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Welcome to The Sharpham Trust - connecting people with nature since 1982
We want to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally-sustainable world. We foster mindfulness & wellbeing… Find out more...
Contact Us
General enquiries For any other general enquiries about the organisation, phone 01803 732055 or email us or write… Find out more...
Mindfulness & Retreats - see our offers in one place
BROWSE OUR RETREATS HERE The Sharpham Trust: an internationally-recognised centre with 40 years' experience in offering mindfulness… Find out more...
Meditation retreats at The Barn - stay in kindly community
Our popular meditation retreat venue in the Buddhist tradition is where up to 11 people join together living in… Find out more...
Mindfulness retreats in Sharpham House
Sharpham House is the perfect place to experience a mindfulness retreat: a Grade I-listed Georgian mansion at… Find out more...
Woodland Retreats - connecting with mindfulness & nature
Experience a closer, richer nature connection when you practice mindfulness on our Woodland Retreats. You'll benefit… Find out more...
Mindfulness courses
Here at Sharpham, we can help introduce you to mindfulness - or deepen your existing practice. For 40 years, we've been… Find out more...
Resources selected by us to help you
Hear FIRST about our retreats & events CONTENTS 1. Audio 2. Videos 3. PDF downloads 4. Links 1. Audio… Find out more...
Ceremonies
Many of us want to mark the significant events that happen in our lives such as births, marriages and partnerships, as well… Find out more...
Weddings at Sharpham
We are now taking bookings for weddings in 2024 and beyond On a few limited occasions each year, the Trust welcomes… Find out more...
Natural Burials at Sharpham Meadow
It brings me some peace to see the wonderful vistas around this spot...Birdsong, and the almost ever-present breeze… Find out more...
Celebrations
Sharpham House is a Grade 1-listed Palladian Mansion set in a Capability Brown landscape. While it is full of history, the… Find out more...
Venue & Hire
Hear first about our retreats & events The Sharpham Estate is set in a majestic location high above the River Dart. The… Find out more...
Rooms in the House
Sharpham is a special house in a spectacular setting where we hope you can feel at home and enjoy the relaxed, friendly… Find out more...
Hire Sharpham House
Hear first about our retreats & events The surroundings are simply stunning and made the atmosphere &… Find out more...
Meetings & Away Days
Sharpham House and its 550-acre Estate offers a sought-after venue for small seminars, team building and away-days and training… Find out more...
The Bathing House
Hear FIRST about our events & retreats The Bathing House is a simple, romantic retreat where you can leave the frantic… Find out more...
Camping at The Sharpham Trust
Point Field is open for bookings to stay from April to September 2023 Hear first about Point Field camping, mindfulness… Find out more...
The Gardens
Sharpham has been a dwelling since the 14th century but the present Palladian Mansion was built in the 1760s. The gardens… Find out more...
Our catering
For people hiring Sharpham House for non-residential courses we offer 2 types of lunches: A. Platters of assorted vegetarian… Find out more...
Arts
The wealth of natural beauty that changes moment by moment around Sharpham House provides an ideal environment for creativity,… Find out more...
Artists in Residence
Our Artist in Residence Programme, launched to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2012, helps to enrich all aspects of life… Find out more...
Parzival
Parzival was an Arts Council-funded outdoor promenade performance within the grounds of Sharpham House. It is without doubt,… Find out more...
Events & Outdoors
Hear FIRST about Sharpham Trust retreats & events Events, Open Days and outdoor activities at The Sharpham Trust allow… Find out more...
Mindful-In-Nature Mental health recovery
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund Reaching Communities Programme, Mindful-In-Nature is a new Sharpham project offering… Find out more...
Lower Sharpham Farm
Our organic farm at Lower Sharpham Barton is farmed to improve the natural environment and to increase biodiversity, while… Find out more...
Train with us
The Sharpham Trust is keen to offer training opportunities across the Estate. Garden Apprenticeship We offer an annual gardening… Find out more...
Events, Walks & Talks
Events and retreats happen outdoors on the Sharpham Estate throughout the year - some of them FREE or subsidised thanks… Find out more...
About us
We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness… Find out more...
Vacancies
Assistant House Manager 22 hours per week, flexible days, permanent You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day… Find out more...
How to find us
The Sharpham Estate consists of 550 acres with activity happening at different locations. Please click on the links below… Find out more...
Sharpham Wine & Cheese
Sharpham Wine Sharpham Wine is no longer produced on the Sharpham Estate and has moved downriver to Stoke Gabriel to… Find out more...
Your gift to The Sharpham Trust will make a big difference
You can help us to build a more mindful and sustainable world, whilst caring for the beautiful Sharpham Estate. Anything… Find out more...
Leave a gift in your will
Thank you for considering leaving a gift to the Sharpham Trust in your will. At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is… Find out more...
Location, directions, visitor guide and Frequently Asked Questions
Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground is on the Sharpham Estate, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Ashprington… Find out more...
Case study: Maggie's simple, natural burial
Sharpham Meadow has been open for burials for two years now, and our community of souls is growing. The meadow was farmed… Find out more...
Fire Circle by Robin Lacey
A bronze ring emblazoned with the phrase ‘In my end is my beginning’ now surrounds the Ancestors’ Fire… Find out more...
Funeral directors, undertakers & celebrants
You can use any funeral director or undertaker to arrange burials at Sharpham Meadow. Once you have selected a funeral director… Find out more...
Testimonials
I just wanted to say an absolutely huge thank-you to yourself and the Sharpham Trust for a truly wonderful wedding weekend.… Find out more...
Accommodation at Sharpham
Sharpham House has a selection of single, twin, double and triple rooms (with and without ensuite bathrooms). These are… Find out more...
The Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall is truly spectacular with its famous dramatic elliptical cantilevered staircase and domed rooflight. The… Find out more...
The Dining Room
The dining room seats 30 comfortably and when the weather is sunny, many of our visitors enjoy eating outside on the South… Find out more...
The Toasting Room
The Toasting Room is used for public events such as our music evenings and Estate Open Days, where we serve Sharpham… Find out more...
The Library
The Library houses our collection of books on spirituality, art, the environment and politics. It is a lovely space… Find out more...
The Maurice Ash Room
The Maurice Ash Room is on the ground floor of the main house, which makes it accessible for those who are disabled. It… Find out more...
The Music Room
The Music Room is on the first floor in Sharpham House. In days gone by this was the formal dining room. It is 28' x… Find out more...
The Octagonal Room
Sharpham House's Octagonal Room, so called because of its shape, is found on the first floor. The octagonal shape, being… Find out more...
The Bedrooms
We have 24 bedrooms available, made up of Heritage, Premium and Standard rooms, sleeping up to 47 guests in the main House,… Find out more...
The South Wing Hall
The South Wing Hall is an accessible room annexed to Sharpham House and has a light, peaceful, meditative quality that provides… Find out more...
Course Teachers
Shahin Popple Shahin is a Senior Counsellor in the NHS where she also teaches Mindfulness. She works with people with mental… Find out more...
Retreat Leaders
Here at The Sharpham Trust we are developing a community of practitice - within our core team of mindfulness… Find out more...
Our Food
In line with sustainable practices across the Sharpham Estate, our cooks produce very high quality seasonal, vegetarian… Find out more...
Terms & Conditions for booking with The Sharpham Trust
THIS PAGE UPDATED: Wednesday 31st May 2023 Coronavirus Temporary Cancellation & Transfers Policy We have introduced… Find out more...
Silent Meditation Days
A day at The Barn Retreat Centre spent in silence, alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. There will be… Find out more...
Meditation Guidance
New to meditation? We recommend you listen to and practise one or two of these a few times before coming to the Barn… Find out more...
How to Book with The Barn
Fees include food, accommodation and teaching. Dana (donations) during or after your stay at the Barn Retreat Centre are… Find out more...
Become a Barn Retreat Coordinator
A Retreat Coordinator is a one-year voluntary position at The Barn. There are three postings each year, with start dates… Find out more...
Barn People
Manager: Tasha Bassingthwaighte Tasha was interested in spiritual practice from a young age and did her first Buddhist meditation… Find out more...
Spring to Life
NB: This project is not currently running and we are seeking further funding. For more information please contact Ben… Find out more...
Spring to Life testimonials
"I feel Spring to Life has helped me through hard times in my life. I have made some good friends and it has improved… Find out more...
Spring to Life Case Studies
Seb came to Spring to Life with severe anxiety, lacking the confidence to interact with the group and shying away from conversations.… Find out more...
Sharpham Trustees
Daniel Stokes, Chair of Trustees Daniel was born in Bath. He has had a 25-year business career as joint founder, and (for… Find out more...
Heritage
Sharpham House is a majestic 18th Palladian villa overlooking the River Dart. But it wasn't always so. Sharpham is an… Find out more...
Calendar
Scroll down to browse our calendar of mindfulness retreats, courses and events. Don't know which retreat to book?… Find out more...
Food & Drink
Sharpham Trust cooks produce high-quality, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan food for people that stay on retreat with us.… Find out more...
The Sharpham Archive
Do you have memories of Sharpham or Ashprington? Maybe even artefacts or photographs to do with the… Find out more...
Mental health difficulties and Sharpham mindfulness courses and retreats
Although meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in managing stress, depression and anxiety, according to UK best practice… Find out more...
Credits & links
Wedding photography used throughout this website and in our wedding publicity is supplied by the following: Emma Stoner… Find out more...
Accessibility in Sharpham House
Sharpham House is a Grade I-Listed Palladian villa constructed in 1765 - but we're trying to make the building as accessible… Find out more...
Swimming pool
We've got a small private swimming pool that's available to guests of Sharpham. The pool is unheated and available… Find out more...
Solitary retreats in The Kuti
Hear FIRST about our retreats & events For people who have participated in a Barn retreat, or a silent retreat elsewhere,… Find out more...
