We’re delighted to share the first chapter of an exciting new creative project at YMCA Lakeside: the Spell Garden. Inspired by ‘The Lost Words’ and ‘The Lost Spells’ by poet Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris, the project draws on their shared mission to re-wild the language of childhood and reconnect young people with the natural world.
At Lakeside, the Spell Garden reimagines Macfarlane’s spell-poems as a series of immersive outdoor spaces. These gardens are designed to help young people feel calmer, more confident and more connected — both to nature and to themselves. Research consistently shows that time spent outdoors supports positive mental health, building resilience, encouraging mindfulness and strengthening social bonds.
The Spell Garden has been created in partnership with garden and landscape designer Nicola Hills and young people themselves, and made possible through the generous support of our funding partners and supporters.
Our first space, the ‘Kingfisher Garden’, is now open beside the lakeshore. Named after Macfarlane’s poem celebrating the kingfisher — ‘colour-giver, fire-bringer, flame-flicker, river’s quiver’ — the garden captures the bird’s shimmer and energy. In spring, a sea of bulbs surrounds a curved oak bench engraved with the poem, set on a ‘carpet’ of coloured glass that reflects light and movement. Two sculptural posts feature coloured acrylic sails by artist Chris Brammall, further echoing the brilliance and vitality of the kingfisher.
The Spell Garden continues Lakeside’s long tradition of inspiring children and young people to learn through the natural environment. Set between England’s largest lake and rolling hillsides, nature is always close at hand. Alongside activities such as rock climbing, sailing, canoeing and abseiling, our staff take every opportunity to celebrate the wonder of the world around us and nurture a deep sense of connection to nature.
More Spell Garden spaces are planned for the future. These include a Nocturnal Garden, inspired by Macfarlane’s poems ‘Owl’ and ‘Fox’, and an ‘Otter Garden’ by the lakeshore — each offering a distinctive way to experience nature through story, art and place.
Our bookings team can help with ideas of how to incorporate this space into a visit by your group or school. Just ask when you call.
