The Forest of Wonder

A Spirit of Humanity: Wonder

The Forest of Wonder is a living legacy to the generosity of Forest of Goodwill Fellow Annie Quarmby. The Forest of Wonder will be a place where awe and curiosity intertwine. It aims to honour the spirit of discovery that lies at the heart of Woodfordia — a place that inspires us to be present, to question, to care, and to imagine what might be possible.

For Annie, wonder is both noun and verb: to stand in reverence at the beauty of nature and community, and to ask the questions that open new paths forward. Her experience of Woodfordia — its music, art, and shared humanity — revealed a world where kindness, patience, and joy form the foundations of community life. It is a world that regenerates not only the land, but also the spirit of those who walk upon it.

This forest celebrates the astonishment of finding magic in the unexpected: a song stumbled upon, a friend met in need, a butterfly returning to restored habitat. It reminds us that wonder lives in the natural world, in the gifts we inherit, in the talents we share, and in the connections that bind us together.

The Forest of Wonder is dedicated to future generations who, in wandering these paths, may feel amazement at the vastness of the universe, humility in the face of its beauty, and curiosity that keeps them seeking, learning, and caring. It stands as a gift of gratitude and a call to keep wondering — about what can be restored, what can be created, and how we can live more gently with one another and the earth.

The Forest of Wonder will be planted by Annie and the Woodfordia community at The Planting, 2 – 4 May 2026.

Learn about Annie's story on why she became a Forest of Goodwill Fellow, and what Wonder means to her.

"Regeneration and community is happening here, and I'm part of it.

Woodfordia is a wonder. Our world that Woodfordia is a part of is an even greater wonder. I am filled with wonder that God has gifted to us this great universe.

Three years ago I made plans to attend my first ever Woodford Folk festival. I put my hand up to volunteer as well. Not knowing what to expect, I found something quite inspiring (and perhaps rare?)—a festival without chaos, where people gather in the most genuine and respectful way, simply enjoying being-in-the-moment. Woodfordia is a place where music, art, and nature weave into something special and where you exist in a bubble removed from the world-out-there. Woodfordia is a community that welcomes you with open arms, a glimpse of how the world could be if we all lived with more kindness, patience, humility, and curiosity. If we could replicate this we would have a happier world.

One of my favourite memories is standing in a sea of tents— one of 7,000 campers coexisting, sharing, and without complaint embracing whatever the weather brings. As I wandered through the festival, I stumbled upon unexpected music that has stayed with me forever. Magic lies in that discovery. Woodfordia is unlike anywhere else, a place that not only entertains but transforms. A wonder .....

Wonder as a noun means we are in awe of/have admiration for something; as a verb it means we question/explore.

For me wonder exists in:

  • the magnificent environment that God created for us to enjoy
  • there being so many people who treasure the environment enough to care for it
  • our parents who gave so much to us
  • how friends continue to front up when you most need them
  • the talent that each of us has been gifted with
  • being who I am
  • the encouragement, support and love of community
  • the place called Woodfordia

I wonder:

  • if I can find a way ...?
  • whether it is possible ...?
  • how can I help ...?
  • who I can find that can do this ...?
  • why?
  • what is going on for that person ...?
  • why not ...?
  • what their perspective is ...?
  • what is important to them ...?

Woodfordia is more than just a festival; it is a living, breathing testament to what is possible when people care; when they seek to find a way. It is regeneration of the environment; bringing back the birds, the frogs, the butterflies, and restoring what once was. It is people making community and fun together. Without the land, there is no future for this extraordinary place or the opportunity for it to be an example of what is possible. If we can do it here, why not everywhere?

I want this for us all now and for future generations, so they too can wonder. That is the reason I chose to donate.

As you wander through this Forest of Wonder, may it speak to you and;

  • may you wonder at our great universe so that you are overwhelmed with amazement, admiration, astonishment, reverence, and humility.
  • may you wonder and feel curious, be inquisitive, deny certainty, and always desire to know more."

— Annie Quarmby, August 2025