About Claire & Wellness Site 

Hi, I'm Claire, the Farm Director & Creative Lead for Nature. I am a trained nature and forest therapist with years of experience working with animals, creativity and equality, diversity and inclusivity. I am an environmental activist, believe in animal welfare and rights and no I don't eat meat! 

 

Previous to small holding life, I was a project manager, producer, writer and film director running my own business working with small startups, right through to global A brands and non for profits. Seeing things I could not unsee as an environmental documentary filmmaker and brand content creator, I decided I needed to try and have more impact and help people at grass roots and within a community. 

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Personal story?

As someone who's never quite felt like they fit in, I've struggled with my mental health and at times resorted to incredibly unhealthy coping mechanisms. I've faced depression since my teenage years, bereavement from losing my Mum, Nana to cancer and Grandad to covid , a severe work burnout, early perimenopause diagnosis, a prolonged battle with breast cancer investigation (recently cleared), and the discovery of my ADHD in my late 30s, which I've been quietly dealing with for some time.

 

In addition to personal challenges, I've experienced discrimination due to family with disability ( My Grandad was Blind) and I am female and queer.

 

However, I'm grateful for my neurodivergent brain and my families work with disability and animals and life improvement, which has given me empathy and understanding in my work.

 

Through wellness experiences in nature and around animals, Flowerdew promotes these benefits to our mental and physical well-being.

 

Personally, nature immersion, being around my animals and wild swims are also my refuge on tough days, reminding me to be kind to myself.

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Why did you decided to set up Flowerdew?

Flowerdew Farm is a tribute to my family's legacy and dedication with working with animals and welfare. They were dedicated to organizations like Guide Dogs for the Blind, RSBC, and RDA. Where I also volunteered for years as a art and animal therapy assistant. 

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I wanted to create a space that carried on my families work, as well as bringing all my loves and experiences together,  to be able to share with others and hopefully help those that need it the most. 

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Flowerdew is a space for collaboration, skill sharing, play, and rest, emphasizing the rediscovery of our inner child, regardless of age.

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I really hope to be able to help make people feel calm and realise there are healthy coping tools out there in nature and around animals. Getting outdoors is a great tool for our mental and physical health and that is what I hope to achieve here at Flowerdew. To be able to fully immerse people into animal, nature and creative wellness. As well as running an eco and sustainable smallholding presenting farm diversification and high animal welfare. 

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How do animals and nature make you feel in one word?

JOY :0) 

 

If you could be an animal, bird, plant or insect, which one would it be and why?

Dog. I love dogs, I feel we have some of the same qualities. Loyal, trusting, silly and run around a lot, I love cuddles, packs, herds and teamwork (community).

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Would you like to book a class or workshop with Claire?

Claire runs animal wellness sessions and nature immersion sessions, and also loves to get a bit crafty, all inspired by our nature, wildlife, birds and animals.

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About Jo Sadler Forged In Willow 

Jo started her journey with willow as a gardener and has a natural passion for all plants and wildlife. The willow weaving has allowed these two passions to entwine and Jo has not looked back.

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Jo now run's classes all over the south west, and further a field! She is also happy to discuss commissions and private workshops.

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Over the years of teaching Jo has often been able to chat with a few returning students. She says it's always great to see a familiar face, and see the enthusiasm to make

another sculpture and the students gain more confidence.

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Jo asked a few folks why they returned. Mainly it comes back as a feeling of escapism, a mental break from their day-to-day environments. Creating an equal

playing field and a sense of freedom where they can switch off, unyielding a zone of peace. It’s something Jo relates to very much.

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Personal story?

The weaving has been so much more than a job to Jo, or a means to an end. In fact it's been her saving. She's experienced depression on and off throughout her life and social anxiety.

 

Finding gardening a great relief, she had no idea how willow weaving was about to change her world. It’s like a natural antidote.

 

A sense of creative achievement, it's the process of weaving. She's had NHS and Doctors come on her courses, and usually no one says what background they are from, unless it crops up in conversation.

 

But what's interesting is how they recognised the therapeutic benefits of the class for themselves and others. Craft has a great case to be prescribed!

 

It's also tactile, and anyone can have a go. You can be shown, or feel your own way. It's nice to have something that can be picked up by different learning abilities. Some people need to be told, some you see, some to listen and repeat, some to mirror. The main thing is the accessibility on various scales. It feels good. It bends and you work with the willow and vice versa.

