Bathe in woodland wellbeing

“Thank you for such a lovely experience. There was something about today that made for pure happiness. The chiffcaff singing. The chatter of fieldfares on their migration. The smell of the wild garlic. The smokey fire. Sunshine unexpectedly. The pale yellow primroses. The company of kind, interested friendly people. Delicious food. What a special day”. 

Dedicate some time to your own well-being. Relax, learn new skills and enjoy some social time around a camp fire.

We provide opportunities for ‘me time’ in a tranquil ancient woodland setting, surrounded by fields and with no public access; a great place to feel at ease and foster feelings of personal safety. The only visitors to the woodland are those people who are invited, together with the birds and animals who choose to make the woodland  their home.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and mindfulness, our sessions provide ‘space’ to dedicate some time to your own wellbeing through guided and self-directed activities. The aim of the sessions are to send you home feeling relaxed and at ease with yourself, having developed skills to be fascinated by  nature, a process that delivers joy to the senses which in turn helps relax and sooth body and mind.

Scientific research has proved that reconnecting with nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system and accelerate recovery from physical illness and mental distress.

During the retreat sessions we will guide you as to how you can deepen your connection with nature. Once you’ve developed insight into how you can effectively  tune into what’s going on around you in nature  you’ll be amazed by how much more you notice and the benefits to  body and mind delivered from the experience.

Sessions are led by Susan Collini, B.Ed (Hons), Small Woods OCN trainer for Social Forestry, a level 3 Mindfulness In The Woods practitioner, and Forest School leader.

Mini Wellbeing retreats

Our mini-retreats (2 hours) cost £18 per person and include the following

• Welcome circle and discussion
• Guided nature connection meditation
• Nature connection activities
• light refreshments around the camp fire.
• Seasonal art/craftwork  
• Mini ‘Me’ Time
• Time for reflection and sharing
• Closing circle and discussion

Full day wellbeing retreat

Our full day retreats (5 hours) cost £45 per person and includes the following

• Welcome circle and discussion
• Guided nature connection meditation
• Guided nature mindfulness walk
• Nature immersion activities
• Seasonal woodland crafts and other bush craft activities
• Vegetarian lunch cooked on the campfire
• Art/craftwork using natural materials
• Group mandala making
• Bare foot walking
• Sky gazing from hammocks
• Introduction to miindful birdwatching
• Reflection time
• Closing circle and discussion

There will be no compulsory activities and everything at the retreat is open to opt-in or out of to suit how you feel at any particular time during the session.

Every session will include times of reflection and short mindfulness exercises to allow you to check in with how you are feeling and whether you’re happy to continue as part of the group or need time-out. There is never pressure to take part in any of the activities provided if you would rather not. Sitting quietly, with your own company can be just as helpful to relaxing and refreshing mind and body.