Curious to hear about the experience on our intensive herbalism course from one of our students in her own words? Shelley completed the full journey - all three years of our intensive herbalism course, Awaken Herbal Wisdom - in 2025. As all of her cohort have said time and again, the experience was life changing. Read on to learn more.
Why did you choose to continue your herbalism journey with us for another year?
Because it changed my life and I just needed more, more, more!
The knowledge I gained in my first year was incredible and to continue learning with Meghan, in such a magical space, with such special people, was a no brainer.
If you cast your mind back to where you were three years ago - your knowledge, your life, your community - what has changed for you?
Everything! My knowledge has increased and I’m hoping to continue improving my knowledge year on year. My book collection has exploded and my thirst for herbal knowledge cannot be quenched. My community, wow, my people are so very very special to me that I have met on this journey and they are people who will be part of my community for a very long time. My life is slower, fuller and healthier.
What's the one word you would use to describe how you feel having completed all three years of Awaken Herbal Wisdom?
Joy
If you could share one piece of advice to someone considering joining Awaken Herbal Wisdom, what would you tell them?
Do it, don’t think about it, do it! It will change your life.
What's the next step for you on your herbal journey?
I’m hoping to combine herbs in all areas of my new wellness business, incorporating active meditation, dance and sound with seasonal herbs through teas and snacks.
Meghan’s reflections on Shelley's journey
Shelley found us through a flyer on a desk. Little did she know what was in store for her and how much her life would change three years on from that little piece of paper. I remember meeting her for the first time, back before we had our yurt, when I was teaching the course at the beautiful walled gardens in Helmsley. She was bursting with enthusiasm and excitement from the moment she stepped through the door and somehow, through Shelley’s incredible life force, it not only continued, but grew each year. Our herbalism course was like a Pandora’s box (of wonderful things!) for Shelley, and suddenly none of us could quite keep track of all the other things she was learning alongside. She wasn’t quite sure where it was all going, but Shelley trusted the journey and is now pulling everything together beautifully in a new business that is ready to burst into bloom in a joyous riot. I cannot wait to see how Shelley’s journey continues to unfold. I’m so looking forward to attending her forthcoming offerings when I can. And, as she’s this beautiful now-alumni cohort’s self-appointed social secretary, I know there are going to be incredible get-togethers to come many years into the future.
If our students’ journeys are inspiring you and you’re here in the UK, you’re very welcome to join us on our intensive herbalism course - Awaken Herbal Wisdom - which spans all four seasons. With up to three years of development available, our course gets herbalism both deep into your bones and your daily life, without either having to do a clinical degree or a traditional full-time apprenticeship. Although it is intense, it’s suitable for a wide range of herbalists, including beginners!
Be sure to join our mailing list to hear more about what the current cohorts are up to, learn some of the golden nuggets that emerge from our sessions and receive other school community updates. Enrolment opens after dates are announced each spring for the following year, and places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re ready to join us on the journey, you can request an application to join an upcoming cohort.
Whatever your next step is with learning herbal medicine, I hope you enjoy the journey!
At the Heritage School of Herbal Medicine, our practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief that we must remember, reclaim and relearn our knowledge of our bodies, our autonomy and how to work with plant medicine in order to bring control of our own health back into our families and homes for a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. Through our intensive herbalism course, we facilitate the development of confident, empowered herbalists, attuned to the messages of their bodies and the natural world. Living the deep wisdom of herbal medicine within themselves, their homes and their communities, they uplift themselves and others, creating a stronger society organically. We do hope you'll join us on your journey!
