The Rainforest Retreat, Cornwall, 5th to 9th May 2025

Come with me to Cabilla Cornwall on a journey back in time as we explore the temperate rainforest of Cornwall.

For the first time I am offering a fully immersive escape into nature, allow yourself to fully switch off and take a break from the busyness of the world by stepping into the Rainforest retreat where the focus is on our surroundings.

This retreat promises to be beautifully creative and nourishing, allowing you to rest, recharge and reset, giving you the chance to open yourself to the vibrancy of a temperate rainforest.

The details

Cabilla Cornwall is home to a rare Temperate Rainforest - our richest and most complex terrestrial habitat in the United Kingdom. Temperate rainforests and ancient woodlands are home to more biodiversity and threatened species than any other. Centuries of undisturbed soils and accumulated decaying wood have created the perfect place for communities of fungi and invertebrates to thrive – plus, other specialist species of insects birds, and mammals strongly rely on them for survival.

This wonderful environment teems with life, sound, smells, it is full of texture and is eerily mysterious. Just being surround by the woodland brings a sense of calm, slowing down the way you experience the gentle force of nature as it envelops you, and holds you gently captive to the creative unfolding of ideas it offers.

Cabilla is also an official ancient oak woodland – defined as ‘an area of land where there has been a continuous cover of trees since 1600’, which currently makes up only 2% of British woodland. We will explore the woodland in a mindful, gentle way, becoming part of the landscape rather than shooting or capturing the spirit of Cabilla we will receive what it offers us uniquely.

Woodland photography is challenging as you unravel the chaos  to find the simplicity that calls to you. Every ancient woodland is filled with life, but there is a moment when the air is filled with magic and mystery, even the birds seem to pause in their song. This is the moment when photographs are made, during the pause at top of the breath, the space between heartbeats, a moment of silence when  the artist becomes part of the landscape, their soul becoming one with an ancient muse.

For the photographer silence and stillness are essential to allow the overwhelm often associated with woodland photography, but it is in the secret overlooked places where beauty lies waiting too be discovered, and held before being printed and made tangible in a beautiful book.

Every photograph made in this way is visual poetry, the work of ancient guides sharing something unique with each person. No two photographers will feel the same way in and about this space. Not only will we make photographs but also rubbings and imprints of the trees, which we will make into beautiful books that you can take away with you.

One of the most beneficial ways to experience our rainforest is through forest bathing, otherwise known as shinrin-yoku – the practice of mindfully spending time in woodland.  It is the perfect antidote to tech burnout and reconnect with nature. The practice of mindful photography in this ancient woodland will encourage you to tune into the  elements of nature with your senses, being present in the moment and quietening the mind. We will have a guided  forest walks for you to experience, to suit all abilities. Spending time in a forest or woodland environment allows you to absorb Phytoncides - airborne essential oils that provide a natural immunity boost.

Should you wish to join in you can enjoy the benefits of wild bathing, immersing yourself in the pools that make up the delightful River Bedalder running through the rainforest. The benefits of cold water immersion are listed in their hundreds, but essentially it triggers hormone release that increases focus, boosts dopamine levels, improving circulation and better sleep.

During our time here we will visit the beaver colony which has been introduced successfully, establishing a cornerstone to allow a rich and diverse eco-system to thrive around them.

Over the course of the time at the forest, all of our dietary needs will be met by our chef Sian. Sian will provide three beautifully prepared meals every day; a healthy breakfast, light but nourishing lunch, and a two course dinner in the evening.

The accommodation at Cabilla is in keeping with nature. We will stay in the comfort of the wooden Koyt cabins – wooden cabins immersed in nature. Each has a king-sized bed with luxury cotton bedding, Atlantic blankets and hot water bottles are also provided. Each Koyt has a log burner with firewood provided so you can be very cosy. A large triangle picture window brings the forest into your cabin.

Because of the environmental responsibilities the numerous bathrooms are separate from the cabins, only a short distance away. Each cabin comes with luxury toiletries.

The whole area is part of the dark sky network, so at night you can gaze upon the stars as you unwind from the day.

What you will learn

• Seeing is the key component to photography, you will learn to see in a way that helps you make sense of the chaos of woodland

• The art of slowing down to learn to notice the details away from the distractions of needing to be validated by others 

• You will discover the joy of responding to nature as an artist rather than trying to control it

• Lens choices and lighting ideas

• Processing and editing techniques 

• How photograph and sequence a set of images for publication or display 

• How to make a sewn book of your work 

• Using mixed media to add layers of interest to a book

Included

Arrival 5th May after 2pm

Departure 9th May before 1030.

• Three full days of photography

• All materials for book making

• All meals and drinks (except alcohol )

• Cosy accommodation

• luxury toiletries

• Charcoal rubbing

• Guided forest walk

• Wild swimming

• Beaver visit

• Gift bag