Bespoke offers
Do you think your staff team or group could benefit from mindfulness? Many organisations and groups are discovering the… Find out more...
Burial ground prices, Ts&Cs and reservation forms
Burials and interments at Sharpham have three costs: Plot fee Burial Fee Headstone The reservation forms to complete are… Find out more...
Discovering Sharpham - a Heritage Lottery Fund project
We've received £57,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Discovering Sharpham project that will boost… Find out more...
Sharpham people
Here are the people who work for The Sharpham Trust. Find out more...
Panels test page
Sharpham is an internationally-recognised centre for mindfulness retreats and teaching, with more than 30 years' experience… Find out more...
Retreat Guru Test
rbgOptions={ retreatType: "Retreat", customer: "sharphamtrust", buttonColor: "", defaultRoute: "", registerLink:… Find out more...
Complaints procedure
The Sharpham Trust views complaints as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future, as well as a chance to put things… Find out more...
What is mindfulness?
Here at Sharpham, we can help introduce you to mindfulness - or deepen your existing practice. For 40 years, we've been… Find out more...
Mindfulness at Sharpham
Here at Sharpham, we can help introduce you to mindfulness - or deepen your existing practice. For 40 years, we've been… Find out more...
How will I find the time to meditate?
If you're joining our 8-week Mindfulness for Health & Well-being course, you'll feel the benefits if you commit… Find out more...
The Trust and data protection
How we use data Here at The Sharpham Trust, we work with people's personal information - and we always respect that… Find out more...
How to book
It's easy and secure to book mindfulness courses, retreats and events online with The Sharpham Trust. Retreats… Find out more...
Ts & Cs for booking at The Barn
1. Deposits 1.1 Your booking is only secured after payment of your deposit (where relevant) or full payment. 1.2 If you… Find out more...
Mindful-in-Nature
Quality Assurance Certificate Once you open up to nature, it feels as though there's a great deal of compassion… Find out more...
Cookie Policy
This website uses cookies – small text files that are placed on your device to help the site provide a better user… Find out more...
Donate in memory
Making a donation in memory of a loved one is a wonderful way to celebrate their life. People choose to donate to the Sharpham… Find out more...
Reviews of Sharpham nationally & internationally
Our Reviews Leave us a review Find out more...
How to leave us a review
We love to receive reviews about our retreats and courses - either from newspapers, bloggers and reviewers, or from our… Find out more...
5 Steps to Mental Well-being
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps we can all take to improve our mental well-being, and The Sharpham Trust can help with… Find out more...
Volunteer for Estate Conservation
Thursdays, 10.30am If you like gratifying, physical work outdoors, you can help us with the conservation of Sharpham’s… Find out more...
Volunteer in Sharpham's gardens
***UPDATE*** The garden is currently closed to new volunteer applications but we hope to open up new opportunities in the… Find out more...
Volunteer at Sharpham events
Sharpham event days, various times Join in our events and Open Days - throughout the year. We regularly invite the public… Find out more...
Volunteer in Sharpham's archives
Tuesdays or Thursdays, 10am Sharpham’s rich heritage needs exploring preserving, and our archive volunteers help us… Find out more...
Apply to volunteer at The Barn
Give a year of service Help with the smooth running of Sharpham Trust’s Barn Retreat centre, including supporting… Find out more...
The Sharpham Trust
We are an educational charity set in a stunning location near Totnes, Devon. We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness… Find out more...
How to buy books from the Sharpham Trust
The Sharpham House Cookbook - £20 (plus postage) Janet's incredible vegetarian and vegan recipes, collected together… Find out more...
Thank you for purchasing
Your purchase helps to support the bursary funds of The Sharpham Trust, home to retreats, courses and events connecting… Find out more...
Themed retreats at The Barn
We don't have any of these retreats currently scheduled. Please sign up to our newsletter to hear about when we do Keep… Find out more...
Teacher-led retreats at The Barn
We don't have any of these retreats currently scheduled. Please sign up to our newsletter to hear about when we do Keep… Find out more...
Which retreat is best for me?
Are you struggling to work out which Sharpham Trust retreat is the best one to choose? Compare online, solo and in-person,… Find out more...
The Sharpham Trust on film
Our different retreats Mindfulness at Sharpham Wild for People - our National Lottery Heritage Fund-backed rewilding project… Find out more...
The Orchards
Our current orchards were originally planted in 2000, and were designed by Ben Pike, Sharpham's former gardener. Grand… Find out more...
Our newsletters
We tell our stories and offer our retreats, courses and events through our email newsletters, archived below. If you'd… Find out more...
Sharpham Wild for People
Sharpham Wild for People is a project we're delivering with partners Ambios Ltd at Lower Sharpham Farm and is supported… Find out more...
Train to teach mindfulness and compassion
LEARN MORE at our FREE Meet The Tutor Zoom session: Wednesday 7 September, 7pm-8pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Train… Find out more...
Thank you for giving
Thank you for your donation. We are so moved by your generous response to our need at this time. It's so heartening… Find out more...
test paypal
Monthly support: Options for supporting us Option 1 : £3.00 GBP - monthlyOption 2 : £5.00 GBP - monthlyOption… Find out more...
Online retreats & courses
Virtual retreats & courses with the best of Sharpham's experienced teachers supporting you at home, curated… Find out more...
Coronavirus Arrangements: Woodland Retreats
Updated 1 August 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is paramount. We are carefully… Find out more...
Coronavirus Arrangements: Sharpham House Retreats
Updated 1 August 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is paramount. We are carefully… Find out more...
Thank you for subscribing
Thanks for signing up to Sharpham Trust newsletters - we LOVE that! We'll be sure to send you the news that you're… Find out more...
Wild for People pictures
Sharpham Wild for People is a project we're delivering with partners Ambios Ltd at Lower Sharpham Farm and is supported… Find out more...
We love Instagrammers!
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own Mailchimp form style… Find out more...
Coronavirus Arrangements: Barn Retreats
Updated 1 August 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is paramount. We are carefully… Find out more...
Solo retreats
Experienced meditators are invited to stay at Sharpham on solo retreat in The Cabin, set in woodland within the stunning… Find out more...
Give the gift of Sharpham
If you'd like to give the gift of Sharpham, we've got a way for you to do that. We have gift vouchers to buy that… Find out more...
Our Crowdfunders
Our Sharpham House cookbook was designed and published thanks to the generosity of more than 600 kind crowdfunders. Some… Find out more...
Wild For People spotter sheets
View, print or download our Sharpham Trust spotter sheets here and have fun identifying the plants and wildlife on the Sharpham… Find out more...
Hire The Coach House
Hear first about our retreats & events The Coach House is a fantastic venue for your residential courses, retreats… Find out more...
Hire different venues at Sharpham
Are you looking for an awe-inspiring, beautiful venue to host your courses, retreats or training? You can hire: Sharpham… Find out more...
Volunteer for our rewilding project
If you want to directly help in efforts to restore nature on the Sharpham Estate, there are TWO ways to volunteer for… Find out more...
How to book for this week's online meditation
1. Ensure you're signed up to our Online Meditation Alerts mailing list here 2. Each Monday, we'll send out a Zoom… Find out more...
The Percy Cane garden
Percy Cane was an esteemed garden-designer of the 20th century, creating Italianate landscaping and planting for places… Find out more...
Coronavirus Arrangements: Solitary Retreats
Updated 29 August 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is paramount. We are carefully… Find out more...
The Coach House: mindfulness & nature retreats
Eco-mindfulness retreats at The Coach House connect you deeply with nature, the land and yourself. When you stay with us,… Find out more...
Coronavirus Arrangements: Coach House Retreats
Updated 1 August 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is paramount. We are carefully… Find out more...
Volunteer at The Coach House
Be a part of our retreat centre The Coach House at Sharpham by becoming a Volunteer Coordinator. Support… Find out more...
Thank you for giving
Thank you for your donation. We are so moved by your generous response to our need at this time. It's so heartening… Find out more...
Thank you for purchasing
Your purchase helps to provide a new greenhouse to replace our old and condemned one in the Walled Garden. Thank you… Find out more...
Shop Sharpham
Buy our gifts and support The Sharpham Trust in its mission to create a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally-sustainable… Find out more...
Coach House people
Manager: Patti Summerville Patti began a personal meditation practice in 1996 after a retreat at the Tushita Institute,… Find out more...
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Sharpham
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. We recognise that inequalities are woven into the structure… Find out more...
Learn more about the IMC in this video
Watch this ??-minute video to find out more about the content of MindfulnessUK's accredited course Integrating Mindfulness… Find out more...
Accessibility in The Coach House
The Coach House is a Grade II-Listed former stable yard attached to a Palladian villa constructed in 1765 - but we're… Find out more...
Accessibility
We've worked hard to make our venues as accessible as possible - even though some are historic, listed buildings. We… Find out more...
Accessibility in our Woodland Campsite
The Woodland Campsite is based at the top of the gardens at Sharpham in a small wooded area. The site is accessed by the… Find out more...
Celebrating 40 Years of The Sharpham Trust
THIS INITIATIVE IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICANTS To celebrate The Sharpham Trust's 40th birthday, we… Find out more...
Swap the digital for the natural
Suffering with information overwhelm? Make some space by reconnecting to nature on retreat on the Sharpham Estate. Our mindfulness… Find out more...
Accessibility in The Barn
The Barn is on two levels with stairs and its grounds include steep steps and pathways - it's our least accessible retreat… Find out more...
Our Annual Reports
Annual Report 2021-22.pdf 6.1Mb Annual Report 2020-21.pdf 4.2Mb Annual Report 2019-2020.pdf 4.3Mb Annual Report 2018-2019.pdf… Find out more...
Sharpham Trust people
Director: Julian Carnell Julian oversees the entire Trust and the 550-acre Sharpham Estate. Originally a teacher he has… Find out more...
