In ancient times, Sacred Groves were places of sanctuary and worship for the Druids. Like a temple or chapel set within the natural world, they were places of spiritual refuge: places to calm the mind, refresh the spirit, and give comfort in times of distress. Druids today continue this tradition of seeking tranquil clearings in woods and forests, in which to meditate and hold ceremonies. And in addition, many contemporary Druids are creating new sacred groves – in their gardens, on their farms or on public land.

In 1988 The Order began the Sacred Grove Planting Programme – offering support, advice, and financial aid to members of the Order and members of the public who wanted to create new sacred spaces across the world. As a result, thousands of trees, and hundreds of groves have been planted around the world. These groves form a network of wood–land sanctuaries – that radiate peace, and offer refuge to both wildlife and humankind.

Many of these groves are small private sanctuaries in members’ gardens, using trees native to the land they are planted in, or – where appropriate – sacred trees from Celtic tradition. But there are other kinds of groves that can be planted too: as community projects, in schools, as ones that encourage endangered tree species, or that are woodland sanctuaries dedicated to Peace, or to those who have died.