Soulton Long Barrow

15/11/2025

15/11/2025

Good morning, Merryn here, on this much calmer morning 🍃🍃🍃

I put our Winter Solsitce event out in the week and I have been taken aback with how popular it is though I knew when curating it how incredible it’s going to be.

As tickets are selling so quickly, I wanted to let you know, to avoid disappointment. We do have to cap the number so that the experience can be enjoyed comfortably by all.

Niche owners, check your emails (including junk) before booking as I sent you out a discount code.

Here’s the link to book:

01/11/2025

Many people, especially those in Western Europe, remember people we have lost today.

It is comforting to know that so many find the barrow such a peaceful place for reflection as they honour and remember those they love.

November 1st has for many centuries in Western Europe been observed by many people as a day to remember those who have gone before -- a universal human need to honour and reflect on the lives of the departed.

The long-standing nature of that tradition locally makes it a useful day for a wider reflection on remembering people we have loved and who are no longer with us in the ways they were when alive.

The Soulton Long Barrow is a shared space, built to respect people of no faith and people of faith in what they share. The barrow operates on principles of parity of esteem and respectful engagement, focusing on what is salient to all people regardless of belief. Importantly, the sanctuary offers a setting where no one perspective is privileged through communal ritual, ensuring every visitor is free to engage in reflection without accepting a tradition they do not hold.

The barrow acknowledges the power of community, providing a peaceful place for people to gather and support one another. It connects us to the rhythms of nature; the barrow's alignment to the solstices links us to a timeless, organic view of life, death, and renewal. Finally, it embodies the shared human endeavour in building a lasting, beautiful monument that continues an ancient tradition, transforming the structure into a genuine "gallery of life and memories."

On a day which for many is a day of remembrance, we invite you to hold your loved ones in your heart and reflect on the shared human journey.

26/10/2025

Day one at my new home?

Compleated it mate.

Phi the at Soulton Long Barrow.

19/10/2025

The next open day at the barrow is Sun, 2 Nov: 10:00-13:00.

Image: Soulton Long Barrow under construction In summer 2019.

13/10/2025

Join us on Wednesday

Soulton Long Barrow is inviting our community to gentle gathering for the 'Wave of Light' on Tuesday, October 15th (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM).

This is a time for quiet reflection, remembrance, and the simple comfort of shared presence. While rooted in the beautiful tradition that concludes Baby Loss Awareness Week, this gathering welcomes anyone who has experienced grief or loss in any form.

In a time where many sense marginalisation and societal division -especially in light of recent events like the attacks in Manchester -we believe the need for common ground is crucial.

The modern barrow, completed in 2021, will be opened to light, offering a stable and profound natural space to reflect.

It’s an evening designed to foster a collective moment of light, connection, and hope. We will be consciously holding space for all, offering particular compassion for those impacted by tragic events and affirming our shared humanity against the forces that drive people apart.

Attendees are invited to move slowly and participate in simple acts of remembrance. The central Wave of Light moment, marked by silence, will be at 7:00 PM.

Join us to stand together in shared presence.

🗓️ Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Soulton Long Barrow, Wem, SY4 5RS
🔗 Booking & Info: www.merryntenalach.com/merrynevents

13/10/2025

Join Merryn for a year long exploration of art, nature and connection here at Soulton Long Barrow beginning in January.

Booking link is here: https://www.merryntenalach.com/event-details-registration/the-turning-year

05/10/2025

⚠️ Important Travel Alert: Road Closure in Wem Today

Please note that due to the 10K road race, there is a road closure in Wem today.

If you are traveling to Soulton Long Barrow, you must take an alternate route via the A49.

Please do not attempt to travel through Wem.

03/10/2025

Soulton Long Barrow is inviting our community to gentle gathering for the 'Wave of Light' on Tuesday, October 15th (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM).

This is a time for quiet reflection, remembrance, and the simple comfort of shared presence. While rooted in the beautiful tradition that concludes Baby Loss Awareness Week, this gathering welcomes anyone who has experienced grief or loss in any form.

In a time where many sense marginalisation and societal division -especially in light of recent events like the attacks in Manchester -we believe the need for common ground is crucial.

The modern barrow, completed in 2021, will be opened to light, offering a stable and profound natural space to reflect.

It’s an evening designed to foster a collective moment of light, connection, and hope. We will be consciously holding space for all, offering particular compassion for those impacted by tragic events and affirming our shared humanity against the forces that drive people apart.

Attendees are invited to move slowly and participate in simple acts of remembrance. The central Wave of Light moment, marked by silence, will be at 7:00 PM.

Join us to stand together in shared presence.

🗓️ Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Soulton Long Barrow, Wem, SY4 5RS
🔗 Booking & Info: www.merryntenalach.com/merrynevents

01/10/2025

Join us at Soulton Long Barrow on 15th October for the 'Wave of Light'. We will gather from 6.30pm, light a candle and be ready to hold a silence in vigil for all those who are no longer here to do life with us at 7pm.

Please book here, booking is free but means I know how many people are coming along:

https://www.merryntenalach.com/merrynevents

30/09/2025

At the Soulton Long Barrow, where we contemplate the continuity of life, we are delighted by the success of the latest scientific monitoring effort in our surrounding landscape.

This vital work was conducted by the West Midlands Ringing Group, whose team of BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) licensed ringers are dedicated to the welfare and scientific understanding of our native birds.

We are thrilled to report the successful ringing of two healthy Barn Owls that were expertly surveyed and caught in the landscape, right here near the Long Barrow itself.

A Deeper Connection to the Land
The ability of the West Midlands Ringing Group to find and ring these Barn Owls in the open landscape speaks volumes. It confirms that the fields surrounding the Barrow provide the rich, healthy environment these magnificent birds need to thrive, linking the ancient themes of the land to the living circle of nature today.

The tiny, unique metal ring each owl receives is a crucial piece of data. It allows the Ringing Group to track their movements, survival, and longevity, contributing to national efforts to secure the future of this iconic species. It connects the life of an individual bird to the long arc of time, much like the Barrow itself connects us to our ancestors.

The Full Avian Family: Little Owls and Tawny Owls
The West Midlands Ringing Group also logged important sightings of two other native owl species on the estate: the wise Tawny Owl and the charming Little Owl!

Logging the locations of all three species is an essential contribution to BTO conservation science. The data helps us:

Understand Distribution: Seeing where they hunt and roost informs how we approach land management in this special space.

Support Life: Knowing that our landscape supports a diverse, healthy population of owls—creatures of the night and symbols of wisdom—brings a profound sense of peace and rightness to this ritual landscape.

We extend our sincere thanks to the West Midlands Ringing Group for bringing this scientific insight to our corner of Shropshire, deepening our connection to the natural world that embraces the Barrow.

29/09/2025

Save the date 📅 !

"By foul play, as thou say'st, were we heav'd thence, / But blessedly..."

​Join us as Prospero recounts his exile and seeks revenge in Shakespeare's magical final play, The Tempest.

​Save the Date: December 12 & 13.

Tickets soon!

Image credit: Byrga Geniht - original 1589s wood cut.