Seasonal Tea Ceremony at Cliffe Castle

Matilya Njau is a professional horticulturalist, folk herbalist and artist based in Leeds. Her practice centres on shared moments of gathering and the relationships that can form around the careful study of flora, whether that be through drinking herbal tea, smelling a flower or tending to the soil. Through workshops and collaborative projects, Matilya is interested in the conversations, memories and care that grow from these encounters. Rooted in care and shared knowledge, Matilya’s work reimagines green spaces as places of connection and ritual.

This activity will involve a sensory exploration of a mystery seasonal herb, encouraging us to slow down, listen to our senses and explore our relationships with the natural world. You will taste a herbal infusion and also spend time doing some mindful drawing to see how the plant moves through us visually.