Alchemy with Nature
Retreat
Lake District, Cumbria
Quiet retreats rooted in nature, simplicity, and presence.
If you feel constantly “on”…
like you can’t fully switch off, even when you try,
this is for you.
If life has become loud, fast, and a bit too much…
and you’ve been quietly craving space to breathe again…
This is a place where you don’t have to hold everything together.
A place where your body can relax.
Where your nervous system can finally feel safe.
Where you can come back to yourself ~ without effort.
Not by fixing anything.
Not by doing more.
But by being in the right natural environment…
with the right people…
in a space that allows you to reset naturally.
Coming Home
This is a space to come home to yourself - in a way that actually lands in your body.
No pressure to share.
No need to perform.
No expectations to be anything other than you are.
Just space to breathe.
To slow down.
To feel again.
What Women Experience In The Forest
Again and again, women say the same thing after being in nature in community:
“I felt safe.”
Not because anything was forced.
Not because they were guided into anything.
But because their body was finally able to relax.
And from that place ~ something begins to shift.
Stress falls away.
The mind quiets.
The body unwinds.
And something more natural, more honest… returns.
In Her Words
“I cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed it.
It was truly wonderful.
I realised I don’t notice the beauty in things - I’m too wrapped up in my head.
But to slow down and really notice…
I found extremely powerful.
This also made me realise that even when resting, I’m mentally charged…
so in actual fact, not really resting.
Something wonderful seems to be happening to me.
I have never in my whole life written a poem… and suddenly the words just came.
I’m noticing things differently now… colours, textures, light…
It’s like I’ve been given the gift of noticing.
“How beautiful to have shared this forest experience with such warm, gentle souls ~
feeling truly blessed.”
This Is For You If
You feel constantly “on”… even when you’re meant to be resting
You’re tired of carrying work, family, and life in your body
You struggle to fully switch off ~ even on weekends or holidays
You crave quiet… but don’t know how to access it anymore
You feel a sense of loneliness… even when you’re surrounded by people
You miss being around women who get you ~ without needing to explain yourself
You want space to just be… without performing, holding it together, or being needed
How This Space Is Held
• Small, intimate groups (maximum 12 women)
• Outdoor-led, with nature as the primary guide
• Exclusive use of private 12 acre temperate rainforest
• No pressure to share, perform, or process
• Spacious pacing with time to rest and integrate
• Digital detox (encouraged)
• Simple, nourishing food
• Calm, held container from arrival to departure
The intention is not to lead you somewhere but to create the conditions where something within you can naturally return.
Current Retreat: Alchemy with Nature
Reconnect with Your True Nature
26–28 June 2026 | Summer Retreat
2-4 October | Autumn Retreat
The Rusland Valley, Lake District
Alchemy with Nature is not a retreat you attend.
It’s something you enter.
A different rhythm. A different way of being.
Where the noise drops away… and something more honest begins to speak.
Your body softens.
Your senses open.
Creativity returns.
A quiet aliveness moves through you again.
Not forced.
Not guided into.
Just… remembered.
Held in a 12 acre private temperate rainforest, this is a space to meet the natural world - and yourself - in a more pure, unfiltered way.
To walk gently.
To listen.
To be.
To be met by the land… and by other women… without needing to be anything other than who you are.
There is space here for rest.
For play.
For connection.
For something deeper to awaken.
It can also be deeply healing and transformational.
What Begins To Shift
“I honestly feel that two decades of my ‘held pain’ was absorbed by the woodland today… and so effortlessly.
The spell woven by the trees and birds and Deva’s was powerful, creating another reality where all burdens and hurts may be softly laid to rest.
No need to carry them any longer or any further.
A healing day on so many levels.”
The Setting
The retreat takes place in a secluded haven nestled between Coniston and Lake Windermere.
Set within 12 acres of ancient oak woodland, the land includes forest paths, open clearings, fire spaces, and supportive indoor areas. Throughout the retreat, the land remains central.
Why Here?
I first came to this private ancient woodland in 2020 to complete my forest therapy training. It was also the setting for my first overnight retreat. I held 2 six week Forest Therapy courses here in 2021.
Since then, I’ve returned many times and now volunteer here.
I know this woodland well ~ through different seasons and in different weathers ~ and it continues to feel like a place where people can genuinely move from doing into being with ease.
Holding this retreat here feels natural and aligned.
