Join East Quay, Queer Nature Club South West and the Holnicote Estate (National Trust) near Minehead, Somerset for an autumn walk through the beautiful Horner Wood to explore stories and ecologies of the ancient and veteran trees.
Horner Wood is a rare temperate rainforest of ancient oak trees, some of which are several hundred years old. It is home to some of the country’s richest lichens, moss and bats.
Led by Aislinn Mottahedin-Fardo, a ranger with the Holnicote Estate and Daniel Baker-Wells, artist, filmmaker and founder of Queer Nature Club South West, we'll explore the history of the woods, and encounter some incredible trees: learning about the central role they have played in the life of the forest over centuries.
Who is it for?
This walk is for the LGBTQIA+ community, friends and allies, and anyone interested in exploring and connecting with nature through a ‘queer’ perspective.
About the walk
We’ll walk through a beautiful and atmospheric landscape of ancient oak trees and mossy temperate rainforest. We'll meet several remarkable trees, some of which are hundreds of years old.
Along the way, we’ll explore the wildlife and landscape, and the role these incredible trees play in the lives of thousands of creatures, from extraordinary, hidden mycorrhizal networks, to insects, birds and mammals.
Travel & parking
Please note: the meeting point is only accessible by car. If you would like to join but don’t have access to a car, please let us know and we can explore possible travel options.
Accessibility & terrain
Accessibility is at the heart of what we do, and the majority of Queer Nature Club events & activities are fully wheelchair accessible but we are also programming some walks in nature for those who would like to explore a longer route together.
The walk is approximately 2-3 miles long, following well-used paths, and covers a mixture of grassy, rocky and moderately hilly terrain. There will be stopping places for rest.
Unfortunately, the route is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
If you have any questions about whether the walk will be suitable for you, please get in touch before the event.
What to bring
Please come prepared for changeable Exmoor weather. We recommend bringing:
- Appropriate walking shoes or walking boots
- A bottle of water
- Snacks
- A waterproof jacket
- A warm layer
- Pay what you can: suggested cost £3-8
- Free places available
Age
This event is for adults aged 18+.
Young people under 18 are also welcome when accompanied by an adult aged 18+.
Questions & access
If you have any questions about access, travel, the walk, or anything else, please get in touch with Lottie:
lottie@containsart.co.uk
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Queer Nature Club South West is an LGBTQIA+ collective in South West England exploring nature together.
All activities are queer affirming and queer-led, the programme is designed to be open and accessible. If you have any questions or suggestions about access, we'd love to hear from you: socialmaterialcic@gmail.com
The majority of our events are fully-wheelchair accessible, but in 2026 we are also programming some longer hikes.
In 2024-5 we made a zine together.
In Summer 2026 we’ll be making a banner together- for pride parades later in the year and 2027.
To join our mailing list drop us a line: socialmaterialcic@gmail.com
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The Queer Nature Club Autumn Programme organised in partnership with Arlington Court, Holnicote Estate, East Quay Watchet, b-side, Swan Club, Lighthouse Poole, Moors Valley, Proud2Be, Yeovil Diversity Project and Yeovil Town Council, thanks to the support of Sovereign Network Group; Dorset Community Foundation; South Devon National Landscape through the Life on the Edge with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund; and Awards for All using public funding through the National Lottery Community Fund.