The Tree Dispensary

The Course

At a time when climate change and the desperate need to address it is on everyone’s minds, and we are all being encouraged to plant trees, our knowledge of the medicinal use of trees is declining.

This day course will start with a walk through the Museum’s grounds, to learn about the trees around us, and take a glimpse into their history in medicine and usefulness today. Through pictures, products and making recipes we will look at the uses of fruits, blossoms, leaves, barks, roots, wood, sap and resin to make medicines, splints for broken limbs, and so much more.

We will also investigate the association of birds, animals and insects with trees and the interconnected nature of ecology, including woodland plants. You will discover how trees have provided foods, wines, flavourings, incense, dyes, inks and basketry materials and find out more about trees in folklore.

The Tutor

Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is now a retired qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy). She has grown some 300 herbs, studied and used them for over 30 years. Her Hampshire garden was featured on television several times. She has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies. Christina has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes. Christina now lives in Wiltshire and teaches History of Western Herbal Medicine, Pharmacognosy and Materia Medica for the School of Herbal Medicine. In 2021 her two volumes of The Tree Dispensary were published by Aeon Books.

Participant Information

Please bring with you a pen and paper and suitable clothing footwear as you will spend part of the day outside. The course may take place in an historic building which can be cool, it is advisable to wear warm layers.

Fee & Refreshments

£75 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance of any dietary requirements. The Museum café will be open for lunch or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.

This course is fully booked.  Please email courses@wealddown.co.uk or call 01243 811021 if you wish to be added to the waiting list.