Welcoming Woodland Experiences for Everyone

Brighton Festival at the Lost Woods: Creating Welcoming Woodland Experiences for Everyone

This May, as part of Brighton Festival, the Lost Woods Project is proud to be offering a series of accessible woodland experiences designed specifically to welcome learning disabled and Deaf and hard of hearing communities into Sussex’s ancient woods.

Too often, natural spaces can feel excluding or inaccessible. Through these Brighton Festival events, our aim is simple but vital: to create supported, sensory and inclusive ways to connect with nature, where people can feel comfortable, welcomed and valued, whether visiting a woodland for the first time or returning to a familiar place.

Across the Lost Woods Project, we are committed to ensuring woodlands are places where everyone can feel included, not just those who already spend time in nature. These Brighton Festival events are part of a broader effort to:

• Reduce barriers to accessing woodland spaces
• Support wellbeing through gentle engagement with nature
• Create inclusive settings where disabled people and Deaf / hard of hearing communities feel welcomed
• Demonstrate how thoughtful planning can make natural spaces more accessible

Both events take place in Butcher’s Wood, an ancient woodland owned by the Woodland Trust. While the route includes uneven terrain and is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, clear information is shared in advance so participants can make informed choices about attending. Booking is essential, and group sizes are kept small to ensure everyone receives appropriate support.

Sensory Woodland Wander – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Monday 4 May | 10am–12 midday | Butcher’s Wood, Hassocks

This gentle, two‑hour Sensory Woodland Wander has been shaped specifically for members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. The walk will be accompanied by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, ensuring communication is clear, inclusive and accessible throughout.

Participants are invited to slow down and experience the woodland through all their senses, notice textures, colours, movement and the subtle changes that come with spending time among trees. The walk is relaxed and supportive, prioritising wellbeing, connection and shared experience in a calm natural setting.

Book here.

Sensory Nature Wander – Learning‑Disabled Community

Monday 4 May | 1–3pm | Woodland near Hassocks

Later the same day, we are welcoming members of the learning‑disabled community to join a sensory wander created with accessibility and enjoyment at its heart. These gentle walks offer space to explore the woodland at an unhurried pace, guided by curiosity rather than expectation.

Through touch, sound, sight and smell, participants are encouraged to connect with nature in ways that feel meaningful to them. Whether coming with friends, family or carers, this supported experience is about shared discovery, wellbeing and belonging.

Book here.

Part of Brighton Festival, Supported by the National Lottery

These events form part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs Project, made possible thanks to players of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. By collaborating with Brighton Festival, we hope to reach new audiences and demonstrate how cultural events can help open up safe, sensory and supported nature experiences

We hope to see you there!