The next Kirros Retreat takes place on 10 - 13 June 2025 at Pickeridge Farm, Sussex, UK. Led by experienced facilitator Matthew Critchlow with guest teachers and trainers.
Just £490 (incl. VAT) per person which includes full board and lodging.
All food and drink on the retreat will be prepared using locally-sourced organic produce (as far as possible) from local Farms: Tablehurst, Plaw Hatch and Brambletye, as well as High Weald Dairy (cheesemakers) and the Bluebell Vineyard.
Overview
Kirros Retreats are an opportunity to recharge in beautiful surroundings, develop new skills as a coach and facilitator and (re)connect with people and nature.
Part of our theme this year will be: Nature Connectedness - From Wisdom into Practice. This is an area we want to explore in a spirit of co-creation and discovery, alongside opportunities to strengthen our coaching and facilitation skills.
Dates
Starts: Tues 10 June | 18:00
Closes: Fri 13 June 2025 | 13:00
Venue
Pickeridge Farm, Cob Lane, Ardingly, Sussex, RH17 6ST.
Nearest railway station is Balcombe (40 mins from London Bridge). We can arrange transport from Balcombe station, which is 15 mins drive from Pickeridge Farm.
Overview of timing and events
- Arrive Tuesday evening by 6pm, supper at 7pm.
- Group and individual sessions from Wednesday morning to Friday morning.
- Depart Friday lunchtime.
Retreat Plan
Tuesday evening
- Welcome and vegetarian supper, followed by fireside chat, weather-permitting
Wednesday
- Check-in and mindfulness practices
- The power of nature connectedness: what does it mean for resilience and wellbeing practitioners? – Group discussion
- LUNCH on the terrace
- Tai Chi
- Self-Compassion in Action with Justin Haroun, Director of Westminster Centre for Resilience & Senior Lecturer at University of Westminster
- SUPPER al fresco (weather-permitting). With meat options!
- Evening talk with Anna Richardson, Director of the Children's Forest - our relationship with nature, the power of trees and the work of the Children's Forest
- Fireside Reflections
Thursday
- Morning check-in
- Nature Immersion - on Pickeridge Farm with Anna Richardson and Erica Shorter from Children's Forest, including forest bathing, foraging and tree tending
- LUNCH on the terrace, weather-permitting
- Time To Think | Coaching Masterclass - with Jenny Leclezio from Shine Global.
- Boosting Biodiversity for the Good of All - Tour of Pickeridge Farm with Dr William Milliken, Farmer and Research Leader, Diversity and Livelihoods at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and Rachel Milliken, Farmer.
- SUPPER al fresco
- In Two Minds: Neuromyths in Personal Development - after dinner talk by Dr Haiko Ballieux, Integrative Therapist/Coach & Senior Lecturer at University of Westminster, followed by
- Live Music
Friday
- Morning mindfulness practice
- Physical practices for embodied learning - with Michelle Smorfitt
- Ending/beginning rituals
- Lunch
- Departure
About Pickeridge Farm
The retreat accomodation is in two converted barns (North and South), interconnected to create a huge living area and event space "Pickeridge Hall" with dining-table, modular sofas, and space for dance, yoga, and other group activities.
North Barn has an open plan living/dining/sleeping space with a king-size double bed, dining-table, sofa, TV and stairs leading to a mezzanine floor where there are two single beds. It has access to a shower-room and a fully equipped kitchen.
The South Barn has three bedrooms. On the ground floor is a spacious bedroom featuring a king-size double bed, a single bed and an en suite bathroom with bath and shower. This room has double doors opening onto the terrace and garden. There is an open plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen and door leading to a seperate enclosed garden. On the ground floor is an additional shower-room and stairs leading to the first floor where there are two twin rooms both enjoying countryside views.
To the back of Pickeridge Hall there is a very large open plan bedroom/living area featuring a king-size double bed and single bed and an en suite bathroom. The hall also has access to a disabled WC and changing area.
Pickerirdge Farm is owned and run by husband and wife team Dr William Milliken and Rachel Milliken.
Dr William Milliken leads a research programme at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (London) focused on the application of plant and fungal science to human livelihoods and climate change adaptation, including health, food security and the restoration of natural capital.