Bursaries
If you're on a low income, you can still access Sharpham Trust retreats. Hear FIRST about our retreats & events… Find out more...
Seasonal retreats - experience Sharpham throughout the year
Experience the beautiful Sharpham Estate throughout the year and get to know this incredible landscape (and its flora… Find out more...
Identity retreats
Retreats for elders, young people, men & women (as self-identified), members of the LGBTQ+ community in Sharpham House,… Find out more...
Covid Arrangements: Sharpham Retreats
Updated 17 May 2023 The Government announced the end of most Covid rules on 24 February 2022 and from April 1… Find out more...
How do I get to Sharpham House?
Sharpham House is 10 minutes drive from Totnes, Devon. Trains to Totnes run frequently from London and the North of England.… Find out more...
Why do Sharpham House Retreats cost more than Barn retreats?
Costs are lower at the Barn because it is run by volunteer coordinators, and gardening and cooking is carried out by retreatants… Find out more...
Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience of mindfulness before coming?
All of the Coach House retreats are suitable both for people new to meditation and mindfulness, as well as those looking… Find out more...
I have some mental health difficulties - is this retreat for me?
Mental health difficulties and Sharpham Mindfulness Courses and Retreats Although meditation and mindfulness can be helpful… Find out more...
What is the accommodation like?
Sharpham House has a mix of 24 Heritage, Premium & Standard bedrooms in the main House, the South Wing and the West… Find out more...
What's the food like at The Barn?
Excellent! All of our food is vegetarian, some of it is vegan, and 99.5% of it is organic. Find out more...
What dietary needs can you accommodate?
We can accommodate gluten-free and/or vegan dietary needs. However, our kitchen is not gluten, dairy nor nut-free. Please… Find out more...
Accessibility and staying at Sharpham House
Sharpham House is a Grade 1-Listed Palladian villa constructed in 1765 and as such there are certain limitations that prevent… Find out more...
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is available on some ground floor rooms, though we cannot guarantee a signal because of the thickness of our walls.… Find out more...
How sustainable is it to stay in the House?
We take sustainability seriously! All of the hot water and heating in the house is produced by a state of the art bio-mass… Find out more...
What should I wear and what should I bring with me?
We recommend that you bring loose comfortable clothes for indoors as well as a pair of slippers / indoor shoes. Although… Find out more...
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact our Programme Administrator if you have any questions about the retreat on [email protected]… Find out more...
How do I find out more and book?
You can view all of our retreats, courses and events and book easily and securely online through our what’s on calendar… Find out more...
Do you offer bursaries at Sharpham House?
Limited bursaries are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact the bookings secretary at… Find out more...
Can we buy and drink alcohol at Sharpham?
Alcohol is not available during the retreat and we ask retreatants to refrain from using drugs and alcohol during their… Find out more...
What previous meditation experience do Barn retreatants have?
All retreatants have had some (from little to lots) experience of meditation. Meditation sittings are up to 40 minutes,… Find out more...
Can I come on a Coach House retreat with a family member, friend or partner?
We recommend you come on a retreat without anyone you know. If you bring an important part of your life with… Find out more...
Are Coach House retreats helpful for people with mental health difficulties?
Mental health difficulties and Sharpham Mindfulness Courses and Retreats Although mindfulness can be helpful in managing… Find out more...
Why do retreats at the Barn cost less than at Sharpham House?
Costs are kept lower at The Barn because gardening and household tasks are shared in community by volunteer coordinators… Find out more...
Do I need to be fit to work in the garden?
No. The work is as easy as you like. We can find work to suit all abilities and physical conditions; even indoor tasks if… Find out more...
What time do Barn Retreats start and finish?
Arrival time for all Barn retreats is between 2pm and 4pm. Departure time is after 9am and before 11am. Find out more...
How do I get to The Barn from Totnes Train Station?
Visit our How to Find us page here for directions and links to downloadable driving, cycling and walking routes. Click… Find out more...
What is the difference between Sharpham's various retreats?
The Barn Retreat offers meditation retreats throughout the year in a wonderful converted old Devon Linhay. Retreats… Find out more...
How do I find out more and book a Barn retreat?
You can view all of our retreats, courses and events and book easily and securely online through our calendar or… Find out more...
What dietary needs can you accommodate?
We can accommodate the following dietary needs as long as you have included these on your Booking Form: vegan wheat-free… Find out more...
Can I arrive a day later or leave the retreat early?
We try to ensure you get the best out of coming to Sharpham and that your group develops a positive sense of cohesion… Find out more...
What's the food like at Sharpham House?
Our cooks regularly get rave reviews for the high quality seasonal, vegetarian food they produce. We source food whenever… Find out more...
Will I be required to do any day to day tasks as part of my retreat?
Building Community NB: The below has changed due to our Covid-19 measures. Please click here to see our latest… Find out more...
When should I arrive at and leave The Cabin?
Arrival It is important that you meet with a Barn Coordinator to receive the information you need. Please arrive between… Find out more...
How do I eat and drink there?
The Cabin has a propane camp stove for you to use. A vegan lunch in a thermos tiffin flask (prepared by Barn retreatants)… Find out more...
What and where is The Cabin?
The Cabin is a small, rustic building in woodland near The Barn Retreat centre (roughly a 5 minute walk from the main site).… Find out more...
Will I be working whilst in The Cabin?
As part of your stay in the Cabin, we ask that you work approximately two hours each day on the upkeep of your accommodation,… Find out more...
What if someone needs to get hold of me in an emergency?
If someone needs to contact you urgently then please ask them to call us on 01803 732661 leaving a message if there is no… Find out more...
Where do I arrive for a Woodland Retreat?
The Woodland Retreat drop-off point is NOT at Sharpham House itself. Look out for and follow Woodland Retreat signs once… Find out more...
What do I need to bring on a bird walk?
It's a good idea to bring the following: Binoculars! Although if you don't have any, we can supply some Paper and… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Food Fermenting Workshop?
• a packed lunch • … Find out more...
What do I need to bring on a Bat & Stargazing night?
It's a good idea to bring the following: Snack - bring a healthy snack if you get peckish along the way Hat Torch Waterproofs… Find out more...
Why are Sharpham retreats so cheap?
The Sharpham Trust is a registered charity (number: 285767) and a social enterprise which endeavours to keep the costs as… Find out more...
What dietary needs can you accommodate?
We can accommodate the following dietary needs as long as you have included these on your Booking Form: vegan wheat-free… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Family Wildlife Explorers Day?
Paper and pen if you want to take notes or make sketches A magnifying glass if you have one (if not we have some spares)… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Family Nature Detectives Day?
Binoculars if you have your own (if not we have some spares) Paper and pen if you want to take notes / sketches Magnifying… Find out more...
What do I need to know & bring for the Family Canoe Paddle?
Canoe Adventures advice on what to wear Everyone should dress for a day outdoors. Please note it is often cooler and/or… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Wild for Moths event?
A healthy snack if you get peckish along the way A sun-hat if necessary Waterproofs Good comfy shoes or wellies Paper… Find out more...
How do I find out more and book a Coach House Retreat?
You can view all of our retreats, courses and events and book easily and securely online through our calendar or… Find out more...
Can I arrive a day later or leave the retreat early?
We try to ensure you get the best out of coming to Sharpham and that your group develops a positive sense of cohesion… Find out more...
Do I need to be fit to work in the garden?
No. The work is as easy as you like. We can find work to suit all abilities and physical conditions; even indoor tasks if… Find out more...
Can I come on a Coach House retreat with a family member, friend or partner?
We recommend you come on a retreat without anyone you know. If you bring an important part of your life with you then… Find out more...
Do you offer bursaries on Coach House Retreats?
Limited bursaries are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact the bookings secretary at… Find out more...
What I should wear and what should I bring with me?
We recommend that you bring loose comfortable clothes for indoors as well as a pair of slippers / indoor shoes. There… Find out more...
What is the accommodation like?
The Grade II-listed Coach House has been sympathetically converted to create accommodation in the four wings which surround… Find out more...
What I should wear and what should I bring with me?
We recommend that you bring loose comfortable clothes for indoors as well as a pair of slippers / indoor shoes. There… Find out more...
What's the food like at the Coach House?
Our cooks regularly get rave reviews for the high quality seasonal, vegetarian food they produce. We source food whenever… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Foraging for Food & Medicine workshop?
• A mug for herbal tea • … Find out more...
What is a Mindfulness Meditation Retreat?
What is a mindfulness meditation retreat? Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Family Art in Nature Day?
Warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy, waterproof footwear A waterbottle for everyone in your group An optional packed… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Amazing Migration Day?
Paper and pen if you want to take notes or make sketches A magnifying glass if you have one (if not we have some spares)… Find out more...
What do I need to bring for the Family Mindfulness Day?
What should you bring? Drinks and biscuits are provided but please bring further drinks and snacks for the children if needed… Find out more...
How much meditation experience is suitable to come on a solitary retreat?
A general guideline is that you have been meditating at least 3 times a week for more than 3 years. You’d have a strong… Find out more...
Do I have access to any emotional or spiritual support during the retreat?
No - The Barn Retreat team will only be available to greet you on the day of your arrival, and help with any practical requests… Find out more...
Will I have access to Wi-Fi?
No, there is no Wi-Fi access in The Cabin and you won’t be able to come into The Barn to access Wi-Fi. Some phone… Find out more...
How much does it cost?
Please see the Costs tab on this page Find out more...
If I need to cancel for any reason will I be refunded?
You can find information on our cancellations and transfers policy on the page Terms and Conditions for booking with The… Find out more...
How long can I stay for?
The solo retreats follow the flow of the group retreats at The Barn, therefore there are normally 6-night solo retreats,… Find out more...
What else do I need to know?
If you decide to stay with us, we’ll send you a list of what you need to bring for this retreat in your Welcome Letter… Find out more...
Sharing a taxi to my retreat from Totnes Train station
Sharing a taxi from Totnes train station We are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of cars arriving… Find out more...
