Seed Sistas Sensory Herbal Pilgrimage – Myth and Medicine of the Land

Join the Seed Sistas on an immersive Lammas pilgrimage

The Seed Sistas made a big impact at our Gathering last year, now they are back to share the wisdom of herbs. For the Lammas pilgrimage, they invite participants to slow down, connect with the landscape, and encounter the living stories woven through herbs, trees, and the land itself.

A pilgrimage of sensory experiences

This pilgrimage blends sensory herbal experiences, storytelling, and observation of the land

The village of Cerne Abbas

The village of Cerne Abbas has drawn pilgrims for centuries, famed for the mysterious giant, and legendary well, said to have been brought forth by Saint Augustine himself. Today, the chalk hillsides boast a remarkable mix of wildflower meadows and beech woodland, making it the perfect place to go slow, and discover the tiny things under the gaze of the giant.

What you will experience

• Set personal intentions and connect with the sacredness of place
• Engage with medicinal herbs and ancient trees through touch, smell, and story
• Encounter the myth and lore woven into the land and its plants
• Move mindfully, slowing our pace to honour the rhythms of nature

This pilgrimage is a reflective, embodied exploration of land, lore, and plant wisdom, where each step encourages connection — to the landscape, the plants, and one’s own inner guidance.

Itinerary

11.30am: Arrive & park at Village Hall. Meet there.
11.45 - 1.00pm: The giant, beech trees, sensory session: oracle cards, history, trees & shrubs.
1.00–2.00pm: Lunch
2.00– 4.30pm Hedgerows, meadow, holy well, mill race, church, river. Sensory work.
4.30pm: Close & departure

Your Guides‍

Fiona Heckels and Kaz Goodweather, known as the Seed Sistas, are clinical herbalists, authors, practicing witches, and co-founders of Sensory Solutions Herbal Evolution CIC. With over 20 years’ experience, they weave herbal medicine, myth, and magical practice into immersive experiences that guide participants toward healing and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Their work blends sensory engagement, storytelling, and plant wisdom to explore the myth, medicine, and sacredness of the land. They are authors of The Sensory Herbal Handbook and Poison Prescriptions, and have been featured on BBC Sounds’ Witch podcast.Through their social enterprise, they offer accessible herbal education, community support, and experiential journeys such as the Coven of Herbal Secrets, alongside an oracle deck that brings plant wisdom into everyday life.

FAQ

Travel arrangements - Nearest train station is Maiden Newton, we recommend booking a taxi in advance or arranging a lift share with other pilgrims via WhatsApp group. No bus. There is free parking at Kettle Bridge Car Park, also at the Giant Viewing point or on-road in the village.

Toilet Facilities - There are toilets a short walk in the village either before the pilgrimage starts (arrive early) and at the end. There are no toilets during the journey, but we know some good spots for a “wild wee”. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature.

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.

Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves stiles, steady gradients, and conditions may be muddy or uneven underfoot in places. Expect walking between regular sensory stops lasting 30–45 minutes, 2/3 times across the afternoon. This pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheeled access due to the terrain. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing the journey, including research and route surveys and guide fees. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy

If you would like to make a donation to support a place for someone on low income, please click here.

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