The Turning Year

The Inner Artist at the Barrow

A year-long journey of creativity, connection, and the rhythms of the land

Step into a gentle, guided journey through the seasons and into your own creativity at Soulton Long Barrow. The Inner Artist at the Barrow is a twelve-month programme designed to help you reconnect with yourself, the natural world, and the quiet voice of your inner artist.

Over twelve afternoons throughout the year, we meet on Sundays from 1–3pm, just after the Barrow’s open days. Each session is held outdoors and in all weathers, offering time to pause, notice, and create. Creativity can emerge in any form - writing, drawing, movement, sound, or simple attentive presence. No artistic experience is required - only curiosity and a willingness to be present.

How it works

• Monthly sessions: Sunday afternoons, 1–3pm, following the Barrow’s open days (full list of dates below).

• Guided practice: Gentle prompts and exercises help you meet your inner artist, using the Barrow and surrounding land as inspiration.

• Creative exploration: Time is held for individual expression, in whatever medium or form emerges.

• Closing circle: Each session ends with a grounding reflection to integrate your discoveries.

Please note, this programme is not here to teach you art techniques. This has been curated to help you sink into flow, connect with your own inner artist and express yourself in ways that feel aligned to you. You bring along anything you are feeling drawn to. If you are connected to writing poetry, bring along your journal and a pen. If you love to move your body, bring yourself. If you enjoy painting, bring your paper and paints. This space is for you to sink into your practice. I, Merryn, provide the holding, the alignment, the support and we all gratefully receive from being in such a beautiful place.

A seasonal journey

The programme follows the rhythm of the year, guided by the land and the turning seasons:

• January – Seeds in the Dark: Dormancy, hidden potential, sketching or journaling the unseen artist within.

• February – First Stirring: Snowdrops, early shoots, tentative marks and sounds, trying small expressions.

• March – Equinox Balance: Light and dark in equal measure, exploring contrasts in art (light/shadow, silence/sound).

• April – Blossoming: Emergence, colour, playful experimentation in art forms.

• May – Full Flowering: Abundance, joy, creating something bolder and expansive.

• June – High Sun: Long days, vitality, collaborative art-making outdoors.

• July – Ripening: Noticing maturation, refinement, returning to earlier work to deepen it.

• August – First Harvest: Gathering fruits, harvesting personal creative discoveries.

• September – Equinox Reflection: Sharing, weaving together stories, art as witness.

• October – Descent: Shadows lengthen, exploring darker, slower, quieter forms of creation.

• November – Ancestors & Memory: Creating with lineage in mind - memory, loss, honouring through art.

• December – Returning to the Dark: Quiet, reflection, closing the circle, holding the year’s journey.

Who this is for

This programme is ideal for local people seeking reconnection - with themselves, with creativity, and with nature. It is for anyone wanting to step out of routine, slow down, and rediscover the joy of noticing, making, and being.

Practical details

• Location: Soulton Long Barrow, Wem, Shropshire

• Duration: Twelve sessions, monthly, Sundays 1–3pm

• Investment: £240 or you can pay £20 monthly by setting up a payment plan by clicking the 'Subscriptions' tab above.

Priority will be given to those who book the entire programme. A small number of tickets may be available to book as and when for those who would prefer that option.

Dates:

Sunday 4th January

Sunday 1st February

Sunday 1st March

Sunday 5th April (yes, it's Easter Sunday!)

Sunday 3rd May

Sunday 7th June

Sunday 5th July

Sunday 2nd August

Sunday 6th September

Sunday 4th October

Sunday 1st November

Sunday 6th December

It is not imperative that you make every session but try to make as many as you can to get the most out of the experience and to fully immerse in the seasonal changes of the land.

Your invitation

Step into the land, step into your creativity, and step into the rhythm of the seasons. Let the Barrow guide you as you meet your inner artist and reconnect with what matters most - yourself.

For enquiries, please contact merryn@merryntenalach.com.

Please note, parking for the barrow is at Soulton Hall. You park at Soulton Hall and follow the standing stones on foot over to the barrow. It's about a ten minute walk. Please ensure you arrive with enough time, to each session, for the session start time. We will begin promptly at 1pm.

FAQs

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for local people who want to reconnect with themselves, their creativity, and the natural world. No previous artistic experience is required, only curiosity and a willingness to be present.

What will we actually do in a session?

Each session includes:

• Grounding and connecting with the land

• Guided exploration to meet your inner artist

• Time for creative expression (writing, drawing, movement, sound, or other forms)

• A gentle closing circle to reflect and integrate your experience

  
  

When and where does it take place?

Sessions are monthly on Sunday afternoons, 1–3pm, at Soulton Long Barrow, Wem, Shropshire, following the Barrow’s open days.

Do I need to bring any materials?

Yes, please bring along any art materials you'd like to explore. Many of the sessions will also encourage using found natural objects to further support the sinking into the seasonal shifts.

What if I can’t attend every month?

The programme is designed as a year-long journey, so attending all sessions gives the richest experience. That said, life happens, if you need to miss a session, then that's fine though please note, no 'catch up' sessions will be offered.

What about the weather?

We will be outdoors in all weathers. Please dress for the conditions, bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes. Some sessions may include sheltered or semi-indoor spaces if needed. (One of my best paintings was made in the pouring rain!)

What if I don’t think I’m “creative”?

Creativity isn’t about skill or producing something “good.” This programme is about noticing, exploring, and expressing, whatever comes through naturally. Every participant has an inner artist, and we’ll help you meet yours gently and safely.

How much does it cost?£240 for the full year, payable upfront or in instalments. To set up a payment plan you will need to click the 'Subscriptions' tab above and follow the instructions. If plans are cancelled at any point, you will no longer be able to attend the sessions. Admin errors happen, please openly communicate with me any problems and I will do my best to support you. My email address is merryn@merryntenalach.com

How big are the groups?

Absolute capacity for the group is 40.

How do I book a place?

You can book here on the website. Any troubles, please email merryn@merryntenalach.com. Spaces are limited to maintain a supportive environment, so early booking is recommended.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes! We welcome friends, partners, or family members, as long as the group size remains within the set limit. Everyone should register individually to ensure their place.

Is this suitable for children or teenagers?

This programme is designed for adults. If you’re interested in youth or family creative programmes, please contact us to discuss potential options.

Agree To Terms*

1. Booking & Payments

- All payments are non-refundable, including deposits and full payments, regardless of circumstance.

- Payment plans must be completed in full, as agreed upon at the time of booking. Failure to complete payments will result in cancellation of participation, without refund.

- Bookings are confirmed only once payment has been received.

2. Cancellations & Rescheduling

- In the event that you need to cancel, no refunds or transfers to future events will be provided.

- Rescheduling is possible for 1:1 sessions with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Requests made less than 48 hours before the session will not be accommodated and payment will be forfeited.

3. Participant Responsibility

- You are responsible for your own well-being and engagement during sessions. While support and guidance are provided, personal accountability is essential.

- These sessions are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. If you have any concerns, please email merryn@merryntenalach.com

*Booking is considered agreement to terms.