What is the ethos of the Coach House?
The Coach House retreat centre aims to connect people with the natural world through mindfulness. Participants will spend… Find out more...
Is it the same as the Barn Retreat?
No, but there are similarities in that weekly retreats are facilitated by long-term volunteers. The Coach House is not Buddhist… Find out more...
Does the Manager lead the retreats?
No. The Manager is there to oversee the operation of the centre and support the Volunteer Coordinators. They may be directly… Find out more...
Who comes to the Coach House?
The Sharpham Trust has a well-established and loyal audience so many people who have already been on our other retreats… Find out more...
What support do the coordinators get?
Volunteer Coordinators are supported by The Coach House Manager and various members of The Sharpham Trust staff team who… Find out more...
Where do the Volunteer Coordinators live?
Volunteer Coordinators are recruited to facilitate retreats for a year, living onsite, in a bungalow close to the Coach… Find out more...
What does mindfulness mean at Sharpham?
We teach experiential mindfulness that is not aligned with any specific philosophy or tradition but which tries to embrace… Find out more...
Is the Coach House Buddhist?
The Coach House offers contemplative mindfulness practice that is underpinned by the teachings of secular mindfulness and… Find out more...
Will it be the same every week?
The Coach House runs regular weekly retreats for 18 participants interspersed with external groups who are hiring the facilities.… Find out more...
Who oversees the gardening?
The gardening team organises retreatant tasks in the gardens, but with support from the Volunteer Coordinators. Find out… Find out more...
Do Coordinators need to drive?
Not necessarily as we will not be picking retreatants up from the station and food is delivered. Find out more...
What is the time commitment?
When supporting a retreat, coordinators will be involved from Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning. There will be some periods… Find out more...
Do we fund volunteer expenses?
Yes. We provide: expenses of £45 per week a relocation allowance of £500 at the end of the 12-month (or… Find out more...
What do I need to bring & wear for the Rewilding Tour?
A healthy snack if you get peckish along the way A sun-hat and/or sun-cream if necessary Waterproofs if required Good, comfy… Find out more...
Trustee Claire Ash Wheeler steps down
Our longest-standing Trustee Claire Ash Wheeler has stepped down from The Sharpham Trust board after 30 years'… Find out more...
Delicious feedback for Sharpham's food
We've been getting some superb feedback for the food served up at Sharpham. And it's informed our Programme. We're… Find out more...
Orchard Link launch
We were the venue for the launch of a new project to revitalise community orchards in South Devon. Orchard Link has… Find out more...
New partnership with Bodhi College
We are developing a new partnership with the Bodhi College who will be running the Committed Practitioners’ Programme… Find out more...
Trust annual report published
We've just published our Annual Report for the year 2014-2015. The report gives a great overview of the work and achievements… Find out more...
All Souls' Day at Sharpham Meadow
Join us at the Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground for an evening of fiery remembrance on All Souls' Day Monday the… Find out more...
Apple Day on the BBC!
Our Apple Day and Autumn Festival become part of BBC Radio Devon's 'core' programming when DJ Jo Loosemore interviewed… Find out more...
More Sharpham cheese awards
Sharpham cheese has swept the (cheese) board at the prestigious Global Cheese Awards. Here's the haul of gold, silvers… Find out more...
Bench mark made
A new sit-spot is being created in the Woodland Garden. A paved area of stone and a dry stone wall has been created by our… Find out more...
Fern Britain at Sharpham
Our gardeners Jacqui and Jesse have been busy helping ferns procreate (!), with the aid of pieces of paper. The pair have… Find out more...
Apple Day Sunday October 9
Join us for our annual Apple Pressing Day and Autumn Festival - Sunday 9th October 10.30am - 4pm Try fresh Sharpham… Find out more...
Sharpham Meadow on the BBC
Our natural burial site has featured on the BBC. Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground was the subject of a short feature… Find out more...
A retreatant writes...
A satisified retreatant who stayed here recently so enjoyed her stay that she wrote to tell us...in verse. She took part… Find out more...
Mindful singers at Sharpham
Our recent sellout Mindfulness & Singing retreat sounded the right note in the beautiful surroundings of Sharpham House.… Find out more...
Summer Wedding Offer
Get £1000 off if you book your 2016 wedding before the end of August 2015. If you pay your deposit before the end… Find out more...
Foxglove footage from on high
Our woodsman Paul Van Den Elst has been experimenting with an aerial camera - and he chose to film the foxgloves covering… Find out more...
Blackcurrant harvest
Our Walled Garden has been producing some fine soft fruit this summer. Assistant Gardener Jacqui Hallum picked 11 kilos… Find out more...
Our Open Day was a HUGE success
Our Sharpham Open Day - A Summer Celebration was a massive hit. We had record numbers, we had sunshine, music, performance,… Find out more...
Our Open Day - A Summer Celebration: Sunday July 5
Join us for a packed day of activities and the chance to enjoy the splendour of Sharpham House and Gardens at our Open Day… Find out more...
Symbolic artwork unveiled at our natural burial ground
Sharpham Meadow, our natural burial ground near Totnes overlooking the River Dart, saw the unveiling of a new art installation… Find out more...
We've been reviewed!
Retreats at Sharpham have been reviewed by royalty. Our Beginners' Mindfulness Retreats in Sharpham House have been… Find out more...
Gold medal for Sharpham Wine
Trust Partners Sharpham Wine & Cheese have won twin accolades in a significant wine contest. At the recent Sommelier… Find out more...
Launch event of new work by Artist in Residence Robin Lacey - 'Circle' at Sharpham Meadow Burial Ground
Join us to unveil the results of our Artist Residency on the Summer Solstice weekend. The event will include a simple ceremony,… Find out more...
Sharpham Trust team day 2015
We like practice here at Sharpham: mindful practice, wine & cheese-tasting practice and target practice. So we combined… Find out more...
New sheep in our orchards
New Shropshire sheep have been put into our orchard to help keep the grass - and the disease down. Jack Skuse, from our… Find out more...
Summer Open Day Sunday July 5
Join us for a jam packed day of activities and the chance to enjoy the splendour of Sharpham House and Gardens. The day… Find out more...
Anchorstone at Sharpham Vineyard now open
The Anchorstone at Sharpham Vineyard is now open! The café at Sharpham Wine & Cheese officially opened under… Find out more...
Carriage Drive improvements
New fencing has been erected as part of ongoing improvements to Sharpham Carriage Drive - the permissive cycle path running… Find out more...
Spring Garden Open Day April 25
Come and see beautiful bulbs in bloom at our Spring Garden Open Day on Saturday April 25. Wander through the formal and… Find out more...
Spring 2015 programme published
Our Spring Programme has been published - giving you all the information on the events, retreats and courses taking place… Find out more...
Sharpham Cheese & Wine open for business
The multi-award-winning Sharpham Wine & Cheese, based on Sharpham Estate, has opened its doors for the 2015 season.… Find out more...
New Retreat programme for 2015 with the chance to stay in beautiful Sharpham House
Building upon the success of our Barn Retreat Centre over the last 25 years, we are delighted to announce… Find out more...
Good news for wildlife and bio-diversity across the estate....
We are delighted to announce that in partnership with our tenant farmers Sharpham Wine and Cheese and David Camp,… Find out more...
New Sharpham Programme out now
The new Autumn 2014 Events Programme covering Sept, Oct and Nov is now out. You can download it here or request a printed… Find out more...
On the trail of cheeses
With the help of the British Cheese Board, Clare Bourke looks at some of the county’s cheese producers including Sharpham… Find out more...
Spring to life is relaunched
Following a successful funding bid, the Spring to Life project, is being relaunched from 8 October. This innovative… Find out more...
Calves, lambs and kids
Lower Sharpham Barton Farm has welcomed ten new South Devon cows and ten calves - iconic cattle of the region - as part… Find out more...
Sharpham Supports the Totnes Pound
The Sharpham Trust together with Sharpham Wine and Cheese and The Vineyard Café are supporting the new Totnes Pound launched… Find out more...
School children sow seeds at Sharpham Meadow
Last week, three classes, over 60 children aged between 8 and 11yrs, from The Grove School in Totnes took part in a… Find out more...
New Trustees for Sharpham
Two new Trustees have been introduced: Elizabeth Seward (right) and Charlotte Rathbone. Elizabeth has worked to provide… Find out more...
Our natural burial ground goes national
Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground has featured in a national magazine. Our stunning site on the Sharpham Estate was… Find out more...
Sharpham's Capability Brown landscape...on radio
Sharpham's dramatic landscape has featured on two BBC radio programmes. Radio Devon's Jo Loosemore interviewed Richard… Find out more...
Dry stone walling...in the wet
Careful conservation work has been going on in our 18th century walled garden - despite this wet weather. Gary Grover, from… Find out more...
Words from a retreatant
A retreatant so enjoyed her recent time here with us that she was moved to write this: The Sharpham Instruction Manual… Find out more...
Jesse's a class act!
Our gardener Jesse Hammond has left the classroom, after passing his NVQ Level 3 Horticulture (Higher Level Apprenticeship).… Find out more...
New faces at Sharpham
We've got new faces at Sharpham: hello to Maya, Milton and Helen. Maya Herbolzheimer takes over from Ben… Find out more...
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Portrait detective story ends in success for Sharpham
Members of The Sharpham Archive have traced two important pictures linked with the Estate. Captain Philemon Pownoll had… Find out more...
We've been nominated
We're delighted that we've been nominated in the Retreat/Healing Centre category of the 2016 Kindred Spirit awards.… Find out more...
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Spring Garden Open Day 2016
Despite the un-springlike mizzle, people turned up to explore Sharpham House and gardens on our Spring Garden Open Day on… Find out more...
Peter's retiring!
Peter Mallard, The Barn's manager for the past 6 years, is retiring in September. No-one wants to see him go! However,… Find out more...
