Stillness & Flow: a 4-night Canoeing Woodland Retreat

I arrived frazzled and stressed by modern day life and I left soothed and calmed by nature and reconnected to my body and heart

New to mindfulness and meditation, I could not have picked a more perfect first retreat experience. In the most beautiful Sharpham estate, tucked away in the woods amongst our little yurts, the Deepening Connection with Nature programme did just that. Much time around the fire, talking or listening or singing (even I gave in to it) or just being, much wandering of the stunning gardens, grounds and countryside, supportive leaders, kind retreatants, delicious food, under the sun, storms and stars, it was all wonderfully grounding, gentle and insightful. A very beginner friendly retreat for anyone unsure and outdoor living beginner friendly with an excellent shower block, camp kitchen and individual spacious yurts. Take me back to morning movement looking across that gorgeous view along the Dart.

First off the setting is beautiful... and magical! The bell tents are set into the wood, it's pitch black at night and you can see the stars, perfect around the campfire 🔥 . Little paths take you all round the wood underneath the woodland canopy... perfect for exploring and finding private corners.
The food is fabulous, I was more than happy to refrain from meat and my body seemed to really appreciate it.
Most importantly you are guided and looked after by a team that are very knowledgeable and very in tune with nature and human nature. You are led into secret areas inside yourself without even knowing you were going to go there. This was very surprising for me, I was coaxed along up to my limits but with no pressure. I think this was needed for me, I'm not a sharing person and everything usually stays inside. I had some amazing experiences with nature and myself.
I can not recommend this course highly enough whether as an individual looking for a deeper meaning to life, a reconnection with nature or just a way to reset from the stress of daily life and meet like minded individuals with some type of itch to scratch.
And on this final note take plenty of mosquito repellant. These were the only unwelcome guests. Namaste 🙏

I'm recently back from a 5 day woodland retreat and all I can say is wow. Wonderful.

Everything about the experience was exceptional. The facilitators were skilful and compassionate. Of note, the experience was more intense than most of the participants (inc me) had anticipated and that is entirely in its favour. This isn't "just" meditating in nature, although there is plenty of that. This is deep work that I haven't even began integrating it yet.

I'll be back for more Sharpham goodness in the future.

This woodland retreat was so nourishing and nurturing. I learnt how to connect to nature in a much deeper way. I slowed right down so that I was really in the moment, and was not aware of time at all. It was wonderful to spend the whole retreat outside in the fresh air in such a beautiful place, the views are awe inspiring. The retreat was well led, the food was delicious and nutritious, and our group bonded well and our hearts opened. We all blossomed :-)

Visited for the first time for a canoe retreat. What a set up. Really, a special place, with amazing leaders. Great food too. Worth visiting just for the rewilding project

There are no adequate words to describe the beauty & magic of this place. The Woodland Retreat has been a salvation and I cannot recommend it highly enough

There are no adequate words to describe the beauty & magic of this place. The Woodland Retreat has been a salvation and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you Jess, Nina & Luna - for everything. Bella Mama.