Tree Dressing Day

What is Tree Dressing Day?

Tree Dressing Day falls on the first weekend of December. It was initiated by Common Ground in 1990 and has grown to become much more than an expression of a love for trees. It is a chance for the whole community to gather and celebrate the leafy friends we all have in common. It is celebrated in many cultures around the world.

This event

This event includes a decoration kit (in person, contactless collection only from M6 area of Salford) and a live, guided mindful nature walk. If you're not local you can still join in by making a decoration in advance and joining us for the walk, decorating a tree of your choice. Creative activity, mindfulness and being in nature are all good for our mental health so this is a fun and relaxing way to take care of yourself.

How it works:

1. Before the day you can collect a decorating kit from Natalie and create something lovely to hang on the tree (more details below).

2. Then on the day you can join me at 11.30am at Lightoaks Park for a guided mindful nature walk via a live audio (using zoom, I'll email the link in advance). This will work a lot like listening to a podcast/music on your phone while walking and will last about 30 minutes. This way, we can all be doing the same activity in the same space at the same time but walking your own route and, of course, following social distancing guidelines. This will cultivate a real sense of community and shared experience. During the walk, as you pass the selected tree you can hang your decorations.

What's a mindful walk? It's a very simple and enjoyable activity; essentially it's about connecting to your senses to be in the here and now and notice your surroundings. Most people feel alert, present and calm after doing this. You do not need any prior experience and it is suitable for everyone.

3. Passers by will enjoy our decorated trees in the following days and weeks and you will have created a lovely memory.