This Thursday marked a truly special start to our time in the woods, and what a way to begin. Thanks to the NNS Selly Oak scheme, we gathered for our first session surrounded by nature, good people, and a shared sense of purpose — and it couldn’t have gone better.
We were lucky with the weather. The kind of early spring day that feels like a gift — bright, warm sunshine filtering gently through the trees, casting that perfect dappled shade across our spot. It set the tone for everything that followed: relaxed, welcoming, and quietly uplifting.
As always, food played a central role in bringing everyone together. This wasn’t just a quick snack around the fire — we went all in with a proper full fry-up in the woods. There’s something uniquely satisfying about cooking outdoors, the sounds of sizzling pans mixing with birdsong and laughter. We made sure there was something for everyone too, with vegan options available alongside the traditional fare, so no one missed out on a hearty start to the day.
One of the highlights (and a definite talking point) was our improvised toaster setup — expertly jerry-rigged by Alfred. It might not have been pretty, but it did the job brilliantly, turning out proper toast to go with the fry-up. It’s those small moments of creativity and collaboration that really make these sessions memorable.
To balance out the richness of the breakfast, we also had a refreshing citrus “protect” smoothie — bright, zesty, and exactly what was needed. Alongside that, there were plenty of cuppas flowing throughout the morning, because no outdoor gathering is complete without a good brew in hand.
The space itself is in a bit of a transitional phase at the moment. Recent work on the seasonal ponds means the landscape looks a little different — more open, a bit raw in places. But it’s all part of a longer-term vision. These changes will allow the area to regenerate and thrive, creating healthier ponds and more diverse open spaces that will benefit both wildlife and the community. It’s exciting to think about how this place will evolve over time, and to be part of that journey from the beginning.
More than anything, though, this first session was about people — coming together, sharing skills, stories, and simple moments around the fire. There was a real sense of ease and connection, the kind that comes naturally when you step away from the usual pace of things and spend time outdoors.
If this first gathering is anything to go by, there’s a lot to look forward to. We’re already excited for the next session — more food, more conversation, and more time spent reconnecting with nature and each other.
