Spring Creative Retreat

A day of nature, creative exploration & new beginnings

Saturday 24 April 2027 · 10:30am–4:30pm · Findon, West Sussex

Early-bird tickets are now available.

Spring is a time of beginnings. The days are getting longer, the woodland is waking up, and there’s that lovely feeling of possibility in the air — of things beginning to grow and ideas beginning to take shape.

Spring 27, I’m inviting you to step away from the usual busyness of life and spend a day immersed in nature, creativity and a little bit of playful experimentation.

Held on an ancient wooded hillside in West Sussex, this is a relaxed, intimate day for anyone who wants to reconnect with their creativity without the pressure of having to be “good at art”. You don't need to be an artist, and you don't need any previous experience. You just need to be willing to explore.

A day of creative exploration:

Throughout the day, we’ll use the woodland and the changing season as inspiration for a series of creative activities. We'll create a collaborative artwork, explore the woodland on a nature walk and record our finds, and experiment with body-led intuitive artwork using natural materials.

We'll finish the day with a hands-on pottery activity inspired by spring and the ancient Green Man. You'll create your own organic clay Green Man, building foliage around the face and using real leaves to create natural impressions and textures in the clay.

Your Green Man will then come home with me after the retreat to dry slowly before being fired, glazed and fired again. The finished pieces will be ready approximately 4–6 weeks after the retreat. Once your piece is ready, I can post it to you for an additional £6 postage charge, payable after the retreat, or you are welcome to collect it from Lancing, West Sussex.

The activities are designed to encourage curiosity rather than perfection — to help you follow an idea, try something unexpected and see where the process takes you. There will also be time to simply wander, notice, breathe and take inspiration from the woodland itself.

And, as with all of my retreats, there will be no expectation that you need to create something perfect. This is about the experience of making it.

What's included:

🌿 A full day of guided creative activities in the woodland

🎨 All creative materials and equipment

🌱 Your own handmade Green Man clay plaque, finished by me after the retreat

🔥 Firing and glazing of your Green Man

🍵 Herbal tea throughout the day

🌳 Time to explore and enjoy the woodland setting

🤍 A small, relaxed and supportive group

✨ Plenty of encouragement to experiment, play and create without pressure

A small, welcoming group

I intentionally keep these retreats small so that they feel personal and relaxed rather than like a large workshop. You don't need to arrive knowing anyone else, and you don't need to consider yourself a “creative person”. Come on your own, come with a friend, or come simply because you feel like you need a day away from everything else. Everyone is welcome.

A note about the setting

This is an outdoor retreat held in an ancient woodland on a hillside in West Sussex.We'll be outside for all of the day, so please come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground.

A packed lunch is included in your own preparations for the day, I'll provide herbal tea and all creative materials. The retreat will go ahead in typical British spring weather, but in the event of severe weather that makes the day unsafe, an alternative date will be arranged.

Who is this retreat for?

 This retreat is for anyone who feels drawn to nature, creativity and taking time to slow down.

 It is perfect if you are seeking:

 🌿 A chance to reconnect with your creativity

🌿 Time away from busy everyday life

🌿 A supportive and welcoming creative space

🌿 An opportunity to play, experiment and try something new

🌿 A deeper connection with the natural world

You do not need to consider yourself “artistic” — creativity belongs to everyone

Pricing

🐦 Early Bird Ticket — £85

 A limited number of early-bird tickets are available. Once these have sold, standard tickets will be released.

🌿 Standard Ticket — £95

Practical Details

🍂 Date: Saturday 24th April 2026

🍂 Location: Wild Heart Hill, Findon, West Sussex

🍂 Time: 10:30 - 4:30

The retreat is intentionally kept small, creating a relaxed and supportive space where everyone has time to create, connect and enjoy the experience.

🔹️The retreat is completely outdoors and takes place in all weather; please come prepared with layers and waterproof clothing.

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🔹️In the case of heavy rain or strong winds, the facilitator may postpone the day for safety. In this event, you will be offered a new date or a full refund.

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🔹️The venue is a rustic, outdoor setting on a hillside. There will be some moderate walking on narrow paths — please wear suitable footwear and consider accessibility before booking.

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🔹️All creative materials for the day.

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🔹️What to Bring: Packed lunch, comfortable, practical, clothing that you don't mind getting messy, (some of the materials we will be using with may stain), weather appropriate layers, waterproofs, sturdy footwear, water bottle

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🔹️Participants bring their own packed lunch and water bottle; herbal tea, will be available and included in the price.

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🔹️The venue is accessed by car (or bike). There's parking, and toilet facilities, available on site.

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Please note: Any cancellations must be made before 30 days of the date of the event in order to receive a refund. I will be unable to offer a refund within 30 days of the event date.