Step into the magic of the Spring Equinox with a deeply restorative mini retreat in the enchanting private woodland at Hever Castle. As the earth awakens and new life begins to emerge, this is a powerful time to pause, reflect, and align with the energy of the season.
This special half-day retreat will guide you through gentle nature connection practices, a deeply immersive Sound Bath, and moments of stillness and intention setting around the campfire, allowing you to feel grounded, refreshed, and ready to embrace the shift into lighter days.
Places are limited and cost £65pp inc food and beverage
GIFT VOUCHERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT SEE BELOW.
Join Tansy Dowman and Rachael Strachan for this powerful mini-retreat that will include some grounding Forest Bathing and gentle Qigong Breathwork to create a meaningful connection with Mother Earth. A gentle exploration of the Equinox and its symbolism with poetry and intention setting to begin your own journey to flourish, and a delicious mug of soup with fresh bread and sweet treats to enjoy around the fire. Then we will all surrender into a deeply relaxing sound bath experience to let the day sink in and allow our intentions to take root.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will begin with a gentle and simple Qigong session where I will guide you through a series of warm-up exercises and Qigong movements that will all be done in a standing position. Qigong is all about fluidity and flow and does not require a certain technique to practice. It is deeply relaxing and enjoyable and will create a wonderful connection to your body and the present moment.
During the forest bathing, you will be invited to connect with Nature through a variety of simple exercises or reflections. This usually involves participants spending time quietly sitting or standing and observing the environment around them. As the guide, I share the principles and insights of the practice and will weave in the theme of the Spring Equinox to explore light and dark and find that resting peace within us. I invite you to try simple sensory exercises. The forest is very much the therapist and what people see, feel, and experience is unique to the individual. Some exercises are quiet and introspective whilst others are more fun and playful.
Around the fire I will guide a gentle meditation and share some poetry and music, giving you the chance to turn inwards and explore what might need shedding from your life and what new seeds could be planted with the potential to flourish in the New Year.
To end the day we will all enjoy a beautiful outdoor sound bath held by Sound Healer Rachel Strachan. Where you can surrender into the moment and enjoy the wonderful feeling of being completely immersed in Nature while going on a beautiful sound journey that will resonate through your body and mind, allowing the day to fully sink into your being.
There are opportunities to share insights and observations but this is not expected or forced.
Places are limited as group sizes are kept small. The space at Hever is very flat and the distance covered is short because the focus is on slowing down and paying attention. This makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No previous experience in mindfulness, Qigong, forest bathing or sound healing is required. All are welcome.
Please note the nearest toilets to the space are a 10 min walk away at the Golf Club. This is where we meet so you have an opportunity to use the facilities and once in the woodland we usually go wild.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
SCHEDULE
09:45am - Meet at parking location which is provided upon booking
10:00am - Mini Retreat Commences with Qigong & Forest Bathing
12:30pm - Lunch served around the fire
1:00pm - Meditation, Poetry & Intention Setting with Fireside Ritual
1:30pm - Sound Bath Journey
3:00pm - Closing Circle Gratitude & Reflection
3:30pm - Mini Retreat Ends
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
For Forest Bathing
Sensible, warm and comfortable clothes and supportive shoes
Waterproof jacket advisable in case of light showers
Water to stay hydrated
A Blanket for extra warmth and sitting round the fire.
I will provide a light lunch and snacks but you are welcome to bring additional
I provide a waterproof sit mat and have ponchos for extra coverage if you wish.
For the Sound Bath
Yoga Mat or similar
Sleeping Bag & or Blankets - The cosier the better!
Pillow
Eye Mask
In every retreat and workshop, I have held, I am always deeply grateful to see a look of peace and contentment on the faces of the participants as they leave the forest. In our fast-paced lives, we rarely get the chance to find this kind of tranquillity and connection and it can be a very moving and comforting experience.
BOOKING INFO
£65 PER PERSON INC FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
You can book your place via the button below.
When you book you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a health and safety form. You will also receive a reminder email a few days before the event.
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gifting someone with a wellbeing experience not only gives them that much-needed time out to rest and recharge. It also leaves them with a lasting memory of joy and contentment.
Gift vouchers are available for all my events including this one. You must specify which date you wish to book when purchasing as I am unable to hold spaces for these events.
“I did not expect to have such a powerful experience with Forest Bathing. I enjoy being in Nature and well-being so was curious to try and it definitely delivered. I felt so incredibly calm and at peace. I completely lost track of time and got lost in the moment. Tansy was very friendly and professional and lead us on a magical journey. I will definitely be back!”
— Vanessa - Sevenoaks
About Tansy Jane Dowman
Tansy is a People Walker and Nature Connector. She believes deeply that connection to Mother Nature is a direct pathway of reconnection with your soul, your inner wild self and your true nature. As a certified Shinrin Yoku Guide and Natural Mindfulness Teacher, she is driven by a purpose to reignite our relationship with this majestic planet we inhabit. To return to our place of origin and discover a sense of belonging that is waiting for us when we are ready to acknowledge and embrace our deeper connection to the wild.
Also an outdoor empowerment coach for women, Tansy walks alongside her clients on their journey of personal evolution. Nature connection is at the core of her work, her passion, even her name which is a wildflower.
Tansy holds a variety of workshops, retreats and walks all centred around finding a connection to Nature and the self.
About RACHEL
Rachel Strachan is a Reiki Master and Sound Healer dedicated to helping people transform their lives through energy healing, mindset coaching, and holistic wellness. With a compassionate and intuitive approach, Rachel specialises in supporting individuals on their journey of emotional healing, personal growth, and self-empowerment.
Combining the gentle yet powerful practice of Reiki with the vibrational healing of sound therapy, Rachel helps clients release emotional blockages, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of balance and clarity. She works with people from all walks of life, including those navigating trauma, grief, and self-sabotage, guiding them toward a healthier mindset and a lifestyle they love.
Through one-on-one sessions, group sound baths, and mobile healing services, Rachel provides a safe and nurturing space for deep transformation. Whether you’re seeking energetic alignment, emotional resilience, or simply a moment of peace, Rachel’s work is designed to restore harmony to mind, body, and spirit. www.reikihealingsurrey.co.uk instagram: @re_balancehealing
About Hever
This retreat will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
Tickets
Places are limited and cost £65pp