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Why did you decided to collaborate Flowerdew?

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How do animals and nature make you feel in one word?

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If you could be an animal, bird, plant or insect, which one would it be and why?

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Would you like to book a class or workshop with Jo?

Upcoming is Jo's Willow Wellness Weekender, check it out on our bookings page.

 

Otherwise keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and otherwise if you are camping you can get to enjoy our willow stargazing dome and willow tunnel, that Jo kindly came and donated her tie to help us design and build. What a legend!

 

Or maybe you are a group that wants to have your own private workshop, something for a special occasion,  get in touch and we can help make that happen! 

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About Yoga with Claire 

 

Yoga Alliance qualified in Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative Yoga, and I am excited to announce I will soon be also providing child and teen yoga classes this July. 

 

Claire loves to teach classes where she can mix her love of vinyasa and Yin. Claire shares that we all need some more Yin and Restorative yoga in our lives, allowing ourselves time to breathe and relax more often.

She aims to create a safe place in my classes where you can be yourself.

 

Claire believes yoga should be fun and for everybody.

 

Outside of yoga, Claire is a crazy cat lady, spending as much time as possible outside, and loves running, walking and paddleboarding and very much enjoys  combining her love of being outside and yoga.

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Why Yoga?

Yoga benefits our wellbeing, especially outdoors and in nature and around our mental health, wellbeing and access for all.

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Mixing the practice of yoga outside encourages a deeper mind-body connection, the sounds, the fresh air, and natural light help us to tune in with our surroundings creating a mindful practice. 

Being around animals and wildlife may help to reduce your stress levels. 

Being outside allows us a break from all the normal distractions giving us time. 
 

Personal story?

Having come in teaching yoga after a breakdown, my main passion is to create a safe, welcoming space where we can share a practice, allowing you some much needed time for self. Lots of laughter is actively encouraged in all classes. 

 

Why did you decided to collaborate with Flowerdew?

We share very similar values, i think Claire is doing an incredible job at Flowerdew and i also get to share my love of yoga, animals and the outdoors. 

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How do animals and nature make you feel in one word?

Peaceful, relaxed, happy (failing at one word)

 

If you could be an animal, bird, plant or insect, which one would it be and why?

I would be an animal - Cat because i think we should all be more like cats, they don’t care what people think of them and they just keep being themselves 

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Would you like to book a class or workshop with Claire?

Next to our upcoming yoga classes, Claire is available for private/ 1:1 / group bookings. If you are local or visiting us camping and would like to book something special, get in touch and we can cater to your requirements. 

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About Clair & Creative Therapy

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Clair is a family therapist and specializes in working with those in crisis, trauma and working with creativity to find a fun and playful way to help with emotional regulation and the ability to communicate feelings in a non judgemental way. 

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Next to that Clair loves a sparkle and is a festival bunny, brining loads of fun and giggles and experience to Flowerdew. 

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Personal story?

I like nothing more than creating individual bits of art a long side people of all ages. As a Therapist I find creativity has the ability to unlock emotions and help with expression, especially among Children.

The workshops I do with Flowerdew are fun and always child lead. 

Getting creative juices flowing and creating a sense of pride and achievement. Always with joy and laughter into the mix. 

I can also tailor workshops or an experience to your requirements. Its also OK to get messy, have no experience, and just play and have fun trying new things. 

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Why did you decided to collaborate with Flowerdew?

We share a similar focus in terms of using external resources (animals, nature, art etc) to help promote emotional wellbeing and a sense of grounding and wholeness.  

We work incredibly well together and the Field comes alive with the energy created by everyone who is involved.

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How do animals and nature make you feel in one word?
Oh that's so hard.....ummm..what's it called when u feel at peace, grounded and revitalised?? Can we put that into one word? Content. 

 

If you could be an animal, bird, plant or insect, which one would it be and why?

Easy, a 🐈.  I'm independent but also like contact with others.  I could sleep for ages but I'm not lazy, when I set my sights on something I can be determined and take my time to achieve the goal.

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Would you like to book a class or workshop with Claire?

Get in touch and we can cater something fun to your requirements. Claire is also often a lovely familiar face volunteering and staying in her VW T4 camper called Flo.

About Rosie

Roise has also been rescued and now has a rather lush and spoiled life, although still slightly nervous at times, she is a sweet and gentle dog and loving companion. 

