How do I get to the Red Hearth?
The roundhouse and fireplace are located at the back of Martin and Kesty’s house. The address is 7 Summer Close, Stroud, GL5 1PF. Please park on Summer Street and walk up Summer Close as there is very limited parking on Summer Close. There is a path to the left of 7 Summer Close. Take care as the path is steep in places and may be slippery.
What are the opening hours?
From the 14th to the 29th of June, the Red Hearth will be open for your visit from 10am until dark. You can come at any point, whether there is a workshop on or not. At times you will find a Kindling Sister (volunteer) in the roundhouse, other women or you will have the space to yourself. You will find information about the space in the entrance area. A big welcome to you ❤
Do I have to pay when I come?
When there is no workshop on, you are invited to gift a donation per visit between £5-15. But that should not stop you from coming, and you are definitely welcome without money! Generally, it is best to bring cash. Below is a suggestion for a donation system (inspired by the musical duo Lucy & Hazel):
Abundant – If you own a house and live comfortably we recommend this tier, this will support our facilitators, our planning time and some of it will go towards our annual charity donation.
Medium Income – £10 or more – If you can afford your rent and bills with enough left over to holiday, then this is for you
Low Income – £5 or more – If you struggle to attend live events, affording rent might sometimes be a challenge, we want you to be able to come.
How can I get involved?
We always need Kindling Sisters, our volunteers, who greet women and look after the space during the Red Hearth Gathering. If you have a couple of hours or even a few hours you could spend at the Roundhouse to make women feel welcome, make teas, sweep the space, make connections…..then do get in touch with us: redhearthkin@gmail.com. It is a beautiful way to feel part of the gathering and often a gifted time to yourself in the woods.
What will I find in the roundhouse and what do I do when I am there?
There will be other women, books, art material, a wood burner with a fire, cups of tea, an altar, candles, a guitar and a lot of magic.
If there is no workshop on you can meet with other women (bring your friends along too!), you can just rest, you can sit in the meadow, you can read or craft, you can explore the woods, you can have cups of tea….it is your sanctuary, your space, your retreat.
Can I bring my children?
Yes! Children are welcome, and you are responsible for them at all times. But rest assured- when women gather, there is many mothers around and usually always a helping hand! The woodlands are a great place to roam freely, and many friendships have been made between children through the red hearth. Your sons are as welcome as your daughters, as long as they are boys still and not young men yet ( making this distinction is up to you).
About Sladebank Woods
The woods are owned and managed by Martin and Kesty Jakes, who are passionate about connecting people with nature. They met 30 years ago while working for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and bought Sladebank Woods, which is right on their doorstep, in 2000. Martin and Kesty cared for the woods while bringing up their two children, and continue to work towards making Sladebank Woods accessible for as many people as possible, to increase its diversity and create a resilient, sustainable and productive woodland for the future.
For more info, visit: https://sladebankwoods.org.uk/
Red Hearth 