On May 1st, under the energy of Beltane and just over a week after Earth Day, I spent a Friday afternoon doing something that felt both simple and deeply meaningful – walking through Grove Park Nature Reserve with a group of local families, learning about plants, picking litter, climbing trees, and reconnecting with the land around us.

For those who do not know my facets, I am Geny Caloisi, founder of CheYoga and Ayurveda Wellness, where I teach yoga and share Ayurvedic wellbeing practices rooted in seasonal living, connection with nature and mindful community. Through my Cook From Scratch project, I also explore traditional food knowledge, foraging and seasonal cooking as practical ways of reconnecting with the world immediately around us.

The idea for this gathering was simple: walk together, learn about the plants growing around us, and gently give something back by clearing some of the human impact from their space.

What struck me most was how naturally the children engaged with the activity. There was genuine excitement in the task itself. Spotting rubbish hidden among the greenery became almost like a treasure hunt, and every wrapper, bottle or discarded can collected brought a sense of achievement and purpose. At the same time, they were fascinated by the foraging side of the walk. Questions came constantly – which plants could be eaten, which ones were medicinal, which should be avoided, and why some plants sting in the first place.

For many of the adults, the idea that useful and nourishing plants grow freely around us felt genuinely surprising. There was a real sense of wonder in discovering that what many people walk past every day can hold stories, benefits and even food.

The slower pace and grounding effect of being outdoors together was medicine in itself. The opportunity to learn practical knowledge while also contributing positively to the environment in a visible way was a plus. Conversations unfolded naturally as we walked (in several languages, I must add: Italian, Spanish, English), and there was something refreshing about spending time together without screens, rushing or too much structure.

There was also, inevitably, some tree climbing involved. Mostly by the children, although in the spirit of honesty, one of the adults climbing trees was definitely me.

The timing felt especially fitting. Beltane traditionally marks the turning towards the lighter half of the year and celebrates vitality, growth and connection with the natural world. Spending the afternoon caring for the land while sharing knowledge across generations felt like a meaningful way to honour that seasonal shift.

More Earth Day celebrations!

The wider community had also marked Earth Day itself on April 22nd at The Ringway Centre, home of the Grove Park Community Group. The event was led by Jennyfer Victorino, a Dominican Republic-born entrepreneur and founder of Yes, We Belong!, whose work focuses on community connection and social impact. Jenny invited local children to contribute to nature’s “symphony” using simple wooden instruments, creating playful moments of creativity and participation throughout the day.

Participants also sampled a healing stinging nettle tea that I had foraged, dried and prepared myself. Nettle is often dismissed as a nuisance plant, but it has long been valued in herbal traditions as a mineral-rich and deeply nourishing ally. Sharing it with people who had never tried it before felt like another invitation to look at the natural world a little differently.

Looking back at the litter picking and foraging, I do not think the afternoon was really just about picking up rubbish or identifying edible plants. It was about attention, curiosity and relationship. About helping both adults and children notice the world around them more closely, and perhaps remembering that nature is not something separate from us, but something we are constantly part of.

Simple, grounding, and quietly powerful indeed. Thank you!