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She is also our chief alpaca watcher and literally could sit outside next to them allll day long. 

 

She is a great outdoors dog and has travelled across Europe and the UK and lived in my campervan before we found Flowerdew. 

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Rosie is best buddies with MrT and she loves to have brush brush.  

Mr T. (Teo) Is a loveable fluff ball, that has been rescued and now has a rather lush and spoiled life.

 

He is a great outdoors dog and has travelled across Europe and the UK and lived in my campervan before we found Flowerdew. 

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He is best buddies with Rosie and loves to have a belly rub. 

Pom Pom is such a great mumma to Eleven and her big sister Crumpet. Although as she is still weaning at the moment, we give her a lot of space and to naturally raise and teach her new cria. 

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She is so gentle and is one of the main *watchers* of the herd, always watching and close to her family. 

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Pom Pom is ageing gracefully and is currently 6 yeas old. 

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Fave snack: Courgette

About Bijou

 

Bijou is queen of the herd, calm, curious and our alpaca therapy lead.  She just loves a cuddle and a nose kiss. Bijou often goes to those that need it the most, and brings so many smiles to peoples faces, with her big beautiful eyes and sweet nature. 

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She is the biggest and oldest dam at 8 years old and we absolutely love her, OK we say that about all the girls. Who we affectionately call The Divas, as they are living their best life. 

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Fave snack: apples 

About Strumpet

 

Strumpet is our only Suri and our funniest goof ball, she has such a playful and fun nature and gosh she is a piggy wiggy when it comes to food. 

 

So loveable and has her bezzie Crumpet, they grew up together and she is also coming up to  two years.  

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Strumpet is curious, brave and has so much personality.   

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Fave snack: apples and carrots  

About Eleven

 

Eleven is our latest and most joyous addition, born on 11:11 on autumn equinox, we know she is kinda a shire witchy baby. Daughter to Pom Pom and lil sista to Crumpet, this is one cute family and they all hang out all the time. Eleven is super playful and is often seen trying to create some *fun* in the herd and her big sista crumpet is super patient with her.

 

Eleven is currently still weaning and in training, but is already a sweet, curious and kind alpaca, taking on the family temperament.  

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Fave snack: hay

About Twinky

 

Twinky is a very sweet and calm alca, but also gives some tough love. She has been a great auntie to Eleven and help keeps her in check. 

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Best buddies with Twinky, she is also 4 and loves a spa. Twinky is the first to be in the bath boat, asking for a little massage with the hose in warm weather. She is not always the best at sharing when it comes to self care, but it is very entertaining and we wouldnt want her any other way. 

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Fave snack: apples and carrots  

About Inky

 

Strumpet is our only Suri and our funniest goof ball, she has such a playful and fun nature and gosh she is a piggy wiggy when it comes to food. 

 

So loveable and has her bezzie Crumpet, they grew up together and she is also coming up to  two years.  

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Strumpet is curious, brave and has so much personality.   

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Fave snack: apples and carrots  

Shirley has heaps of character, this pygmy likes to show you he is the boss and his sista from another mister Valentine.

 

They play heaps together and you can often see him sunbathing up on the trampoline or having a little swing. He will also headbutt Valentine out of the way for food. Well that's what big bruvas do huh! But we always make sure they both get the fair amount each. 

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Shirley is still training and young and can be a bit more of a diva than valentine, so we are going softly softly with him, but he loves eating from your hand. 

 

 daughter to Pom Pom and big sister to Eleven, had her mother's temperament and is sweet, calm and gentle, and love's a little back rub.

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Fave Snack: Frozen peas, carrot tops and sunflowers.

Crumpet, daughter to Pom Pom and big sister to Eleven, had her mother's temperament and is sweet, calm and gentle, and love's a little back rub.

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She has taken on big sister duties like a princess and regularly plays and teaches Eleven. 

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She is one of our younger divas, coming up to two years old and arrived with her best buddy Strumpet, who grew up together as crias. 

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Fave Snack: Carrots

Valentine is super sweet natured, but also has loads of fun and loves to chase and be chased around by her bruva from anuva muva Shirley.

 

Valentine s a bit more tempted by scratchies and also loves to eat from our hand. 

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Currently also still in a lot of training, softly softly, but very used to keeping our guests entertained. 

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Fave Snack: Carrot tops, frozen peas and watermelon.