Petrichor
We deliver nature-based education & nature connection for mental and physical health, and
undertake ecology surveys to help preserve this vital resource for generations into the future.
Petrichor means the smell of rain...
The word comes from the Greek words 'petra', meaning stone, and 'ichor', which in Greek mythology refers to the golden fluid that flows in the veins of the immortals.
What we do has changed the rain from something gloomy, to be avoided - into a reason to celebrate! Petrichor is where the joy lives, a sensory beacon of hope - and it is where you'll find us.
In The Field!
About us...
We believe - more than that, we know from our own experiences - that engagement with nature can have a profound impact on mental and physical health. Our relationship with our environment is a vital part of what makes us human.
This is true for anyone who struggles with their mental health, but having a focus (whether that be learning to identify and categorise, or sustainably forage common or invasive plants, or about toxicity and folklore, or to photograph species you can barely see with the naked eye) can be especially important to those with neurodivergent brains.
We offer charged public educational courses for anyone wanting to learn to ID plants or fungi, but also funded courses for those struggling with their mental health. Our current focus is delivering and building community and connections for those falling under the neurodivergent umbrella, and the LGBTQIA+ community - but we offer these courses to anyone in a socially excluded demographic impacting their mental wellbeing.
If you feel you would benefit, you will be welcome!
We are also working toward social prescribing as an avenue to make these offerings more accessible - so do tell your mental health team about what we do!
Elly, Sussex
“I have been lucky enough to attend a few courses with Ashdown Forage over the last few years.
I’ve always loved being outside once I get there, but I often struggle to actually motivate myself out the door without a purpose, despite the fact I know it helps calms me and aids me managing the chaos inside my head.
Every birthday I try to treat myself to a course with Iona because I know it helps motivate me to get out the door in the winter months which massively lifts my mood."
Ruth, Glasgow
"I'm neurodivergent, queer and disabled, and I've gotten a huge amount out of the generous and incredibly knowledgeable advice of Virn and Iona... So many hobby communities are a bit inaccessible to people like me but learning to spot fungi has given a whole new dimension to my time outdoors - Nobody can take in every detail, but learning how to notice more categories of details makes my environment feel much, much richer. It also gives a purpose other than purely physical exercise to time spent outdoors, which helps with motivation to spend time outside when impressive physical achievements feel out of reach."
Dave, Surrey
“As someone who suffers from depression, autism, ADHD, and anxiety, I have found that foraging has been a game-changer in my treatment. The mindful activity of searching for wild plants and fungi has released positive chemicals like dopamine, improved my microbiome, and provided a healthy dose of exercise and fresh air. Iona's courses have been instrumental in helping me develop this life-changing habit. Her unique approach caters to all levels of ability, creating a low-pressure environment that is perfect for relaxation and destressing. I particularly appreciate how Iona took the time to address my mycophobia, reassuring me and reprogramming 40 years of societal fears. Her calm kindness has had a more profound impact on my mental health than any professional or medication I've tried in the past.”
Surveys
We are a team of 3 field identifiers with decades of experience, offering ecology surveys to determine what species of interest are present, gauge biodivesity, and identify habitat requiring protection.
We currently survey fungi and plants, but are looking to expand our team to include some fauna.
For a quote or to see some examples of work from our portfolio, please contact the team at: office@petrichorecology.com
