Philippa Snell Wild Arts

09/06/2024

Fern-hawks, goatsuckers, night-churrs, jar-bird, wheel bird andTed Hughes’ Moon Eater. Thank you to the adventurous souls who came to my first ever nightjar event. There was folklore, literature, geology, natural history, moonlit magic, company, music, cake, tea and these strange birds themselves. They are inquisitive, even flying over our heads to check us out at one point! There was also a lot of noise pollution from a massive event nearby…ah well. Like our nightingale events with added airplane noises- this is nature and humanity in the south east of England.

06/06/2024

This Saturday! The weather is looking dry, the birds are here. Who's coming with me? I've done this with my family several times and this is my first time offering it up to the wider world. Do please share with anyone who you think would be interested.

06/06/2024

Looking forward to this inspiring event today organised by my friend Gill, featuring Ackroyd and Harvey

Building Surrey's future to benefit the people & places we love. Join us for great local food & drink, fantastic speakers, and more

29/05/2024

Its outdoor singing time again 🌳🌞 Woodland singing starts next Tuesday. Six weeks of gorgeous songs in a stunning woodland glade. We're singing some old favourites including Grey Funnel Line, Sumer is icumen in, Lark in the Morning and more. Everyone welcome, Booking on website https://thewildchoir.com

29/05/2024

Singing in the woods starts next Tuesday. Six weeks of gorgeous songs in a beautiful woodland glade close to the town centre. Booking on website here: https://thewildchoir.com Can't wait!

13/05/2024

I love this time of year so much. The birdsong, the smells and textures of the forest. These evenings are so nourishing.

06/04/2024

Summer term of the Wild Choir starts on Tuesday 16th April. Come and join us to learn eclectic songs (that you might call folk) in gorgeous harmonies and to celebrate nature at its greenest. Late April / May we will be venturing out to hear the nightingales (this is all optional, including an epic walking pilgrimage to Capel that I have been plotting) and from half term onwards we sing outdoors in a beautiful woodland location. All levels of singing experience are most welcome. This group has become so friendly there is now a whole host of social gatherings that happens alongside the choir (mainly walks, sometimes gigs and even films..) that everyone is invited to. If you are thinking of trying it out, now is your chance as we have drop-in until May half term. Booking here: https://thewildchoir.com

28/03/2024

Happening soon! Do please sign up if you are planning to come. Can't wait!

16/03/2024

A wee reminder of the Bruce Ncube Zimbabwean singing workshop in Dorking - Saturday April 13th. Book your place here: https://thewildchoir.com Bruce has been travelling all over the country giving his amazing workshops and we are so lucky he is coming to Dorking.

28/02/2024

Anyone who likes to sing..this is going to be brilliant! Please share, tell your friends and come!😀

26/10/2022

Birch Tree Folk Choir Dorking starts again on Tuesday November 8th. 6 weeks of seasonal songs in gorgeous harmony to warm our hearts as we settle into Winter. Songs taught by ear and all abilities and experience welcome. We start each session with a short meditation/ visualisation to bring us into a gentle awareness of our senses. The choir is a lovely, supportive and friendly bunch of people - the term will end with some carol singing in town and a Christmas celebration in a pub. Newcomers are welcome can try out a single taster session (ideally on the first session). www.birchtreechoir.com

10/09/2022

Loved the Goddess exhibition at British museum, entitled Feminine Power: the Devine to the Demonic. Interesting to go round while thinking about the death of a matriarch. I think Minerva / Athena was the one who felt most like the Queen and also my mum, who died 23 years ago on Wednesday. This Goddess from Mexico Tlazolteotl was one of my favourites. She is the dirt eater, a sort of purifying, composting Goddess with powers of sweeping away the old to bring about new growth. She is traditionally celebrated in September with ritual sweeping, pulling out the summer crops and sowing seeds for next year. She feels like an excellent autumn deity to help us compost our grief too.

12/08/2022

Booking is up for Autumn Birch Tree Folk Choir Dorking! Join our friendly choir - we sing beautiful seasonal songs, no experience necessary, everyone’s voice is welcome. Tuesdays at the Aschombe school starting 6th Sept, half termly block booking, single tasters available for newcomers.

The original home of Birch Tree Folk Choir, the Dorking group is open and friendly, performing regularly at community events

31/05/2022

Woodland folk choir in Dorking starts tonight - 6 weeks of singing lush summery folk songs in the woods. All welcome, no experience necessary. Booking here:

The original home of Birch Tree Folk Choir, the Dorking group is open and friendly, performing regularly at community events

18/05/2022

Booking now for Dorking Birch Tree Folk Choir in our beautiful woodland location. 6 weeks of summery folk songs starting Tuesday 31st May, 7pm.

The original home of Birch Tree Folk Choir, the Dorking group is open and friendly, performing regularly at community events