There is a plethora of rewarding courses taking place in Stroud this summer. Here are a few suggestions to inspire.

1. Natural healing with Bach Flower remedies

Due to popular demand, homeopath Cath Robertson in Selsey is offering her two-day introductory course to Bach Flower Remedies on August 10 and 11.

Join Cath and a small, friendly group to discover the healing properties of flower essences which, in the 1930s, Dr Edward Bach harnessed to produce his 38 remarkable remedies.

Learn how to use them to help friends and family, plus get opportunity make up your own personal treatment bottle for yourself of carefully selected remedies.

A long-time practitioner and teacher of not only flower essences, but homeopathy and Bowen Technique, Cath brings together her significant repertoire of healing practices to help students make the most of the workshop.

"Bach Flower essences are natural remedies that help soothe the strains of everyday life," Cath says.

"They provide a marvellous toolkit to help all the family in times of emotional need."

Suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who will benefit from deeper study, completion of the course will lead to the Bach Level 1 certificate, approved by the Bach Centre.

Visit: cathrobertsontherapies.co.uk; £170 to include course materials and light refreshments.

2. Productive gardening with Permaculture

Join permaculture gardener Helen Pitel at her allotment at Tin Bath House, Whiteshill for her one-day workshop.

Helen will show participants how to grow your own salads, shoots and leaves at the workshop on August 31 (2-5pm).

"Don't be held to ransom by the supermarkets, grow your own food now!" enthuses Helen.

"Now is the time to start growing salads and vegetables for the coming winter and on into the following spring," she adds.

Students will be looking at lettuces for winter growing, chard, beetroot, spring onions, rocket and a variety of other crops.

Along with a guided tour of Helen's kitchen garden, you will also discover the summer abundance created by 'no-dig' permaculture growing techniques.

If the day inspire you to learn more, then Helen will be hosting a Permaculture Design Course in September along with Transition Stroud director Seb Buckton.

Visit: helenpitel.co.uk or commonedge.co.uk; one-day workshop £20.

3. Introduction to counselling

Gloucestershire Counselling Service is holding its annual summer taster week from August 5-9 (10am to 3pm).

Open to all ages (18+) and backgrounds, participants will join a small group of 10 to learn how to truly listen and relate to others.

"It's suitable for those with a listening aspect to their work, or simply, for anyone interested in finding out more about counselling, and who want to acquire essential skills for use in both their personal and professional life," says skills course manager Jenny White.

The week offers a taster in not just counselling, but aims to give participants essential life skills for work and home.

"It will help not just your own well-being, but your relationships with others," Jenny adds.

Based on Stroud High Street, this not-for-profit organisation also offers affordable therapy sessions.

More info at gloscounselling.org.uk; £245.

4. Gentle, free movement dance

Five Rhythms facilitator Dawn Morgan is hosting a summer series entitled Gentle Dance: Move and Relax.

The weekly Tuesday morning class will take place between July 16 to September 24 and will last for 30 minutes.

The focus of the sessions will be on "passionate self-awareness and listening through movement."

"The theme of this class is gentleness," says Dawn. "Through the healing movement of dance and thereafter in a sharing circle, we shall consider how we treat ourselves, one another and our environment.

"Working with gentleness does not suggest a lack of strength or passion, but rather it invites deep power, tenderness and the acceptance of our humanity - flaws, magnificence and all," she enthuses.

Classes will take place at Frankies Yoga Studio 142c Slad Road (with the exception of August 6th which will be held at Old Convent Beeches Green).

Visit: shapeshift.co.uk; one-off session £15/20, three sessions £40/£50, five sessions £65/£80, or for 10, £100/ £150.

5. Drawing and painting the countryside

Artist Max Hale is offering a one-day workshop exploring the countryside with it’s myriad of beautiful and picturesque cottages, houses and gardens on July 27 (10am - 4pm).

Part of the teaching team at Pegasus Art at Griffin Mill in Thrupp, Max will be guiding students through their choice of medium - be it oil, acrylic, watercolour or pastel.

"Some of the most amazing artworks depict simple scenes and involve traditional, old or handsome buildings," he explains.

Sketching out ideas, time will be spent exploring different points of reference to build a visual image for students to paint.

"I'll be on hand to help you plan and develop your ideas using sketches, value studies, colour mixing and one-to-one tuition,"adds Max.

pegasusart.co.uk; £60 to include light refreshments (attendees receive 5% off in the Pegasus Art shop).