What Women Experience Here
““I have spent years in woodland — walking, exploring, photographing, sitting by campfires — but I had never experienced it in the way I did today.
The experience was of real physical and emotional benefit.
This isn’t only for those new to the forest. It’s for anyone. Dedicating time to this as a guided and shared experience honours the land, life, and ourselves.””
Retreat Flow - An Overview
Friday — Arrive & Land
Arrival, grounding, woodland welcome, opening circle, evening forest bathing & nature immersion, fire.
Saturday — Deepen & Rest
Extended forest bathing & nature immersion, rest and free time to be with the woodland and nature, coherence session, evening women’s circle, fire and starlight, forest movement.
Sunday — Integrate & Close
Forest bathing & nature immersion, outdoor lunch, closing circle
Departure at 3pm
The pace is intentionally unhurried, with choice and autonomy throughout.
Retreat Includes
3 guided forest bathing and nature immersion sessions
Women’s circle (Saturday evening)
Opening and closing circles
Coherence session
Fire gatherings (weather permitting)
Exclusive use of a private 12-acre woodland setting
2 nights shared bunk barn accommodation
All nourishing vegan meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunch
Nervous system regulation as core design
Digital detox
Practical details
Dates: Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June 2026 and Friday 2 - Sunday 4 October 2026
Location: Secluded Retreat Site, The Rusland Valley, Lake District
Group size: Maximum 12 women
Accommodation: Simple and shared bunk barn. There is space for tents if you prefer more privacy (same price).
Cost: £350 per person includes accommodation, all meals and guided sessions.
Summer Retreat Payment: £150 deposit to secure your place. £200 balance due 24 April 2026 or you can pay in full.
Autumn Retreat Payment: £150 deposit to secure your place. £200 balance due 2 August 2026 or you can pay in full.
Booking / enquiry
If this retreat speaks to you, please get in touch.
If you’re unsure whether this retreat is right for you, you’re welcome to reach out with questions.
Places are limited to keep the retreat quiet and contained.
Cancellation Policy
The £150 deposit is non-refundable unless the retreat is cancelled by the organiser.
The remaining balance of £200 is due by 24 April 2026 and 2 August 2026. You can also pay in full if you prefer.
If you need to cancel after paying in full, your place may be transferred to another person (subject to agreement).
If the retreat is cancelled by the organiser for any reason, all payments will be refunded in full.
We strongly recommend that participants take out personal travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
FAQ
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Yes. Please bring either a sleeping bag or a duvet, along with a pillowcase if you prefer your own. Mattresses are provided, but personal bedding ensures comfort and warmth.
Even in summer, woodland evenings and nights can feel cool.
What level of fitness is required?
The retreat involves slow gentle walking on uneven woodland paths and periods of slow movement and sitting outdoors.
You do not need to be highly fit, but you should feel comfortable walking at a relaxed pace in natural terrain.
If you’re unsure, please feel free to get in touch before booking.
What happens if it rains?
We still go outside.
Rain is part of nature’s rhythm, and the woodland holds us beautifully in all weather. Please bring waterproof clothing and something waterproof to sit on.
There is indoor space available for meals and rest.
Is this retreat suitable if I experience anxiety or low mood?
Time in nature and practices such as forest bathing have been widely shown to support nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing. Many people find that gentle nature connection feels grounding and supportive during periods of mild to moderate anxiety or low mood.
However, this retreat is not therapy and is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. If you are currently under clinical care, experiencing significant mental health challenges, or feel you may need therapeutic support, this retreat may not be the right container at this time.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to get in touch before booking.
Is this retreat suitable if I’m new to retreats or group work?
Yes.
There is no expectation to share, perform, or participate beyond what feels comfortable. You are welcome exactly as you are.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is simple and shared in a woodland bunk barn. This is a back-to-basics stay rather than a luxury retreat setting. There is space for tents if you prefer more privacy (same price).
The retreat is intentionally intimate, with a maximum of 12 women.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Most women attend alone.
The retreat is designed to feel welcoming, contained, and supportive for solo participants.
Is this a therapeutic or trauma-focused retreat?
No.
This retreat is intentionally gentle and is not designed for deep therapeutic processing or trauma work. It is a nature-led space for rest, regulation, and reconnection.
What if I need to cancel?
Please see the Cancellation Policy above for full details. We strongly recommend taking out personal travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
These retreats are offered as an invitation.
They are held with care, simplicity, and respect for each person’s own rhythm.