UNWIND IN THE WOODS retreat
​A DAY OF WHITTLING AND MEDITATION

Back in 2026
​10:00 - 15:30
Tutor: Jonathan Huet
Hot drinks and campfire cooked lunch included

'The day had such a warm and inclusive atmosphere.  I felt nurtured and supported and very, very chilled by the end of it.  I was so grateful to have a room booked at the lodge because it was a perfect end to a lovely day.'

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   This course:

• Supports people's wellbeing
• Connects people with nature
• Uses natural sustainable materials

​ABOUT THE COURSE

Combining meditation and an introduction to basic whittling techniques, this workshop will give you the time and space to get away from a hectic everyday life and connect with nature.

In the morning you will immerse yourself in learning the skill of whittling and carve your own spatula to take home with you.  Following a warming campfire cooked lunch, you will visit one of our yurts for a meditation session incorporating woodland folklore.

The afternoon will begin with a story based on the Mythology of the British Isles which will work as an aid for meditation as well as creating an ideal atmosphere to explore our inner worlds.  Gentle meditation will help create a peaceful place within and awaken vital energy within you that will aid well being by connecting with earth energies. This will be followed by a healing cup of herbal tea and contemplative exercises to nurture our inner worlds. We will look at how we can work more closely with nature in meditation discovering how wild animals and trees can aid us in that learning.
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The day is designed to leave you with a feeling of peace and calm, that whittling and time spent in nature can bring. 

​THE COURSE WILL COVER

• Skills to use a knife safely for whittling and knowledge about green woodwork
• Confidence to carve your own spatula
• Experience of the de-stressing ability of the forest and a day of ‘digital detox’
• Nature-based storytelling to aid meditation 
• Nature-based meditation practices​ based on the traditions of the land
• Healing cup of herbal tea and contemplative exercises
• Connect with the healing knowledge of wild animals and plants

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR

• The course is designed for anyone wishing to unwind from the stress of modern life and reconnect with the natural environment.
• No previous whittling experience is needed, but some manual dexterity and strength is required.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR

• Suitable clothing for being outdoors in the woods - warm layers and waterproofs
• Sturdy footwear
• For the meditation/storytelling session in the yurt please bring a blanket and a cushion. We have wooden chairs for seating in the yurt, you are welcome to bring your own camping-style folding chair for comfort​

ABOUT THE TUTOR

​Jonathon Huet is a woodsman, Shamanic practitioner, naturalist and bushcraft instructor. He is a creative, professional storyteller and speaker who is trained in Bushcraft, Woodcraft and Expedition Leadership. Over the last 30 years he has researched and studied the folklore of the natural world of the British Isles running many workshops exploring the deep spiritual practices rooted in the sister islands of Britain and Ireland. His practice is based on full inclusivity working with trauma, mental health and wellbeing.  For the past seven years he has trained with Caitlín Matthews and other teachers on the Walkers Between Worlds Shamanic Training Programme which has deepened his  connection even further to nature and his ancestral lands.                                www.walkwithtrees.com

Check Out Accommodation 

You can get 10% discount when you stay in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.