Come with Malwen on a journey exploring our inner and outer ecological landscapes. The event includes an exploration of the dancing body and the sacred lands of Brithdir Mawr, looking at the infinitely diverse relationships that make our universe tick. By meeting the non human beings around us, we will see examples that demonstrate the inherent queerness of our planet, bringing queer perspectives to question our preconceived ideas about our wild world.
Everyone is welcome!
Arrive from 10.30am at Brithdir Mawr.
Drop off any food and bags in Lle Dysgu and help yourself to a cuppa before heading off to the Stone Circle.
Movement Workshop led by Iro starting at 11am
We will leave Lle Dysgu at 10:45, it's about a 10 minute walk (follow the ribbons if you are running late). Iro will lead a meditation within the stone circle at Brithdir Mawr to connect us to the magic of this sacred landscape. We will then take a guided movement/dance journey through the body; exploring, playing, feeling and (re)connecting with ourselves and the natural world. All ages, abilities and body types are welcome! No prior movement experience is necessary, just a willingness to explore the body and play. This part of the day is reliant on dry weather. We will be outside and likely begin seated or lying down, so please bring appropriate clothing and any cushions or blankets you may need in order to be comfortable. We intend to have live music! If you would like to make any musical contribution during the session, that would be most welcome.
Shared Pot-luck lunch 12.30-1.30pm
Please bring vegan food to share, if you are able.
Queer Eco Walk led by Tom starting at 1.30pm
We will start with an introduction and a grounding before heading off on a walk and forage, re-discovering the world through the lense of Queer Ecology.
1.30 - 2.30pm : An introduction to the basic ideas of queer ecology and how we can apply them to decolonise our worldviews and find belonging in our habitat again. We will find examples and metaphors in the landscape and local ecosystem through which we can explore these ideas. Each person/pair/group will be encouraged to find a plant/fungus/animal that they feel a connection to and to gather a part of it.
2.30 - 3.30pm : We will take these foraged things back to the class room and, over a cup of tea, create artwork exploring the webs of ecological relations that surround your chosen species. This can be done through discussion, wildlife guide books and ecosia, as needed.
3.30 - 4pm : Display and talk about our creations if we wish, stand back to look at the connections we have made. Remember something to drink and appropriate footwear.
Please bring vegan food to share if you'd like to join in the shared lunch.
Access : the land is uneven, steep in a few places and maybe muddy and wet if it has recently rained.
what3words Location : ///harp.mattress.unwraps
https://w3w.co/harp.mattress.unwraps
There is limited space in the car park, so please car share where possible.
This is a free event, but donations to Malwen are welcomed.
About Iro
Iro's work weaves together the ancestral druidic spirituality of the British Isles with their work as a professional dancer to create a gentle and evocative movement workshop which invites spirit to come alive and dance within our bodies once again.
About Tom
Tom is an ecologist with over nine years experience working with lands all over the British Isles. Queering ecology has helped them to see our world through a lens that de-centers the human and acknowledges the dynamic and fluid relationships that make up every aspect of our lives. They have been facilitating walks and talks for a few years now, communicating and sharing belonging to our universe with many queer communities.
Please email post@malwen.cymru if you have any questions.