Embracing Autumn in the Brecks
Our quick guide for enjoying autumn to the fullest in the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. More
It can be so easy to get caught up in a sense of adventure and action when it comes to outdoor activities but, during the BFER project, we have discovered how valuable it is to remember to stay still and quiet sometimes in nature. So, when we put together the schedule of activities for the Brecks Outdoor Festival, we always make sure to include events with wellbeing at their heart.
In 2025, we were thrilled to be able to repeat the series of Sunday Morning Yoga sessions at West Stow Anglo-Saxon village, not just inside the Festival but throughout the summer. Three different instructors take turns throughout these sessions, so that you can experience different styles of teaching and different kinds of movement, whether its a more meditative, breathwork-based session, a balancing challenge, or a destressing stretch. Surrounded by hand-built reconstructions of ancient buildings, beneath the blue skies, we took a little time out every Sunday morning during the Festival to reconnect with and stretch our bodies.
Sometimes, even a simple walk can become an amazing opportunity for mindfulness and wellbeing. On a Saturday afternoon, Nicky from Sound and Ground introduced a group to the Japanese concept of Forest Bathing – a full immersion in the experience of walking, sitting or lying beneath the trees.
We also took a wellbeing walk in the forest with Johanne from Forest Reflections, where we took part in mindful activities to explore the woodland, and record our feelings and reflections in a nature journal.
And, a special treat on a warm, Friday evening: an outdoor Sound Bath at Brandon Country Park. We lay on mats, pillows and blankets, beneath a sky that changed from blue to pink to gold as the sun set, and Nicky from Sound and Ground guided us into a flowing journey of sounds to bring deep rest and relaxation.
It just goes to show that you don’t need to go far, or even move much at all, to be able to reconnect with nature and improve your wellbeing.
“This was a wonderful, insightful break from a stressful, busy life. Time to reflect and consider. Thank you.”
“I loved feeling so at one with the forest and nature, taking in the intricate details, and feeling so very relaxed.”
“What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening, connecting with nature. Peaceful and restoring.”
“A really nurturing and relaxing space to let your senses relax, take in nature and being nurtured…so healing for busy people.”
“This was wonderful and exceeded my expectations…an immersive, therapeutic experience which I found totally beneficial.”
“I grew up here and ‘lived’ in the woods as kids. As an adult, I haven’t been here for too long! It was amazing to leave work and come back to my childhood, relax in nature and be treated to Nicky’s amazing soundbath, with birds, trees in the breeze and wonderful music.”
