Lydia Mantella, MNIMH, was one of the many brilliant speakers in our packed lineup at PoP Festival, and she’s written this fantastic blog about the weekend! If you couldn’t make it, her blog offers a great glimpse into all the fun and inspiration you missed. And if you were there, take a moment to relive the magic!

” Nestled within its new home at Hopton Court Estate the Power of Plants Festival 2025 showcased the true spirit and community of herbal medicine.

It was my first year attending this annual celebration of medicinal plants that bring together herbalists of all kinds, from practitioners and students to researchers and herb enthusiasts. Upon arrival a welcoming band of volunteers directed us towards our accommodation and the welcome tent. The first thing that struck me was the beauty of the surrounding area, rolling fields and a perfectly pitched glamping space beside the standard camping field. Families, solo attendees and groups of friends mingled around the woodlands and tents catching up on news, enthusiastically greeting one another and exchanging plans for which talks and workshops they would be attending over the weekend. I had decided to get a glamping tent for the festival, as I was attending with my one-year-old son and thought it might make the weekend a little smoother. It was worth the additional expense with a double mattress, pillows, water and a small table waiting for us upon arrival.

One of my highlights from this year’s festival, was the welcome talk. Admittedly, it was less of a welcome talk and more of a lively discussion regarding crucial matters and challenges we face within the world of herbal medicine. The panel of experts comprised of individuals across the industry from medical herbalists, botanists and leaders from the commercial and manufacturing sides of herbalism. Debates on topics from diversity to funding were discussed with audience participation throughout.

Having agreed to run two workshops over the weekend I had arrived with a level of excitable yet nervous anticipation, but any feelings of nervousness quickly evaporated. Seeing friends, colleagues and mentors again within this environment was wonderful and it was a treat to meet so many peers face to face who I had only ever spoken to digitally; having completed my own studies online at Heartwood.

Power of Plants felt like a true celebration of herbal medicine with herbalists of all forms coming together to generously share their knowledge and passion. It was a true display of how much this industry has in common across its various fields.
At the end of the weekend, as I was packing up my car to leave, I contemplated how wonderful it is to have a festival that encompasses both the science and the spirit of herbal medicine. The weekend featured talks on scientific research, history of plant medicine and formulating plant preparations yet still welcomed the spirit that inspired plant poetry, storytelling in the woodlands and plant folklore. In many ways it is this blend that makes The Power of Plants a festival for all herbalists and the herb enthusiasts.”

Find out more about Lydia here and follow her on Instagram.