Kia ora everyone, yes I know I have been really quiet in this space (and I do apologize for that) but I have been really busy out on the land and in my study space continuing to be curious and creating our magickal offerings. Over the festive season, I hardly opened my computer and just enjoyed the many friends and family (I think it was 45+ people over three weeks) that visited and stayed with us. In this break from the online world I found a real freedom, clarity, and spaciousness which I am hoping to continue in some form. I will be back in this space again, I just want to make sure that when I am, I am here with full presence, authenticity and purpose (not just posting because I haven't posted for a while). As always, if there is anything you would like to learn or are curious about in the realms of regeneration of land and life - please let me know. 🔥 And I am curious to see if anyone else has experienced an energetic shift coming into 2026 and can feel the Fire Horse energy that we are moving into? 🌿 My journaling spot on the weekend - I only managed about 10 minutes before the wildlings found me 🌿

Based on sylvotherapy (forest therapy) training and scientifically backed studies, it has been found that you don’t actually need to be standing in the forest to receive some of the benefits of trees. Our nervous systems are beautifully responsive and even small, intentional connections with nature can make a difference to our wellbeing. While nothing fully replaces time in a living, breathing forest — with its deep physiological and psychological benefits, for now, let’s look at what’s available when we don't have forest access. Here are a few simple, accessible ways to connect with trees wherever you are: 🍃 1. Look at trees (yes, even photos count) Research shows that viewing images of trees or natural landscapes can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and improve mood. Try: - A tree photo as your phone or computer background - A picture or photo of a tree on your wall - Just sit and spend some time looking at this tree, noticing its shape, shades of green, branches and so on. 💚 2. Green is medicine The colour green is strongly associated with balance and restoration. Exposure to green tones has been linked to: - Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) - Improved focus and mental clarity - Gentle regulation of heart rate and breath - Houseplants, green clothing, green walls, or sitting near a window with trees in view all count. 🌿 3. Bring trees indoors Houseplants act as living allies. Caring for them builds relationship, rhythm, and presence. They can also support air quality and humidity — subtle but meaningful physical benefits. I love to gently touch and talk with all my houseplants. 🌬️ 4. Essential oils as “forest memory” Certain essential oils capture the aromatic compounds released by trees in forests — the same compounds we breathe during shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Tree-based oils such as: - Cypress - Douglas fir - Hinoki - Spruce - Cedarwood can support calm, grounded focus when diffused or gently inhaled. Some blends are designed specifically for this purpose — for example, doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku blend, inspired by forest bathing practices. I was very lucky to have been gifted a bottle of this from some guests and I have really enjoyed it, especially while not being able to access the forest due to my injury.

My Tree Legacy exists to make regeneration practical, accessible, and human. You don’t need land, money, or a complete lifestyle overhaul to be part of this. You just need a willingness to start where you are. 🌿 PILLAR ONE - REGENERATING LAND 🌳 What we are doing: At Khemeia Valley, regeneration isn’t a theory — it’s hands-on, ongoing, and grounded in daily action. We are actively restoring native ecosystems by: - Planting native trees to stabilise land, restore biodiversity, and rebuild healthy forest systems - Protecting regenerating bush so natural succession can occur - Managing pests and predators to give native birds, insects, and plants the best chance to thrive - Reducing pressure on the land by changing how areas are accessed, grazed, or left to rest - Observing the land closely — noticing water movement, erosion, regrowth, and soil health - Working with nature’s timelines, not forcing outcomes, but supporting what wants to regenerate. Some days this looks like planting trees. Some days it looks like trap checks, track maintenance, or letting an area be completely untouched. All of it is part of rebuilding a living, resilient landscape. This work is slow, practical, sometimes muddy — and deeply meaningful. 🌺 What you can do: - Grow something — a garden, a pot plant, or an indoor plant - Support trees through planting, care, or protection (or support us and we'll do it for you!) - Choose products that are kinder to land and waterways - Start noticing where your waste, water, and energy actually go Small actions, done consistently, matter. 🌿 PILLAR TWO - REGENERATING LIFE 🌳 What we are doing: We bring regeneration into everyday life — homes, habits, and health. This pillar focuses on: - Conscious consumption - Reducing waste - Choosing natural, low-impact alternatives where possible - Thinking about the end game of what we buy and use Regeneration isn’t a brand or a trend — it’s a way of moving through the world with more care.

If I’m being completely honest, I have found it a bit of a challenge to try and translate what we are doing here at My Tree Legacy into a format that is relevant to those in our community (that's you) who have the biggest ability to make real change happen. I do think however, I may have found a way to do that ….so let’s see how this goes! 🌿 Regenerating Land & Life – Wherever You Are My Tree Legacy isn’t just about us planting trees to bring our native forests back, it goes much deeper and the ripples go out much further. We are here to remind you that regeneration doesn’t start with land ownership, wealth, or perfection – it starts with intention, choice, and relationship. You don’t need to have 850 acres like we do. You don’t need to grow all your own food. You don’t even need to talk to trees (which I’m often found doing). 🌿 All you need to do is start with small changes: 🌱 Grow a pot plant indoors our outdoors. 🌱 Change one habit. 🌱 Spend five minutes noticing a tree or a flower. 🌱 Make one better choice at a time. 🌿In 2026, My Tree Legacy becomes a place for real people, living real lives, learning how to regenerate: 🌱Their homes 🌱Their habits 🌱Their health 🌱their relationship with the Earth 🌱Their sense of meaning and belonging. 🌿 Regeneration starts with the smallest steps, which in turn, create a living legacy. 🌿 What we mean by Regenerating Land & Life In this community, regeneration means: 🌱 Caring for what is within reach 🌱 Leaving thing better than we found them (not matter how small the change is) 🌱 Understanding that every choice has a ripple out into the world 🌱 Rebuilding connection – to land, body, and inner world. It doesn’t matter whether you have a farm, backyard, balcony, windowsill or simply how you move through your day – all of it counts!

Kia ora whānau (hello family)🌿 I hope you’ve all had a nourishing festive season filled with rest, connection, and summer sunshine (for those of you in the Southern Hempisphere). 🥳☀️🌟 I’ve just come back from a beautiful three weeks (mostly) off my computer, soaking up time with family and friends who came to stay with us, along with many lovely day visitors. It’s been a season of shared meals, fire-side conversations, river swims, snorkeling, bush adventures and connecting back into land and life for everyone staying here. With my ankle rehabilitation making good progress, I did manage to get into the trees a couple of times — which was absolute medicine for my soul. While I’m still limited in where I can access, I’ve been getting a little more adventurous every day, and it’s been such a powerful reminder to slow down, listen to my body, and let nature set the pace. I know it’s been a little quiet in here lately. That hasn’t gone unnoticed — and it hasn’t been forgotten. I’ve been in a planning and listening phase, feeling into how to bring more energy, rhythm, and meaning into this space in a way that truly supports our shared vision. With the planting season only a couple of months away, things are starting to stir again, I’m excited about what’s forming and looking forward to reconnecting, sharing more regularly, and growing this community alongside the trees. Thank you for being here — let’s do this. 🌳✨ 👉 I would love to know what you are growing in life this year if you feel to share in the comments.