say : "We hear the occasional bird singing"
Do : Softly whistle in short bursts, like a bird
Say : "Then suddenly we hear..."
Do : Make a knock knock knock sound on a surface or by clicking your tongue
Say : "What is that?! What can it be?"
Do : Gasp and shrug
Say : "Aha, it’s the Woodpecker playing its forest melody!"
Do : Exaggerate the ‘aha’ when saying it or clap and smile!
Say : "Let’s play along with the Woodpecker"
Do : 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.
Say : "The Woodpecker is tired now, the drumming slows and stops"
Do : Quieten and slow the beats down, then stop.
Say : "We only hear the occasional bird singing"
Do : Softly whistle in short bursts, like a bird.
Say : "We feel the breeze on our skin"
Do : Gently blow across the person's hands or arms, or create a light breeze with your hands or a fan.
Say : "In the quiet forest, we listen to the trees"
Do : Pause and listen together to the natural sounds around you.