Exclusive experience at Leith Hill Place

Leith Hill Place — normally closed at this time of year — opened its doors especially for Waythrough clients, creating a rare and very special opportunity to spend time in this beautiful Surrey Hills setting.

Clients and staff from Community Connections came together for a gentle, immersive day rooted in nature, creativity and connection.

The day began with Forest Bathing sessions led by Catherine McCusker, Visitor Operations and Experiences Manager at Leith Hill Place Estate. Forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, is about slowing down and fully taking in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the forest. Guided sensory experiences supported participants to feel more present, calm and grounded, helping to quiet busy minds and ease everyday worries.

After lunch, participants took part in a creative music session led by music artist Jack Kingslake, Contemporary Music Lead at Surrey Arts. With gentle guidance, the group explored creating organic textures using found sounds, simple percussion and vocal techniques. These individual and shared sounds were layered together to form an emotionally regulating piece of sound art — with no musical experience required.

Jack then brought these contributions together into a larger collaborative musical composition. This piece will feature in an upcoming Surrey Hills National Landscape podcast, celebrating Leith Hill Place and highlighting the powerful connections between landscape, creativity, arts and wellbeing.

We are very grateful to Surrey Hills Arts for their generous support and funding, which made this special experience possible.