Making Space for Change: Working with Nature in Autumn
Autumn has a way of reminding us that plans don’t always unfold as expected — and that sometimes, the best thing we can do is adapt.
As Storm Austen approached on Friday, Emma was busy taking down tomato canes and securing other potentially vulnerable structures in the rooftop vegetable garden she manages in central London. Storm Boelo followed closely behind, bringing further strong winds and heavy rain into the weekend.
Katie’s plans were affected, too, with a forest bathing session on Saturday cancelled because of the weather. Fortunately, Sunday offered a window of opportunity, and a small group was able to spend time in a sheltered part of the woods near Severndroog Castle.
With the Hunter’s Moon approaching, they explored themes of preparation, self-reflection, letting go and survival. They slowed down, paid attention to the sights, sounds and textures of the woodland, spent quiet time reflecting beside trees, and considered what they might be ready to leave behind as the seasons change. Looking closely through magnifying loupes revealed tiny details and unexpected wonders that are so easily missed when we hurry past.
They ended by writing short haikus inspired by their experiences and sharing warming cups of fresh apple tea.
At Wrenaissance, we believe that time in nature offers space to pause, notice and reconnect — with the world around us and with ourselves. Working with nature also means accepting that we can’t control everything. Sometimes we prepare; sometimes we change our plans; and sometimes we simply make the most of the opportunities available to us.
As the seasons shift, perhaps that’s a useful reminder for all of us: we don’t always need to push ahead. There is value in slowing down, paying attention and making space for change.
