Birch Herbal Medicine Summer School 2026
THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTER OF CONSULTANT HERBALISTS
Summer School 2026
Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August – Pyworthy, near Holsworthy, Devon
PROGRAMME
Friday 9am – 5pm
Materia Medica for M2, 3 & 4 students, guests and members
Phytochem is Phun!
Tutor: Abi Jackson, BSc Hons, MNIMH
Abi Jackson is the medical herbalist, holistic facialist, and founder of The Sage Apothecary. She began her training in New Zealand before gaining a 1st class hons degree in Clinical Herbalism at Lincoln College. She is a member of NIMH. https://www.thesageapothecary.com/
Anatomy & Physiology for M1 students, guests and members
Tutor: Alix Stokes, M.Ost
Introduction to the human microcosmos through anatomy and physiology. Exploring the planetary archetypes and their expression in living A&P and the process of healing.
This will be both theoretical and hands on practical.
Alix is a practicing osteopath with an interest in herbs and passion for sharing A&P in an exciting way.
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Naturopathy for M1 & 2 students, guests and members
Tutor: Helen Gray, DBTh, MIRCH
Treating everyone as an individual – food intolerances and specialised diets.
Many people have trouble with their GI tract and digestion, which may be the underlying cause you are looking for when treating them. We will look beyond gluten intolerances and examine other suspect foods your client may be having trouble with. This workshop will include discussions and practical tasks. Please bring a week’s food diary with you.
Helen is a practicing herbalist and forager based in Bristol & Stroud. She is a M3 tutor.
https://www.facebook.com/malagomedicinals
Clinical Skills for M3 & 4 students, members & practicing therapists
Tutor: Amanda Frescura, BSc Hons, Ph.D, DBTh, MIRCH
Session 1: Longer term case management
Session 2: Treating elderly patients
Both sessions will include looking at real case histories.
Amanda is an IRCH herbalist, tutor & practicing herbalist, she is also an amazing ballet & flamenco dancer and teacher.
https://www.the-herbal-practice.co.uk/about
Sunday 9.30am – 4.30pm
Materia Medica Foundation for ALL students, guests and members
Session 1: Medicinal Forest Garden – Walk & Talk. The session will include a Powerpoint presentation, walkabout, practical examples, handouts and group discussion.
Tutor: Anne Stobart
Author of The Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook: Growing, Harvesting and Using Healing Trees and Shrubs in a Temperate Climate. Anne is an experienced medical herbalist, herb grower, and co-founder of the Holt Wood project transforming a conifer plantation using permaculture design ideas into a medicinal forest garden. She has researched in the history of herbal medicine and published articles and books about seventeenth-century household medicine and recipes. Anne is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, UK.
Session 2: The Wonder & Joy of Making Tinctures – theory & practical.
Tutor: Jeremy Griffiths, DBTh, MIRCH
Jeremy has a busy practice and shop in Worcestershire, where he also runs walks in the local area. He is the IRCH President and a clinical training tutor.
https://www.facebook.com/thegreenmanherbalapothecary
Please also refer to individual information regarding specific seminar attendance requirements – this will be in a later email.
Costs:
Early bird bookings £100/day by June 30th.
£130 per day including refreshments, vegetarian/vegan lunch & materials etc.
To confirm your place a (non-refundable) deposit of £25 per day is required.
For more information please contact the Director of Studies:
Diana Lee, BEd, DBTh, DBFR, FIRCH – education@birchshm.co.uk
Please use the booking form. office@birchshm.co.uk