Forest based therapeutic residential in Devon:

The 4-5 May 2024 residential is postponed. New dates will be available soon!

A 24-hour, facilitated, therapeutic immersion in a woodland setting in Devon, exploring mental health through nature connection, with a social justice lens.

We will spend 24 hours together in a forest setting in Devon, attending to our mental health in a way that is sensitive to wider systems of oppression and privilege.

By connecting with nature and participating in facilitated discussions about our place in the world and with each other, the weekend will provide the opportunity to develop a more embodied sense of our interdependence with the rest of life.

Spending time in nature can improve physical and emotional wellbeing and has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health difficulties.

What to expect

We will meet at The Rainbow Retreat, a stunning forest setting in Devon.

In between sharing food and camping together, therapists Lee & Katherine will guide participants to

  • connect with the wider ecosystem
  • connect with one another
  • participate in facilitated discussions about our place in the world and with each other.

All transport, food and camping facilities provided. We will send a kit list when you sign up. We will assist with anything you can’t bring with you.

Facilitators

Katherine

Katherine

I am an integrative relational therapist. I believe that psychological pain is often about disconnection and that we are enriched and healed through reconnection with ourselves, with one another and with the natural world

Lee

Lee

I am an integrative therapeutic counsellor who helps people explore their relationship with themselves, others, and the world around them. My training allows me to use different approaches to empower people to heal from their psychological distress and trauma. As well as creative therapeutic writing, storytelling, and traditional talk therapy I work with our innate connection to the natural world to bring people into contact with their own power to heal themselves.

Practical information

Location

The Rainbow Retreat, Nadderwater, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2JH

Arrival & departure

We will gather at 12pm on Saturday 4th May at The Rainbow Retreat, Nadderwater, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2JH.

Park at the venue or let us know if you’d like a lift from Exeter St David’s train station a little beforehand.

We’ll depart at 12pm on Sunday 5th May.

Accommodation

Camping on site on the night of Saturday 4th May. We will send a kit list when you sign up. We will assist with anything you can’t bring with you. Alternatively there are other accommodation providers nearby – email Katherine to discuss your needs.

Accessibility

This event is open to those over 16 years. Carers, interpreters, PAs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Participants will need to be able to walk short distances over uneven ground. There are 1-2 steps into the cooking and bathroom areas. Seating is available.

Dietary needs can be accommodated.

We will send a kit list when you sign up, and assist with anything you can’t bring with you.

Please contact Katherine to arrange a chat about your particular access needs. If you have access needs which we cannot accommodate at this venue, please do still contact us as we will use your feedback to improve accessibility in the future.

Cost

We have deliberately costed this weekend with the potential to pay it on. As soon as we have raised sufficient funds from this weekend workshop, we will be providing similar groups free of charge or at minimal cost to those with experience of homelessness or precarious housing.

We know that many people with privilege want to make spaces more accessible and hope you will feel able to pay what is possible.

  • £185 This is the minimum cost to cover our expenses

  • £370 This is sufficient to make the opportunity available to someone without means

  • £370++ This enables us to invest in equipment (tents & sleeping bags) for participants who cannot afford them

All profit from the chargeable groups will fund an equivalent offering for people in London and Devon who experience housing precarity. These weekends will both give people who experience multiple social oppressions an opportunity for time immersed in nature and with each other. 

What's included

All transport, food and camping facilities provided. We will send a kit list when you sign up. We will assist with anything you can’t bring with you.

I'm interested in joining

Please email Katherine and we will arrange a 1:1 conversation with you to answer any questions and for you to tell us a bit about you.

I’m interested but not sure

Please feel free to email Katherine and she or Lee can chat through any questions with you, with absolutely no pressure to sign up.

Get in touch

Please sign up for our occasional newsletter if you’d like to receive seasonal herb profiles, recipes, support with navigating change and systemic challenges, invitations to connect with the seasons, and info on our upcoming events.

Katherine (therapist):

kvcoxtherapy@gmail.com

I mostly work Tuesdays-Thursdays and some weekends

Roses (herbalist & embodiment facilitator):

hello@rosesherbal.com

I mostly work Mondays-Thursdays

Training enquiries:

hello@fireweedcollective.org.uk