Beltane Deep Ecology with Song Retreat 8th-12th May 2026

Beltane is traditionally the time to welcome the coming summer season and celebrate creativity and fertility, both of the land and our dreams. Spend this Celtic celebration long weekend in the magic of Hazel Hill Wood and sink into our embodied selves and our relationship with the earth - a little medicine to help heal our relationship with the more-than-human, ourselves and each other.

Drawing on the work of deep ecology and the Work that Reconnects, we will gift ourselves time out from the demands of the everyday and reconnect with our essential nature, that of being a part of the incredible living system, Gaia. Heightening our sense of connectedness, listening deeply to the more-than-human and finding harmony through group singing and being in community.

Our time will be deeply restful and nourishing, though we are not here simply to receive; rather to appreciate we are a part of this living system and to take part, offering gifts in lively reciprocity whilst we are together, be that our music, deep listening or conservation work in the wood. From this place we might inquire more broadly, ‘what’s being called for around and within me?’ and cultivate a more connected, ecologically placed sense of being in the world.

Musically we will ground ourselves through voice and harmony, sharing simple songs under canopy and circling around our evening fire. If you are new to singing, or feel you are yet to find your voice, the simple harmony, melody and guidance may be the highlight of the weekend as it has been for so many of our previous participants.

We will hold a Beltane fire ritual on our final evening, bringing together all that we have practised and explored, feeling into what we want to give energy to in the coming months. It can be a potent and profound way to energise our inner and outer work. 

No previous experience is required to access this work. 

what folk say:

‘The Beltane Retreat amidst the beautiful surroundings of Hazel Hill Woods was a rich, multi-layered deep dive into our profound connections with Earth, her people and her animals, combining music and nature immersion with meditation and community. Facilitators Jake and her son Morgan held the weekend with a mix of approaches that blended spirituality and grace with humour and earthiness! I emerged, nourished and resourced’ - Bel Jacobs, writer and speaker on climate justice, animal rights and new fashion systems.

‘I come away from Hazel Hill with my entire chest wide open, my heart in direct contact with the world. With me I carry the gifts I received, from Mother Earth and from the wonderful people I encountered. Some gifts are light - an urge to dance, a song, the sensuality of my hand melting into the bark of an oak. Some gifts are weighty, perhaps even painful - but I carry them with a revived sense of trust in coming together, a comfort of being in community with human and more-than-human. 

I am hugely grateful to Jake for a deeply moving time in the woodlands, and for holding space in the most delicate and honest way. This, here, is all we need…’ Emma Magnassun

The offering:

  • 70 acres of magical private woodland 

  • Daily sharing circles

  • Group singing time

  • Guided deep ecology practices

  • Embodied meditations

  • Conservation work

  • Healthy, delicious, plant-based food

  • Evening fire circles

  • Beltane fire ritual

  • Off grid, sustainable accommodation

  • Space for rest and reflection

Facilitator:

Jake is a gestalt psychotherapist and coaching psychologist who has been creating space for nature, self and community connections for many years, including at Hazel Hill Wood where she was a Trustee for many years. She is also co-founder of Leading Through Storms CIC, an organisation dedicated to transforming our restless energies into spirited acts of leadership fit for these times.

Information

Hazel Hill wood is a magical 70 acre private woodland, with beautiful off-grid buildings, cosy bedrooms and an enchanting mixture of beautiful outdoor spaces suffused with spirit for quiet reflection, gathering around a fire, celebration, sanctuary and healing. 

The food we eat is an important part of the retreat. Our chef, Georgia, will be providing vegan and – to the extent possible – locally sourced and organic meals every day. Beginning with our opening meal on Friday and ending with a celebratory lunch on Monday. This is a conscious retreat and will be drug and alcohol free.

The fee for this residential retreat includes all food and drink and single or shared room accommodation. Please indicate your preference on the booking form. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Single room cost - £560 

Shared room up to 2 - £460 

Shared room up to 4 - £400 

The retreat will begin on Friday evening for a shared dinner and welcome greeting and close the retreat after lunch on Monday (8th - 11th May).

Please note, you will need to bring your own bedding & towel. A reminder and other important information about staying at the wood will follow nearer the time.

To secure your place please complete the online booking form and transfer the deposit as per instructions on the form.

To express interest in our retreats, or if you have any questions, please contact Jake via email at jake@apodltd.com .