Goodbye to Elke
Elke, the 'face of Sharpham Wine & Cheese' for nearly the last five years, is leaving. Elke's work as Retail… Find out more...
Sharpham on radio
Our name has been floating around the local airwaves recently. Claire Ash Wheeler, daughter of Maurice Ash - whose principles… Find out more...
Share in a Sheep
There's still time to buy a Share in a Sheep - but the offer closes at the end of this month (July). Our tenants Ambios… Find out more...
BBC Countryfile films at Sharpham
The BBC have been filming at Sharpham! We welcomed John Craven and Naomi Wilkinson to The Sharpham Trust for a packed day… Find out more...
Summer Open Day at Sharpham
We welcomed people to explore and enjoy Sharpham House and grounds on Sunday July 3, 2016. We had music, poetry and storytelling,… Find out more...
A buzzy summer at Lower Sharpham Barton
Our partners at Ambios on Lower Sharpham Farm have had a busy (buzzy?) summer. In August they welcomed 8 colonies of bees… Find out more...
Apple Day 2016 was crammed
The sun came out and so did hundreds of visitors for Sharpham's Apple Day 2016. More than 600 people came to enjoy a… Find out more...
A song for Sharpham
A retreatant on our recent Taking Mindfulness Deeper retreat enjoyed his experience so much...he wrote us a song! According… Find out more...
Meet The Barn's new manager
Meet the new manager at The Barn: Tasha Bassingthwaighte. She's come from Canada to take over from Peter Mallard, who… Find out more...
The Barn's famous bread recipe
We've had lots of retreatants requesting the recipe for the bread that's made at The Barn Retreat Centre So here… Find out more...
Our latest Barn Co-ordinator
Say hello to Nina - the newest Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Barn. She first came here three years ago on retreat… Find out more...
Peter Mallard retires from The Barn
Peter Mallard, manager at The Barn, retired this September, after six years in the post - overseeing perhaps 3,000 retreatants… Find out more...
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Carrie Morgan, a valued and much-loved Trustee, has died
It is with huge regret that we announce the passing of one of our trustees, Carrie Morgan. Carrie died in Harrogate after… Find out more...
Acers at Sharpham
This autumn has seen spectacular colour at Sharpham - captured here in photos by assistant gardener Jacqui Hallum. The acers… Find out more...
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Beautiful, even in the frost
Sharpham remains breathtakingly beautiful in the recent cold, frosty days. Trust Director Julian Carnell took this fantastic… Find out more...
Cirl Bunting success story
News that cirl buntings have bounced back from the brink of extinction has cheered Ambios, our partners at Lower Sharpham… Find out more...
The Sharpham Trust awarded Heritage Lottery Funds
The Sharpham Trust has received £57,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project that will boost volunteering… Find out more...
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Sharpham Meadow in the frost
Sharpham Meadow looks so beautiful in the frost. A recent cold and crisp dawn was captured in these pictures of our natural… Find out more...
Fresh seeds have arrived
Jesse our gardener is excited with the arrival of some new seeds. Yesterday he took delivery of a dozen packets of flower… Find out more...
A new Barn Volunteer Coordinator
This is Craig Malpass, our newest Volunteer Coordinator at the Barn retreat centre on the Sharpham Estate. Not only is he… Find out more...
Green Oak Bench project begins
A project to make a dramatic piece of natural art & design that will feature on the beautiful Sharpham Estate begins… Find out more...
Welcome Luca!
Luca Middleton has joined the staff at the Sharpham Trust as an apprentice gardener. He arrived in January, having toured… Find out more...
Tree Care Day 2017 - pictures & video
Our Tree Care Day 2017 was cold - but we felt the glow of new volunteers. People who'd never volunteered before at Sharpham… Find out more...
Mapping our orchards
One of our organic orchards has been labelled and mapped, thanks to the efforts of one of our volunteers. Peter Simon is… Find out more...
News from our partners at Ambios and Lower Sharpham Farm
Our partners at Ambios and Lower Sharpham Farm have been busy with the results of their Share in a Sheep scheme. Here's… Find out more...
Poldark musician to appear at our Heritage & Spring Garden Open Day
You’ll get a Poldark preview if you come to our Heritage & Spring Garden Open Day on Sunday April 9. Musician… Find out more...
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A retreatant's wonderful pictures of The Barn
Recent retreatant Marc Elliot shared some of his wonderful photography with us after he was inspired to look through his… Find out more...
Jane's running the Trust!
Our Administrator Jane Hutchinson helps to run the Trust - but she'll be running for the Trust shortly. She's wearing… Find out more...
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Our marathon Jane
She did it! Our Administrator Jane Hutchinson completed the Brighton Marathon in April, raising around £700 for our… Find out more...
Our yew tree on show online
Our beautiful yew tree on the South Lawn at Sharpham has been highlighted by a tree photographer. David Russell - who lives… Find out more...
Our Heritage & Spring Garden Open Day 2017
Our Heritage & Spring Garden Open Day was packed! Of course, the glorious weather helped, but we're proud to say… Find out more...
Our Director Julian reports on his recent visit to Bhutan
I have recently had the good fortune to spend two weeks in Bhutan as part of a course organised by Schumacher College and… Find out more...
Sharpham Archivist finds buried treasure
One of our Sharpham archivists has unearthed buried treasure. Ruth Donaldson - who volunteers in the Sharpham Archive -… Find out more...
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A breath-taking new sit-spot
A breath-taking new sit-spot has been unveiled on the Sharpham Estate, enabling walkers, cyclists, thinkers and ponderers… Find out more...
Sharpham inspiration for stone-carver
A stone-carver has crafted a new art-piece after being inspired by a view up the River Dart from Sharpham. Anne Henriksen… Find out more...
Say hi to our latest Barn coordinator
Lynette Robinson is the latest co-ordinator at The Barn Retreat Centre. She joined us in April and will be here for a year,… Find out more...
Sharpham Summer Open Day, Sunday 9 July
The Sharpham Trust is throwing open its doors and gates for its annual Summer Garden Open Day on Sunday July 9, from 10.30am… Find out more...
Camera reveals how batty we are at Sharpham
A bat detector positioned on the Sharpham Estate has shown us exactly how batty we are. Over the course of a single week,… Find out more...
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Thanks for coming to our Summer Open Day!
Thanks so much for coming to our Summer Open Day 2017. More than 700 people enjoyed Sharpham House and grounds, our Walled… Find out more...
Construction students build shower block for Sharpham's woodland campsite
Future builders from South Devon College have tried out their new skills by creating a brand new toilet and shower block… Find out more...
A women's woodland retreatant writes
A retreatant on a Women's Woodland Retreat in June sent us this description of her rich experience: Snug as a bug in… Find out more...
A poem inspired by our woodland retreats
Retreatant Mike Cox wrote this poem after participating in a Woodland mindfulness retreat at Sharpham in May 2017: So can… Find out more...
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Images from a photographer who stayed at The Barn
Gary Fielder couldn't leave his day job behind when he stayed at The Barn. But that meant that we have these wonderful… Find out more...
Sharpham rap
Now hear this! You'll need your speakers on to hear this rap, which was recorded from participants on a young person's… Find out more...
We've gone bananas!
Sharpham's banana plant has flowered for the first time in at least 10 years! Flowers have appeared on the plant, which… Find out more...
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Autumnal poem
This poem was left in the library at Sharpham House after a retreat there last Autumn - it seems fitting to share it right… Find out more...
We're green AND clean
Our laundry is not just clean, but green here at Sharpham, now that we're working with a new supplier. We've taken… Find out more...
A new way to book
Our new online booking system has recently gone live. We've invested in a system that is dedicated to offering retreats… Find out more...
Clive's donation helps others to be here
Clive Sheppard surprised us in the offices at The Sharpham Trust when he turned up with a £100 cheque! He had such… Find out more...
Our new lantern skylight
Sharpham House has got a brand new ‘hat’ – helping to further conserve the Grade 1-listed Palladian mansion… Find out more...
Yellow Rattle helps make a meadow
Sharpham gardeners and volunteers are sowing the seeds for a new meadow - and richer biodiversity - along the South Lawn.… Find out more...
The Big Apple
Our gardener Jesse's just picked this giant fruit from our orchard. It's huge: 8cm wide and about the same deep,… Find out more...
Apple Day 2017 squeezed the people in
Core! This year's Apple Day at The Sharpham Trust may have been the busiest yet, with more than 800 people participating… Find out more...
South Quay and Withy Pool restoration
Significant conservation work on The Sharpham Trust’s South Quay has been completed. And improvements to the Withy… Find out more...
Our founder's 100th birthday
It was the centenary of the founder of The Sharpham Trust in October this year. Maurice Ash died in 2003, but he would have… Find out more...
Barn recipe: celeriac lasagne
This recipe is vegan & gluten-free Ingredients & method 2 celeriac Peel celeriac and slice as thinly as you can… Find out more...
Sharpham mindfulness teacher publishes book with Thich Nhat Hanh
One of Sharpham’s mindfulness teachers is helping her fellow teachers to change the world, with her new book co-authored… Find out more...
Meet our latest Barn coordinator
Say hello to Ethan Pollock, the latest co-ordinator at The Barn Retreat Centre. He has just joined us and will be here for… Find out more...
Poem: The Principle of Enoughness by Toko-Pa
In a time that would have us believe there is always more to strive for, more to accumulate, more enlightenment to reach… Find out more...
Annual Report 2016-17
A record 1477 people benefited from Sharpham's mindfulness courses and retreats, we awarded more than £10,000… Find out more...
Barn recipe: sweet potato, lentil and vegetable curry
This recipe is a new favourite of Barn Manager Tasha Bassingthwaighte, and was given to The Barn by a participant staying… Find out more...
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Our new Trust Administrator
Amy Ruewell has joined us as Trust Administrator, replacing Jane Hutchinson who left in December. Amy has got great experience… Find out more...
