Woodland Canopy Walks at theWealden Festival
As part of the Wealden Festival taking place over midsummer weekend, two afternoon canopy walks will unfold on Saturday 20 June 2026. Weaving through ancient woodland near the main festival site, each will offer a playful, unique and thought-provoking experience and a magical midsummer experience of music, story and discovery.
Described by one participant as ‘a beautiful and emotive wander through a woodland theatre’, Canopy invites walkers to reconnect with nature through a 90-minute guided route that blends ecology, word, sound and live performance beneath the trees.
Along the carefully designed route woven through the wider woodland estate at Boldshaves Garden in West Kent, you might encounter surprise performances of song, dance and poetry by nationally recognised artists who appear among the trees, weaving narrative into the landscape before fading once more into the woodland. Guided by experts in the natural world, passionate nature lovers share compelling stories and insight as the walk unfolds.
Canopy Walks create space to spend time outdoors and share a sense of wonder. Each walk is different, shaped not only by the location and surroundings, but also by the people who take part. Produced by a small, friendly team, each walk is developed in collaboration with experienced creative event planners, brilliant ecology experts, volunteers and performers to ensure a gentle and memorable experience.
Canopy Walks at the Wealden Festival marks the third in an acclaimed series of woodland walks following earlier events in East Kent and North Norfolk. With plans to tour more woodlands across England it is evolving into a model for community connection, environmental engagement and creative expression.
Feedback from past audience-walkers suggests that it might just be worth considering hopping over the county line to celebrate this longest day of the year. “I felt a childlike delight in not knowing what was going to happen next,” said one. “It took me back to childhood when the world was full of wonders…transformative,” said another. And one participant said simply: “Wow. Still feeling the magic.”
Wealden Festival, launched in 2015 as the Wealden Literary Festival, brings together writers, thinkers and nature lovers in celebration of stories and the natural world. Set in the stunning 7-acre Boldshaves garden and surrounding woodland, there are talks, camping, food and views overlooking the Kent Weald, all within a designated Dark Sky Zone – a fitting backdrop for this collaboration with Canopy Walks.
Suitable for anyone aged 12+ who can navigate slightly uneven terrain. Wildflower Field & Woods, Boldshaves, Woodchurch, Kent, TN26 3RA Saturday 20 June: 2pm or 4.30pm start For more information and to book, visit Canopy Walks at Wealden Festival
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