Sacred Earth is a land-based project that connects people with nature, for the wellbeing of both. We see ourselves as community builders in an era of loneliness and isolation and we are also the environmental custodians of a beautiful 40-acre site in Horam, East Sussex.
We provide a range of experiential outdoor learning, ecotherapy and mentoring projects in which nature plays a key part. Our flagship programme is called the Earth Steward Apprenticeship, and it helps teenagers develop their social and emotional intelligence. We also run Wellbeing in Nature, Wellbeing Wednesdays, Touchstones, Medicine for the Earth and many other weekend and day events for all ages.
Our 40-acre site was a derelict brickworks when we took it over in 2011. Since then we’ve cleared tonnes of rubbish and industrial waste, re-instated some of the land for biodynamic agricultural use, had an ecological survey done and set up several projects to improve specific areas of the site for wildlife. We’ve got woodland, farmland, an old clay pit (now an incredible wetland habitat) and a large lake.
Type of activities:
Food growing / Conservation / Ecotherapy activities/ Creative and arts
Specialist client experience:
Young people and older people (although need to be able-bodied as we are not wheelchair accessible), people dealing with loneliness and isolation or who need the benefits of time spent in nature for their overall wellbeing.
“I have suffered with anxiety and depression for a long time and am always looking for ways balance my moods and alleviate symptoms. Before attending the Sacred Earth wellbeing sessions I was aware that spending time outdoors and with nature was helpful to me but the fear of exploring more held me back. Caroline and Jim were able to introduce the group to the Sacred Earth environment in a slow and sensitive way. There was no pressure to understand or to engage straight away, just an invitation to just be there, observe the nature around the site and think about the way we relate to it. The site is beautiful and peaceful and I came away from the sessions feeling calm and with a quieter mind than when I arrived in the morning and with useful tools that I could take away with me in order to maintain a connection with nature and prolong that feeling of peace for the week ahead. I look forward to returning to Sacred Earth one day soon. Thank you so much for running the sessions.”
– Wellbeing Wednesdays attendee –
Location
Old Horam Brickworks, Horebeech Lane, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9HJ
View map
Contact
Project info
Transport provided:
None unless arranged
Public transport and parking:
– The nearest train station is Polegate, which is a bus ride away from Horam.
– There is a free car park for the cuckoo trail in Horam and it is a 20-minute walk down the Cuckoo Trail to the Sacred Earth site.
– There is parking on site for 15 cars.
Drop-in:
No
Time-limited course:
Yes
Availability:
Monday-Sunday
Facilities:
Toilet
Shelter
Fire
Lunch provided at some sessions
Other links
All our current event and course listings can be viewed here:
Events and courses
Member projects
Brighton & Hove Food Partnership
Therapeutic gardening groups in Brighton & the South Downs, including activities for those living with mental health difficulties & dementia.
Centre for Ecotherapy
Therapeutic gardening project in Stanmer Park, Brighton.
Grow
Grow offers people the chance to enjoy the beautiful, local countryside in a friendly and supportive group with locations across Sussex.
Plot 22
Plot 22 is a community allotment, a food growing project and therapeutic garden in Hove.
Rock Farm
Rock Farm is a working market garden, community space and horticultural therapy project on a 6-acre site near Steyning.
Sacred Earth
A community-owned land project near Horam, East Sussex that is dedicated to life, learning and working in harmony with nature.
Circle of Life Rediscovery
This project outside Lewes, East Sussex aims to transform education, health and families through nature.
The Plot (Stanmer Park)
A community-led sanctuary space for sharing and nurturing creativity, community spirit and connection.
The Wild Mind Project
Providing emotional and mental wellbeing support to young people through nature activities combined with creative activities.
Living Vital
Living Vital are an organic food growing community garden located at the back of Stanmer Park in Brighton.
Wild Gathering CiC
They create and facilitate nature connection health and wellbeing workshop programmes, events, and guided mindful walks.
Rainbow CommUnity Projects CIC
A non-profit organization which aims at reconnecting people to nature and to each other
Hearts and Flowers
Samphire Brighton & Hove CIC informs and educates people in sustainable and organic flower growing.