Between The Trees
When I first discovered Between The Trees, it quickly became a favourite. Set in the peaceful woodlands of Merthyr Mawr in South Wales, it blends local food, hands-on workshops, inspiring talks, and beautiful folk music from artists like Sam Kelly and Tidelines.
Created by educators Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood, the festival centers around slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Surrounded by woodland, dunes, and wildlife, it feels more like a mindful community than a festival - a space to escape the noise, breathe, and rediscover what really matters.
Click the links below to view its gallery.
Pentre - Sylvania - The Seren Barn - Amongst The Habitat - Niche & The Forest Stage - Behind The Scenes
“PENTRE”
Wellbeing - Meditation - Mindfulness
Pentre is about slowing down, taking a deep breath, and finding a bit of calm. It’s your go-to spot for health and well-being, with three lovely areas to explore - the Meditation Station, the Welcome Tent, and the Therapists. You can unwind with yoga, enjoy a peaceful forest walk, try out holistic treatments, or join in on mindful activities led by friendly, expert facilitators.
“Sylvania”
Creativity - Play - Dance - Storytelling
Sylvania is the family and children’s creative area.
There are a wide variety of fun, dance, drama and educational sessions for all ages, and it’s also the home of Between The Trees Forest School!
“The Seren Barn”
Talk – Debate – Listen
At Between The Trees, visitors are invited to wander among thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers in the Seren Barn; a space that celebrates words, ideas, and connection. Supported by Literature Wales and Seren Publishers, the barn hosts an inspiring mix of authors, poets, and speakers. Guests can listen to insightful talks from naturalists and academics, join thought-provoking discussions on conservation, sustainability, and permaculture, or simply sit back and enjoy a nature documentary on the big screen.
Now recognised as the festival’s third stage, the Seren Barn has its own distinct atmosphere and charm. Once a film set for productions like Gangs of London, it now provides a unique setting for creativity and conversation - a place where stories and ideas come alive beneath its rustic beams.
“Amongst The Habitat”
Makers, Artisans & Traders
Habitat is about getting creative and learning by doing - from pottery and printmaking to woodland crafts and ancient skills.
It features three unique spaces: Traders Lane, where artisans keep traditional crafts alive; the Artisan Tent, showcasing local Welsh makers and hands-on workshops; and the Change Makers area, home to inspiring environmental and community organisations sharing ideas and hosting talks.
“Niche & The Forest Stage”
Where Hearts Dance and Feet Stomp
The Niche is Between The Trees’ intimate acoustic and listening stage. By day, it offers serene solo and duo performances, perfect for soaking up music in a calm setting. As evening falls, it transforms into a lively space with energetic DJ sets.
The Main Stage sits within a horseshoe-shaped grove of trees, with a sycamore integrated into its design. Clad in waney-edged wood and draped with ivy, it blends into the woodland surroundings. Across the weekend, it hosts folk and indie-folk performances, finishing with upbeat dance sets that keep the festival energy flowing.
“Between The Trees Behind The Scenes”
When all of natures magical mythical creatures come out to play.
etween The Trees is the vision of educators Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood, born from a desire to reconnect people with the natural world. In 2014, they noticed how modern life, screens, and stress were pulling people — including students — away from nature, community, and meaningful activities. The festival was created as a space to slow down, breathe, and rediscover those connections.
Set in Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, a haven of woodland, sand dunes, and wildlife, the festival blends indie folk music, art, and spoken word within a welcoming, creative community. Each year, a new theme emerges from conversations with family, friends, and festival-goers, shaping the experience and keeping the festival alive and evolving.
Behind the scenes, setup day is a hive of activity. Fairy lights are strung between trees, stages are sound-checked, wooden bars are prepped, and people wander the site, bringing the festival to life. Every detail is carefully crafted to create an immersive space that feels magical, alive, and full of anticipation for the weekend ahead.