Samhain Woodland Retreat (7-10th Nov. 2024)

The Celtic festival of Samhain is traditionally the time that marks the end of Summer and the end of the harvest season. It also signals the beginning of Winter and preparation for the colder, darker months, which for many can bring greater challenge (not least to keep warm). Spend this Celtic festival with us and give yourself a long weekend in the magic of Hazel Hill Wood and sink into our embodied selves and our relationship with the earth.  

Our time will be deeply restful and nourishing, though we are not here simply to receive; rather to appreciate we are a part of this living system and to take part, offering gifts in lively reciprocity whilst we are together, be that our music, deep listening or conservation work in the wood. From this place we might inquire more broadly, ‘what’s being called for around and within me?’ and cultivate a more connected, ecologically placed sense of being in the world.

Musically we will enjoy and work with the rhythms of West Africa, sharing traditional drum patterns to support us grounding into our bodies and bringing greater awareness to our innate rhythm and unity. We will also share simple songs and harmonies around the fire to reconnect to our hearts and celebrate the joy of being alive in this world.

We will ritualise our move towards winter on our final evening together, around the light and warmth of our Heartwood fire, bringing together all that we have practised and explored, feeling into what the winter months could incubate and hold for us. It can be a potent and profound way to energise our inner and outer work. 

No previous experience is required to access this work. 

‘The Beltane Retreat amidst the beautiful surroundings of Hazel Hill Woods was a rich, multi-layered deep dive into our profound connections with Earth, her people and her animals, combining music and nature immersion with meditation and community. Facilitators Jake and her son Morgan held the weekend with a mix of approaches that blended spirituality and grace with humour and earthiness! I emerged, nourished and resourced’ - Bel Jacobs, writer and speaker on climate justice, animal rights and new fashion systems.

The offering:

• 70 acres of magical private woodland 

• Daily sharing circles

• Guided drumming sessions

• Group singing time

• Guided deep ecology practices

• Embodied meditations

• Conservation work

• Healthy, delicious, plant-based food

• Evening fire circles

• Fireside stories

• Samhain ritual

• Space for rest and reflection

• Off grid, sustainable accommodation

• Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon

Facilitators:

Jake is a gestalt psychotherapist and coaching psychologist who has been creating space for nature, self and community connections for many years, including at Hazel Hill Wood where she is a Trustee. She is also co-founder of Leading Through Storms CIC, an organisation dedicated to transforming our restless energies into spirited acts of leadership fit for these times.

Morgan is a teacher and musician who brings his study of global rhythms and dynamic, interpersonal processes to a range of cultures, ages and communities. He also works as a coming of age mentor for young men, closely linked with the ethos of A Band of Brothers and The Mankind Project. Additionally, he works as a Forest School Leader with young children in London, bringing together natural processes and music in an urban environment.

Information

Hazel Hill wood is a magical 70 acre private woodland, with beautiful off-grid buildings, cosy bedrooms and an enchanting mixture of beautiful outdoor spaces suffused with spirit for quiet reflection, gathering around a fire, celebration, sanctuary and healing. 

The food we eat is an important part of the retreat. All meals will be vegan and – to the extent possible – locally sourced and organic. This is a conscious retreat and will be drug and alcohol free.

The fee for this residential retreat includes all food and drink and single or shared room accommodation. Please indicate your preference on the booking form. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Single room cost - £560 

Shared room up to 2 - £460 

Shared room up to 4 - £400 

The retreat will take place between 7th and 10th of November. We will begin on Thursday evening for a shared dinner and welcome greeting and close the retreat after lunch on Sunday.

Please note, you will be required to bring your own bedding & towels. A reminder and other important information about staying at the wood will follow nearer the time.

To secure your place please complete the online booking form and transfer the deposit as per instructions on the form.

To express interest in our retreats, or if you have any questions, please contact Jake via email at jake@apodltd.com.

“I loved the wood, such a perfect, peaceful, magical oasis and the accommodation was great, beautiful, simple and off grid - very inspiring. Amazing food, amazing drumming taught so well and  so powerful when out in the wood and around the fire. The singing surprised me as I’m not a singer, but it was beautiful and bonding and really helped to pull the group together. The sharing circles were key to it all, the depth of connection we found - and great to learn and experience deep ecology - thank you!”  - Liz

“Thank you for such a beautiful, wholesome weekend. I'm left feeling connected, energised and with a sense of possibility. You're both great, and I'm grateful that I could be there at the genesis of your 'working' relationship. Hoping this wasn't the last time and that you'll continue to work together, holding these fantastic retreats.” - Dora

"The retreat was full of such lovely things, but I most fondly remember the songs we sang together under the tree canopy, the drums we played at night, and the beautiful sharings around the fire. Jake and Morgan and Hazel Wood create a space where soulful things can happen organically, and in my experience, they very much do.” - Dave