Our new Programme Administrator
Meet Margot Eliadis, our new Programme Administrator. She'll be taking bookings over the phone and email for our retreats,… Find out more...
Our Barn Manager answers a few questions
Barn Manager Tasha Bassingthwaighte answers a few questions about her practice and her inspirations. Find out more about… Find out more...
Poem: I am not I by Juan Ramon Jimenez
I am not I. … Find out more...
Tree Care Day 2018
Our orchard is now fruitier, thanks to volunteers who turned out for our annual Tree Care Day in February. Visitors gave… Find out more...
Recipe: an early spring salad
Our cook Janet shares one of her recipes This is a time of transition from the deep, darker months (where we are nourished… Find out more...
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Can you help Sharpham at our Open Day?
Could you help out at Sharpham House? Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Heritage and Spring Garden Open Day,… Find out more...
High-five for our food
We've got a high-five for our food hygeine! Following an inspection by South Hams District Council's food safety… Find out more...
A new defibrillator for Sharpham
We give heartfelt thanks to our former Trust Administrator Jane Hutchinson, who returned to Sharpham last month with the… Find out more...
My inspiration: Rupert Marques
Rupert Marques is leading a new retreat at The Barn this summer called Earth In Mind: Dharma, Deep Ecology and the Land.… Find out more...
Sheep in Sharpham's orchards
Sheep are now grazing in the organic orchards beside Sharpham House, thanks to the efforts of volunteers on our Tree Care… Find out more...
Volunteers work on a new sit-spot
Work on creating a riverside sit-spot on the Sharpham Estate is nearly finished. Volunteers are creating a new seat beside… Find out more...
Heidi's helping us to recycle more
Sharpham is shifting away from single use plastics where possible - and it's Heidi's job to help us. She's our… Find out more...
Goodbye Gardener Jesse
It's goodbye to our Head Gardener Jesse Hammond, who leaves us after more than six years working at Sharpham. Jesse… Find out more...
Hello to our new Head Gardener
Bryony Middleton is our new Head Gardener, She replaces Jesse Hammond, who worked in Sharpham's grounds for the last… Find out more...
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Growing Awareness - making the beds
Welcome to the first of our regular articles with our (new) Head Gardener Bryony Middleton. She'll be talking about… Find out more...
Recipe: whipped Sharpham cheese with candied walnuts, beetroot, basil & rye crisps
The Cellar Door is the al fresco cafe at Sharpham Wine & Cheese, on the Sharpham Estate - and they're open for the… Find out more...
Recipe: quinoa and summer herb salad
Our cook Janet shares one of her recipes This is a lovely fresh and easy meal to make, one that I often make for myself… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - no boring salads!
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here she writes about the work we do in Sharpham's… Find out more...
Come on you Yellow Hammers!
Our Yellowhammers play top-flight football...in our eyes, anyway. Sharpham United is a friendly football team formed by… Find out more...
Open Farm Sunday
The farm gates will be open soon for people to explore. Helen and David Camp, who farm organically at the Trust's Upper… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - what to do about slugs
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here she writes about the work we do in Sharpham's… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Dene Donalds
Dene Donalds leads a retreat at The Barn this summer called Turning Towards Compassion He is a lay Ordained Dharma Teacher… Find out more...
Poem: Nature by Tony Hoagland
Poems that inspire The Sharpham Trust and its people. Nature, by contemporary US poet Tony Hoagland, about a man's wistfulness… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - Apprentice Gardener vacancy
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here she writes about an opportunity in Sharpham's… Find out more...
Applicants invited for our new mental health recovery programme in the outdoors
A new Sharpham Trust project is offering a unique programme of mindfulness in nature to support mental health recovery,… Find out more...
Ruth is volunteering at The Barn
We welcome Ruth to join The Barn as Volunteer Coordinator. Here, she tells us about herself: "I had an interest in… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - harvest feast
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here she tells us about the recent harvest feast.… Find out more...
Recipe: Beetroot, chard and cashew nut curry
Our cook Janet shares one of her recipes This is one of my favourite dishes to make at the moment that is sweet, richly-coloured… Find out more...
Growing Awareness at The Barn - planting beans and winter salads
Welcome to our latest gardening news-post with The Barn's gardener Jane Knight. Here she tells us about green compost… Find out more...
Pictures of The Barn's garden - September 2018
The Barn's gardens are full of colour - and produce - as we go into the Autumn. Here's a selection of September… Find out more...
Recipe: squash & apple soup
A recipe from The Barn's cookbooks A warming, autumnal soup that makes the most of the harvest, served at The Barn this… Find out more...
Lynette leaves The Barn
Lynette Robinson has given a year of her life in service to The Barn. Here she reflects on her time at The Sharpham Trust.… Find out more...
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Can you give our library some love?
The libary at The Barn needs some compassion, so we've published a wish-list for people who want to practice generosity.… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Gavin Milne
Gavin Milne leads a retreat at The Barn in November called Your Life As Your Path He has been practising Insight Meditation… Find out more...
Foraging - still time to smell the roses
Go petal-detecting! Welcome to the latest news-post with our resident forager Brigit-Anna McNeill. Here she suggests making… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - endings and beginnings in Autumn
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here she welcomes a new face, and talks about her… Find out more...
New faces at Sharpham this Autumn
We've got some new people at Sharpham for you to meet! Lucy Bell is a new staff member to go with a new project: Mindful-In-Nature.… Find out more...
Crunch time on Sharpham Apple Day 2018
The sun shone, people came, apples were delivered and juiced... A wonderful day for The Trust, with nearly 1,000 people… Find out more...
Foraging - cider as medicine!
Make a warming, pre-winter tonic Welcome to the latest news-post with our resident forager Brigit-Anna McNeill. Here she… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - nothing's lost with compost
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Nothing's lost with compost After Apple Day… Find out more...
Our volunteers win National Lottery funding
Our team of conservation volunteers will continue their valuable work on Sharpham Estate, thanks to National Lottery funding.… Find out more...
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Wonderful pictures from a visitor to The Barn
Recent Barn retreatant Roger Braddick used the beautiful Autumn light - and our stunning setting - to take these shots of… Find out more...
Recipe: energy balls
A recipe from The Barn's cookbooks Sweet treats that are easy to make and that can be vegan. Think of them as healthier… Find out more...
Barry returns to The Barn
We welcome Barry Thurgood to be our latest Volunteer Coordinator at The Barn. Barry's had a long history with The Barn,… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Nigel Wellings
Nigel Wellings teaches regularly at The Barn. He is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and author who works within a broadly… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - putting the garden to bed
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns Putting the garden to bed The days are drawing… Find out more...
Recipe: A wonderful, wintry fruit & nut cake from Janet
Delicious, vegan & gluten-free! This cake contains just dried fruit and nuts, nothing else, no gluten, no dairy and… Find out more...
Volunteers learn traditional wood skills
Sharpham volunteers have learnt traditional woodworking skills on a project to fence a part of a footpath close to the River… Find out more...
Extinct animals remembered with Life Cairn on Sharpham Estate
Species made extinct through human activities have been honoured with a memorial erected on the Sharpham Estate. On Saturday… Find out more...
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With Kindly Curiosity: Emily Roblyn
Emily Roblyn leads the Sound, Song & Silence retreats in Sharpham House. She has been exploring embodied presence and… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - Midwinter Visioning
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Mid-winter visioning As we approach the shortest… Find out more...
Sharpham carols!
Our recent residential hire guests got into the Christmas spirit and reworked some carols to reflect their mindful experience… Find out more...
Christmas contact details
The Sharpham Trust office is now closed until Wednesday 2 January. If you are attending a retreat at Sharpham House - or… Find out more...
Recipe: Celeriac Remoulade from Janet
A nourishing, warm winter salad from Janet This is a lovely salad at this time of the year, creamy and nourishing with the… Find out more...
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Growing Awareness - Tree Care Day
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Right to the core! We are looking forward to our… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Professor Katherine Weare
Professor Katherine Weare is co-leading the Sustaining Our Teachers retreat in Sharpham House. She is internationally-known… Find out more...
Tree Care Day postponed
Due to poor weather conditions and the sodden and slippery slope in our orchards, we've taken the decision to postpone our Tree Care Day… Find out more...
Recipe: beetroot and orange soup
A tangy soup from The Barn Good and seasonal and makes 4 servings Ingredients 50g olive oil 1 medium red onion, peeled… Find out more...
Lucy bids goodbye to The Barn
Lucy Chan has given over a year's service to The Barn as a Volunteer Coordinator. Here she reflects on her time here,… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - get ready to sow & sow
Welcome to the latest news-post about The Barn's gardens with Barn Gardener Luci Edwards Get ready to Spring into action… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - incredible veg varieties
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns Look out for incredible vegetable varieties… Find out more...
Recipe: Wild Garlic Pesto
A pungent seasonal (and vegan!) pesto from Brigit-Anna McNeill The smell of wild garlic in the woods right now is just divine.… Find out more...
Our new Education & Events coordinator
More South Hams schoolchildren and families will get to experience the special environment of The Sharpham Estate, now that… Find out more...
We're 100% grateful for superb feedback!
The Sharpham Trust is 100% grateful after receiving some superb feedback from people who have stayed in Sharpham House on… Find out more...
Our apprentice gardener has a growing reputation...
Amy Cairns comes Highly Commended, after being nominated in college awards - just halfway through her apprenticeship. "I'm… Find out more...
A gift of 'light' from a retreatant
An artwork named the Lamp and Lotus has been donated to The Sharpham Trust by a retreatant. The sculpture is a triptych… Find out more...
Recipe: Golden cauliflower and creamy cashew nut soup from Janet
Golden cauliflower and creamy cashew nut soup from Janet This is the time of the year when vegetables are sparse in the… Find out more...
Recipe: A spring green frittata from Janet
A quick & healthy meal from Janet - with a vegan version below Frittatas are so wonderful at any time or the year, perfect… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - the land is blossoming!
