Nature Queerdos is a new and growing community group run by and for LGBTQIA+ people with a passion for plants and creativity. Together we will explore our local (ish) green spaces, learn about the edible, medicinal and practical uses of plants growing there, and create something special together with whatever is in abundance.
You can join our community on facebook: nature queerdos: forage and make, or instagram: @nature_queerdos

Floral Forage:

The trees are bursting into blossom! Join us in Eastville Park for a summer evening foraging workshop where we’ll learn about the many medicinal properties and culinary uses of the wondrous Elder and Linden trees. As we harvest together, we’ll explore ways to preserve spring’s precious nectar, dip into some of the flower folklore, experience the calming effects of linden blossom tea and discuss sustainable gathering and the ecological roles of the trees.

Elderflowers are too irresistible to only be preserved for future medicine, so we’ll indulge in making some fritters dripping in a fragrant floral syrup accompanied by our homemade elderflower champagne. We aim to create an inclusive and friendly atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to make new pollen-nosed pals.

Start: 5:30pm: relaxed arrival and social time to start promptly at 6pm. Please ensure you arrive by 6pm at the latest.

Finish: 8:30pm

Access information:

Mobility related disabled info:

- We have designed this event to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility difficulties.
- There will be multiple opportunities to sit and rest whilst we talk. Feel free to bring a cushion or portable chair if that would help.
- If you would benefit from a carer/personal assistant they can attend for free.
- The park has paved paths the whole way, though these can be sloped and uneven in parts. The route has been tested by a power chair user, if you require any more information please let us know.
- Many of the plants can be seen/reached from the paths, but there may be some that require short deviations off the path to reach.
- Some people may require assistance with picking plants in a careful way from low to the ground or high up or from safer spots away from path edges.
- We have an extendable picker which can be helpful for wheelchair users.
There is no shelter except for under trees so be prepared for all weather and temperatures.

Toilets:

There is an accessible toilet at the start and end point but not on route. Feel free to wild-wee if you want.

Neurodiversity and mental health/ illness:

- Come as you are! It’s always OK to take breaks away from the group if needed, wear headphones, stim etc.
- Please let us know if you would like a plan of timings and activities or need anything else to engage.

For more detailed accessibility information please see: https://www.accessable.co.uk/bristol-city-council/access-guides/eastville-park#:~:text=The%20route%20from%20the%20car,car%20park%20and%20the%20entrance.

If you have any access needs and want to discuss before attending, please email: [email protected]

What to bring:

Outdoor and weather suitable footwear and clothes
Your own picnic dinner/snacks/drink - we will provide snacks but not a full meal.
A couple of bags to gather your foraged goodies in, e.g. brown paper bags, plastic bags, zip lock bags, tote bags - anything you have that you don’t mind putting plants in!
A plate, cup & cutlery

Tickets:

We want to make these events accessible for the community to attend regularly throughout the seasons, so try to keep our ticket prices at a minimum.

However, we also pour hours of time and energy into this project and have start-up equipment & consumables costs, so any additional funds can help us grow the project as well as pay us something for our time.

We have 2x free spaces for anyone who can’t afford to pay at all - please consider carefully if this is you before booking,

We have 3x £5 for people on low/no income
We have 4x £10 tickets (this is the suggested price for all tickets)
We have 3x £15 tickets for those who are more resourced - £5 of this supplements the £5 tickets.

For all tickets there is the option of adding a donation if you like what we do and want to support us to continue and grow!

We are really truly grateful for all ticket sales and donations.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio) — Read more — Read less