Nocturne No.1: Nature by Night in Talbot Woodland

Throughout history artists, writers and musicians have been inspired to create ‘nocturnes’, capturing mysterious and magical visions of night time. Darkness offers a different way to experience both the world and ourselves, yet the glare of electric light in our homes is now keeping us indoors after dark.

Have we forgotten the magic of night?

You are invited to join a small group with a night guide to gather in Talbot Woodland after dark. Allow yourself to release fear and relax into the shadows in the safety of togetherness. Let your eyes adapt to the darkness and your senses heighten as you embrace this natural human condition. Tonight our theme is reflect, where we contemplate our lives and how we spend our time when the sun goes down.

Nocturne is a celebration of natural darkness and human connection and invites you to seize the night!

What to Expect:

• A guided night-time gathering in Talbot Woodland

• Gentle reflection and creative activity – making glowing night memory lanterns ourdoors

• Listen to music in the dark forest

• Space to relax, reflect and connect with nature and each other at night

• This event will be experienced in the dark with minimal artificial light.

Details

Meet Briony and the team at Slades Park Pavilion by the car park at 6.30pm. We will take a short stroll (5 minutes) by torchlight to a clearing in the woods where we will sit together on our own chairs.

6.45pm Introduction from Briony - why are we here and what is important about being outside at night in the dark together. Introduce yourself to the group.

6.55pm LIGHTS OUT, LISTEN and REFLECT We will hear some nocturnal music and contemplate our responses to questions about our experience of night as we enjoy the feeling of being out in the dark.

7.15 CHAT Let's share our thoughts and experiences

7.30 LANTERN MAKING - Record a favourite memory in a lantern. Hang it on a tree and read other people's memories. More chat!

7.50 RETURN - Procession out of the woods carrying our lanterns.

What you will need:

Wear warm clothes, we will be outside.

Bring a chair, a torch and a warm drink. Maybe a blanket too if its cold.

“I am still savouring how magic and alive and meaningful the Nocturne event was that you designed. You really touched something so deep and the beautiful weaving of so many kinds of night time reverence speak to something I hope to keep nourishing.” Brooke, participation at Forest of Imagination, 2025