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton The gardens here are full of Spring energy and such… Find out more...
Volunteers build a new pergola
Our volunteers have helped our Wisteria blossom! Our lovely lilac-coloured creeper can flourish thanks to support from a… Find out more...
Recipe: Greek potatoes
Greek style potatoes from The Barn These are a lovely, comforting side dish and are vegan too! Ingredients 8 medium… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - planting potatoes and picking peas
Welcome to the latest news-post about The Barn's gardens with Barn Gardener Luci Edwards Planting potatoes and picking… Find out more...
Goodbye Ethan, and thank you
Ethan Pollock has given over a year's service to The Barn as a Volunteer Coordinator. Here he reflects on his time here.… Find out more...
Sharpham inspires artist Sophia
An artist and author-illustrator who stayed on retreat in Sharpham House was inspired whilst here to create an exquisite… Find out more...
Recipe: Summer dips for sharing outside
Summer dips for sharing outside - from Sharpham cook Janet Meet up with friends (now that we can) with a colourful flavourful… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - Summer is coming in
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns Working outside is a treat - especially at… Find out more...
Firecrests are here!
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she interviews ornithologist Mike Langman about the Firecrests heard… Find out more...
Learning how to speak blackbird
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she reports on the Dusk Chorus walk on the Sharpham Estate in May. Four… Find out more...
Foraging - Nettle Hummus & Elderflower Tea
Welcome to the latest news-post with our resident forager Brigit-Anna McNeill. Here she shares her recipes for Nettle Hummus… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Kyira Korrigan
Kyira Korrigan - who is leading the For the Benefit of All: Becoming Bodhisattvas retreat - lives in Vancouver, Canada,… Find out more...
Recipe: Tofu & Walnut Balls
From The Barn's forthcoming cookbook These tasty morsels can be a starter or a main course - and they are vegan too!… Find out more...
New pictures of life at The Barn
The Barn was the subject of a film and photoshoot in June! Guest retreatants came for a day of meditation, gardening, cooking… Find out more...
Welcoming Anne to The Barn
Anne Cockroft - our latest Volunteer Coordinator at The Barn - tells us about herself here. I have a long time interest… Find out more...
Stories from the Meadow - The Fire Circle
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she explores our natural burial ground Sharpham Meadow Nature's circle… Find out more...
Stories from the Meadow - in Summer
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she explores our natural burial ground Sharpham Meadow The rich life… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - In the Flower Patch
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns Now we can reap what's been sown July… Find out more...
Recipe: Salad dressings for summer
From The Barn's forthcoming cookbook These dressings are perfect for putting over fresh salads - and they can all be… Find out more...
Sharpham Stories - Bats in the dimpsy
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she talks about our forthcoming Bat & Stargazing walk Bats in the… Find out more...
Recipe: vegan & gluten-free dish
Courgette and Leek Socca - from Sharpham cook Janet Socca or farinata as the Italians call it is originally from France… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - it's tea time!
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Harvest, Feasts and the Making of Tea We are in… Find out more...
Recipe: spiced apple juice
Autumnal spiced apple juice - from Sharpham cook Janet A perfect, warming, alcohol-free drink made with the abundance of… Find out more...
Sharpham Stories - Night-Sky Delights
Daphne Pleace writes stories about Sharpham - here she contemplates the night sky The delights of the night sky Do bats… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - Autumn in the Walled Garden
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns Say goodbye to tomatoes, but hello to apples!… Find out more...
Staying at The Kuti - a retreatant's story
Val Schenn stayed on solitary retreat in The Kuti close to The Barn retreat centre. Here she shares her experience. My recent… Find out more...
Charlie's joined the team at The Barn!
Charlie Ivermee has been a retreatant at The Barn many times. Now he's joined us as a Volunteer Coordinator. After many… Find out more...
Recipe: Pasta with kale & walnut pesto
Pasta with kale & walnut pesto - from Sharpham cook Janet It is the time of the year when our bodies yearn for the warmer,… Find out more...
Sharpham Stories - an interview with Sophy Banks
Daphne Pleace (right) writes stories about Sharpham - here she interviews Sophy Banks, one of the retreat leaders on our… Find out more...
Sharpham Stories - Heritage Day 2019
Daphne Pleace (right) writes stories about Sharpham - here she recounts her time at our Heritage Day 2019 Feeling time's… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - 800 litres of apple juice!
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Apples and Pears – up the stairs? This Cockney… Find out more...
Growing Through The Seasons - a new calendar for 2020
An exquisite new calendar Growing Through the Seasons has been created by people connected to Sharpham. Our Head Gardener… Find out more...
Poem: How to be a Poet, by Wendell Berry
Poems that inspire The Sharpham Trust and its people. How to Be a Poet, by Wendell Berry, chosen by Trust chair William… Find out more...
Recipe: Barley Risotto
From The Barn's cookbook Try this comforting and tasty dish - just right for colder, darker nights. Says Barn Manager… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: The Venerable Canda
The Venerable Canda - who is leading the Love To Break All Boundaries: Metta retreat - focuses on kindness and letting go… Find out more...
Recipe: warming Winter stew
Feeding your mind and heart in winter - from Sharpham cook Janet It is the time of the year to nourish ourselves with thick… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - approaching the year's end
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton The year's end is in sight Approaching the shortest… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - working in The Barn's gardens
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns, who also cares for the gardens at The Barn… Find out more...
We are awarded National Lottery funding to restore nature
The Sharpham Trust has been awarded £177,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make more space for wildlife… Find out more...
Recipe: Parsnip & chestnut soup with porcini
Parsnip & chestnut soup with porcini mushrooms - from Sharpham cook Janet A deep-tasting winter soup that warms and… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - last year's achievements and this year's plans
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Garden achievements...and aspirations! Winter is… Find out more...
Poem: by Simon Lamb, Barn retreatant
I think I’ve rather fallen for the River Dart. This priceless stretch, from Totnes to the Trust, where time and type… Find out more...
Recipe: Chocolate & Apricot Brownies
From The Barn's cookbook A delicious sweet treat that can be made vegan or gluten-free easily, using equivalents. Buy… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Vajradevi
Vajradevi - who is leading the Pathways to the Beautiful Mind retreat - has been strongly influenced by the receptive and… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - a gardener on retreat
Welcome to the latest garden news-post with our Apprentice Gardener Amy Cairns, who also cares for the gardens at The Barn… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - building walls and staying sharp at Sharpham
Welcome to the latest news-post with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Busy building walls and staying sharp at Sharpham… Find out more...
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Poem: by Erica, recipient from our Bursary Fund
Mindfulness to me Living in the past is yesterday’s news...it can’t be changed...it’s become second hand!!… Find out more...
Recipe: Beetroot, walnut & lentil burgers
Beetroot, walnut & lentil burgers - from Sharpham cook Janet When I first started making lentil and walnut burgers I… Find out more...
The mystery of 'the Sharpham egg' is solved!
We reveal the person who laid the Sharpham egg! The mystery of the Sharpham Egg has been solved! A cairn of carefully piled… Find out more...
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Update from The Sharpham Trust
Hear FIRST about Sharpham Trust retreats and events 14 July 2021 update Trust Director Julian Carnell says: The Government plans… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - ensuring a good start for salads
Welcome to the latest Sharpham gardening news with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton Here, she shares her tips for pricking… Find out more...
Noticing Nature...continuing
Nature continues... Our beautiful trees and plants are flowering around Sharpham - even though few of us can see them...… Find out more...
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Poem: by retreatant Nicole
Silence at Sharpham Whispered, softly in the breeze Drifting to the the valley floor Solace echoes through the leaves, The… Find out more...
Recipe: Moroccan-style chickpeas with couscous
From The Barn's cookbook Buy The Barn Cookbook here A vegan, non-dairy main meal that's hearty and delicious! Ingredients… Find out more...
Hedgehogs & other animals caught on camera
Thrilling images of animals and birds have been caught on camera on the Sharpham Estate, near Totnes, South Devon. … Find out more...
Recipe: Beetroot, carrot & apple salad
Beetroot, carrot & apple salad, with a lime, coconut & ginger dressing - from Sharpham cook Janet This is a fresh… Find out more...
Sharpham Trust receives National Lottery support to help address the impact of Covid-19 on heritage
The Sharpham Trust has received £50,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the charity weather the current… Find out more...
Surveying the land & its wildlife as Sharpham rewilding project begins
Animals and plants on the Sharpham Estate near Totnes have been measured, counted and filmed this year – to build… Find out more...
New Trustee for The Sharpham Trust
The Sharpham Trust welcomes a new Trustee: Julie Richardson. Julie previously worked at Schumacher College on the Dartington… Find out more...
Septuagenarian helps us with our 18th century Coach Yard
Francis Sparks is still roofing - at the age of 77! His expertise in old techniques of slate roofing was needed when we… Find out more...
New book out by Sharpham Trust forager!
The Sharpham Trust’s resident forager has her first book out. Brigit-Anna McNeill’s Bloom & Thrive is out… Find out more...
Eavesdropping on bats - and seeing stars!
Nature lovers listened in on Lesser Horseshoe bats leaving their roost at Sharpham. Then, later they were able to zoom in… Find out more...
New faces at the Barn
The Barn has some new people on the team! Two of our three new Volunteer Coordinators at The Barn first came to us as retreatants.… Find out more...
Our dear friend and colleague Peter Mallard
It is with grief and gratitude for a life well-lived that we let you know that Peter Mallard passed away on Tuesday 22 September… Find out more...
We receive lifeline grant from Government
The Sharpham Trust is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from… Find out more...
Our gardener contributes to exquisite calendar
After the success of last year's calendar, Bryony Middleton our Head Gardener has once again teamed up with her sister… Find out more...
