Earth Spirit Service - Druid Grove Service

The Birch Grove Service

Honouring Beginnings and the Cleansing of the Heart

Birch is the first tree of the year, a symbol of purity, renewal, and fresh beginnings.
It speaks of new paths opening before us, of the courage to begin again, and of the quiet cleansing of the heart.

Together, we will gather at the edge of the woodlands. An opening blessing will mark our arrival, before we set out on a gentle pilgrimage through the trees. As we walk, we will reflect on the newness stirring in our lives, the purity we still carry, the purity we may have forgotten, the paths we have already crossed, and those that lie waiting ahead of us.

Our journey will lead us to a sacred circle of trees. Here, there will be space to rest and to sit, and at the centre, a firepit, a focal point for prayer, song, blessing, and ritual. In this quiet and reverent space, we will honour the Birch Tree as it stands within the Ogham Calendar: a guardian of beginnings, renewal, and gentle strength.

Practical Information

• Meeting Time: 11:30am
• Service Begins: 12:00 noon
• Meeting Point: Ness Botanic Gardens Car Park
• Address: Ness Botanic Gardens, Neston, Wirral, CH64 4AY
• Service led by the Rev. Phil Waldron (07828 883484)

From the car park, we will car-pool to the private woodlands, which are approximately three minutes away. Fewer cars entering the woodland is important, so shared travel is encouraged.

Following the service, we will return to the car park, where those who wish may gather for lunch or refreshments at the Ness Botanic Gardens Café, a gentle way to continue our time of fellowship and reflection.