On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, we were treated to a guided walk in Etruria that proved to be a remarkable experience for everyone involved…

The walk was led by Anna Francis. She is a local artist and Associate Professor of Fine Art and Social Practice at Staffordshire University.

Anna ensured our walk was filled with insightful discoveries and enriching activities.

Anna’s extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for the local flora and folklore added an engaging layer to the walk.

We learned fascinating facts about the Rowan tree, which is believed to protect against witches and enchantments.

The star-shaped berries are not just a favourite among birds. They are also said to ward off spells!

The Rowan tree is also very practical. You can prevent milk from curdling just by stirring it with a Rowan branch.

And, if you’re a fan of cheese, you’ll be delighted to know that Rowan berries can be made into chutney.

Not only does the Rowan tree support biodiversity, it adds a unique twist to culinary creations!

The Rowan Tree. Not just for birds.

Another intriguing folklore Anna shared during the walk involved poppies.

According to legend, if you write a question on paper, fold it and place it inside a poppy head under your pillow, by morning you will have the answer. Because you will have dreamt it!

This whimsical tradition got everyone thinking—and added a touch of magic to the group’s journey through Etruria.

All photos in this article are courtesy of Glen Stoker. Many thanks go to him for letting us share them with you.

As the walk continued, we had the opportunity to engage in creative activities.

We explored the art of Japanese Haiku poetry. These poems have a structure of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables.

Despite initial reluctance, the group embraced the challenge of composing their own. Indeed, they crafted beautiful Haikus inspired by their surroundings.

Here are some of the poems created during the walk:

The nettle seed drops,
Splish, splash the rush of water,
Blue sky and white clouds.

Nature walk outside,
Gushing water to be heard,
Pea Pods found and tried.

The ivy moans to grow,
When nature tries to show its strength,
Not all see its virtue.

Fish jumping out of water,
Looking for food as they bathe before,
Sploshing as they fall back.

The flowers are in bloom,
In bursts of wonderful colours and height,
Feeling the heat on face.

These creative expressions highlighted the everyone’s ability to step outside their comfort zones and find inspiration in nature.

The walk was also a testament to the power of community and partnership.

Special thanks go to Ruby, Anna, and Glen for their contributions to the event.

The collaborative spirit truly enhanced the experience, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.

There was a real touching moment during the walk.

It happened when two people shared their journeys and expressed gratitude for the support received from Walk Talk Action’s Tea & Toast sessions.

Their heartfelt words underscored the impact of simple decisions.

Not only can they can lead to profound changes in your life, they can also foster new friendships and experiences.

The walk concluded with a delightful treat of homemade Yarrow Tea.

The Yarrow plant is the one with white flowers in the photos. It’s known for its many health benefits. These include: enhancing wound healing, alleviating digestive issues, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Yarrow Tea was a perfect end to a fulfilling day.

Our Etruria walk exemplified the mission of Walk Talk Action. That is to help people struggling with mental health issues find a better frame of mind through engaging and supportive activities.

The combination of nature, creativity, and community makes for a truly transformative experience.