Autumn Cohort at Ambios
Written by Autumn 2020 Ambios trainee Hester: One good thing about a global pandemic – if you’re joining an… Find out more...
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All Souls' Day - a poem
Let's go our old way by the stream, and kick the leaves as we always did, to make the rhythm of breaking waves. This… Find out more...
The Green Hill - a book involving Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground
A memoir with a title inspired by Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground is the subject of a book-publishing… Find out more...
Footage of a nocturnal visitor to Sharpham Meadow
We've managed to capture footage of a beautiful, silent, night-time visitor to Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground.… Find out more...
Positive news from our Director
Dear all, As we approach the end of January we are all perhaps in need of some positive news: but the vaccine roll-out… Find out more...
Sharpham Estate on national TV!
The Sharpham Estate features on national television tomorrow night, as ITV's Julia Bradbury continues her series Cornwall… Find out more...
Our rewilding project 1 year on - and World Rewilding Day
More birds and insects have been recorded just ONE year into a South Devon rewilding project backed by the National Lottery… Find out more...
Woolly pigs help to rewild Sharpham
Two new guests on the Sharpham Estate are helping to rewild farmland with their rooting and snuffling. A pair of Mangalitsa… Find out more...
Charity invests £1.6million in a new retreat venue at Sharpham
The Sharpham Trust is investing £1.6 million to convert a stable yard behind Sharpham House to a new centre for mindfulness… Find out more...
Building works - Trust statement
From Julian Carnell, Director The Sharpham Trust has embarked on the renovation of the coachyard behind Sharpham House with… Find out more...
Meet our new Chair
In Kindly Curiosity - Daniel Stokes Daniel Stokes has taken over from William Lana as Chair of The Sharpham Trust (read… Find out more...
Pig mess left behind...
Our wonderful woolly pigs have now left Home Farm and what a wonderful job they have done, writes Simon Roper, Director… Find out more...
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Trust Chair stands down after 10 years
We have a new Chair of The Sharpham Trust. Daniel Stokes has taken over from William Lana, who has stepped down… Find out more...
NEW! Free plant spotter sheet available
A free, downloadable spotter sheet that helps you identify plants is being offered by The Sharpham Trust as part of the… Find out more...
Recipe: Cucumber & Rose Salad
Make your own rose vinegar at this time of the year Now is the time of year to create a fragrant vinegar for salad dressings… Find out more...
Foraging - gathering Nettle seeds
Welcome to the latest piece by our resident forager Brigit-Anna McNeill. Here she talks about finding and using the power… Find out more...
Wild for People podcasts by nature writer Alice
Alice Hughes is one of the London Library’s 2019 Emerging Writers and has an MA in Creative Writing from Goldsmiths… Find out more...
Meet the Conservation Ranger!
A new Conservation Ranger is in post on the Sharpham Estate. Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding, Phil Wilson… Find out more...
Volunteering on our rewilding project
Jane Halliday has volunteered on our rewilding project Wild for People and will be visiting the 50 acres of farmland that… Find out more...
The renovation of our Percy Cane garden
The grounds surrounding Sharpham House are officially taste-full now that they’ve been reworked as a tea-garden. Thanks… Find out more...
We are officially quality!
We've finally received our Quality Assurance Mark plaque, after earning it earlier this year. Jane Bray, of South Hams… Find out more...
Introducing Antony, our new cook
Our new cook has been here just a matter of weeks and is already garnering some great reviews for his food. Antony Wall… Find out more...
Recipe: Beetroot Borani
A recipe from our cook, Antony Bryony, the head gardener at Sharpham, has been growing some lovely beetroots this year. … Find out more...
Update from The Sharpham Trust
Updated 13 April 2022 Updated 13 April 2022 Levels of the virus are still high and the safety of our staff and guests is… Find out more...
The new Guy!
Guy Clarke has swapped a busy life as a videographer in dance music for the tranquillity of Sharpham. He lived and worked… Find out more...
260 species recorded in 24-hour BioBlitz on rewilding land at Sharpham
260 different plants and animals have been spotted, identified and recorded in the first ever BioBlitz on rewilding land… Find out more...
We join The Festival of Discovery at The Eden Project
Representatives of the rewilding happening on the Sharpham Estate are taking part in a virtual Eden Project event alongside… Find out more...
Meet Lindsay
Lindsay Alderton has made good on a promise to serve at Sharpham as a Volunteer Barn Coordinator. In 2019 she was diagnosed… Find out more...
Woolly grazers on our rewilding fields
The woolly pigs are back at Sharpham – and this time they’re joined by woolly cows! Animals have been introduced… Find out more...
Recipe: roast squash with tahini and dukkah
A recipe from our cook, Antony This is a simple version of a dish that I do many versions of. Often, I'll add other… Find out more...
Our former gardener visited!
A former gardener met the present one on a recent visit to Sharpham. Ben Pike worked here from around 1999, planting… Find out more...
Recipe: Coconut Porridge
A recipe from our Sharpham House cookbook Need a warming breakfast? Try this take on a bowl of porridge, from our Sharpham… Find out more...
We've launched our new retreat venue The Coach House!
The daughter of the founders of Sharpham Trust, Claire Ash Wheeler, formally opened the charity’s Coach House retreat… Find out more...
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Musical Martha is here!
Recently returned Barn Coordinator Martha is perfectly pitched to help Barn retreatants. Musician Martha will be supporting… Find out more...
The Sharpham Estate is now fully organic
The Sharpham Estate outside Totnes in South Devon is now fully organic. It means that Sharpham’s farmland will be… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - how our Coach House gardeners have been doing
Welcome to the latest Sharpham gardening news with our Head Gardener Frances Tophill (maternity cover for Bryony Middleton)… Find out more...
Recipe: Kiwi Fool
A recipe from our cook, Antony This recipe is super simple and easily adaptable to other fruit, although some will benefit… Find out more...
Year Two of our rewilding project
Nature is returning to farmland on The Sharpham Estate, which is now officially organic! Thanks to funding from the National… Find out more...
Meet Holly Stoppit!
Our newest Barn Volunteer Coordinator will definitely make you smile. Say hi to Holly Stoddart, or Holly Stoppit as… Find out more...
Sharpham Wine & Sandridge Barton
After several years in the planning, and following the retirement of its previous owner, Sharpham Wine has been bought by… Find out more...
Growing Awareness - we've got famous faces for gardeners!
Our new-ish gardeners Frances and Chloe have been at Sharpham for a few months now, so after letting them get to know the… Find out more...
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Poem: by retreatant Julie
First Day Reflections I sat beside the water’s edge and gazed upon the scene; the river floating silently beside a… Find out more...
Weeds on our rewilding fields?
Lots of nettles, thistles and docks have appeared on our rewilding fields and some people have commented on this, so… Find out more...
Our [email protected] Initiative is now CLOSED
THIS INITIATIVE IS NOW CLOSED AFTER HIGH DEMAND We have given away 40 FREE retreats to mark our 40th year – simultaneously… Find out more...
NEW 12 month residential horticulture training at Sharpham
Live, work and train in regenerative land methods at Sharpham. The Sharpham Trust is offering up to three residential year-long… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Steve Banks
Sharpham retreat leader Steve Banks is also an accomplished musician and composer. As well as appearing at several… Find out more...
Our Annual Report and a message from our Chairman
From our Chair of Trustees, Daniel Stokes Despite the continued challenges of Covid that we encountered last year, The Trust… Find out more...
Poem: by Barn retreatant Pete
Ballad of the undrying towel I faced the undrying towel this week A quest of which I cannot speak When first this task came… Find out more...
New mural in Barn's library
The bare wall of the Barn's library has grown artistically, thanks to the artistry of a retreatant. Rose Somerset created… Find out more...
In Kindly Curiosity: Clare McCarthy
Clare McCarthy is a Barn Coordinator and former nurse and midwife, bringing her caring, counselling experience to the… Find out more...
We welcome our regenerative gardeners!
We welcome three garden trainees to Sharpham, who will be here for the next year learning regenerative horticulture techniques.… Find out more...
Poem: by Barn retreatant Patrick
Beautiful Soul(s) Each day the wren rendezvoused with the robin who called to the the tawny owl who informed the fox (what… Find out more...
Poem: by Barn retreatant John
Charlie's Wholemeal Loaves Flour, born of Earth Weighed down with Water Pushed to a giving solidity Rising with warmth… Find out more...
New Barn Coordinator Ben
Hello Ben! We welcome Ben Murray to join the team of Volunteer Coordinators at The Barn. Ben, 36, has been interested… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Rupert Marques
Rupert Marques has a deep Insight Meditation practice spanning 25 years and leads retreats at Sharpham, as well as… Find out more...
Artistic retreatant draws you into Sharpham
A retreatant created an absorbing and often funny illustrated journal of her experience on retreat in Sharpham House.… Find out more...
Retreat leader Rupert writes in new wild book!
Sharpham retreat leader Rupert Marques has written a thrilling wilderness chapter in a new book out this month. Rupert,… Find out more...
New faces at The Coach House
We welcome Rachel and Nicky to The Coach House as our newest Volunteer Coordinators. Rachel joined the team in January,… Find out more...
BOOK EXTRACT: Peace In Every Step
Our team select various books that feature in our libraries at Sharpham House, The Barn and The Coach House. Lots of the… Find out more...
With Kindly Curiosity: Ollie Frame
Ollie Frame works as a co-leader on our Mindful-in-Nature programme at Sharpham, for which he has produced a large range… Find out more...
Recipe: Vegan chocolate & avocado mousse
A recipe from Coach House cook, Wendy This delicious vegan dessert has been delighting participants in The Coach House and… Find out more...
Our Mindful-in-Nature project continues
We've been awarded further funding so that our ground-breaking mental health and nature project can continue.… Find out more...
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BOOK EXTRACT: When Things Fall Apart
Our team select various books that feature in our libraries at Sharpham House, The Barn and The Coach House. Lots of the… Find out more...
