There’s something about Thursdays that’s beginning to feel like a quiet tradition — a gentle return to the woods, to the fire, and to each other 🌿🔥
This week, we gathered once again beneath the trees at Basecamp 2, Ten Acres, just by Sloe Bridge. The woodland is really coming into its own now; the light filtering through the canopy, the soft sounds of early spring, and that familiar sense of calm that seems to meet you as soon as you step onto the path. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a little, and where even the simplest moments feel meaningful.
As always, the day was shaped by the people who joined us. Earlier in the week, there had been a request — venison hock stew — and naturally, we were more than happy to make it happen. Cooking outdoors is always a bit of a shared ritual, and this week’s meal was a perfect example of how we try to make space for everyone around the fire.
We started with a rich, hearty vegan base, slowly simmered with lentils and a generous mix of vegetables. It bubbled away gently over the fire, filling the air with warmth and that unmistakable smell of something nourishing in the making. Alongside it, we slow-cooked a venison hock in stock, letting it tenderise and deepen in flavour over time. When it was ready, it could be added to the stew for those who wanted it — a simple way to share one meal while honouring different choices.
There’s something special about food cooked like this. It takes time, patience, and a bit of tending, but that only adds to the experience. People drift in and out of conversation, lend a hand, or simply sit and watch the flames while everything comes together.
Of course, no gathering is complete without a few extras. This week we had plenty to share — fresh, juicy plums that tasted like a small burst of sunshine, and mini Soreen loaves that paired perfectly with a warm cuppa. There’s a certain comfort in those little additions, something familiar and quietly satisfying.
There were also a few new experiences sprinkled throughout the day. Some of our attendees tried mango kombucha for the first time — a slightly adventurous choice that sparked plenty of curiosity). Moments like that — trying something new, sharing opinions, laughing together — are just as much a part of the day as the food and the fire.
And then there were our visitors.
At one point, a robin appeared, hopping confidently nearby as if it had every right to be part of the gathering. It stayed for a while, watching, flitting between branches, never too far from the action. Later, a pair of ducks made their way through, an unexpected but welcome addition to the day. These small encounters with wildlife always feel like a reminder that we’re guests here, sharing the space rather than owning it.
The weather, once again, couldn’t have been better. The sun stayed with us, but the air remained cool enough under the trees to make the fire feel just right — not just practical, but inviting. It’s that perfect balance that makes being outdoors so enjoyable: warm hands, cool air, and the steady crackle of wood burning.
For some who joined us, it was a day of firsts — new foods, new surroundings, new experiences. For others, it was something more familiar, a chance to return to a rhythm that’s starting to feel like home. Either way, everyone brought something to the day, whether it was conversation, curiosity, or simply their presence.
And that’s really what these Thursdays are about.
We’ll be here again next week, and every Thursday after that — in the woodlands at Ten Acres, Basecamp 2 near Sloe Bridge. If you’re thinking of joining us, it’s easy to find: just follow the woodland pathway, and you’ll spot us as you pass by.
There’s always a place by the fire.
