Retreat for Wellbeing Practitioners

Overview

Kirros Retreats are an opportunity to recharge in beautiful surroundings, develop new skills as a coach and facilitator and (re)connect with colleagues in the business of resilience, wellbeing and personal development.

Part of our theme this year will be Regenerative Living for the Wellbeing of People and Planet. This is an area we want to explore in a spirit of co-creation and discovery.

Dates

Starts: Tues 10 June | 18:00
Closes: Fri 13 June 2025 | 11:00

Venue

Pickeridge Farm, Cob Lane, Ardingly, Sussex, RH17 6ST.
Nearest railway station is Balcombe (40 mins from London Bridge).

Overview of timing and events

• Arrive Tuesday evening.
• Group and individual sessions from Wednesday morning to Friday morning.
• Accommodation options include double and family rooms (with a mix of double and single beds), camping and camper vans. The total fee will be reduced if you choose the camping option.
• Depart Friday morning.

Retreat Plan

Tuesday evening

• Welcome and vegan supper with vegetarian (i.e. dairy) options – followed by fireside chat, weather-permitting

Wednesday

• Check-in and mindfulness practices
• Peer-to-peer learning
• What is Regenerative Living? – Group discussion
• LUNCH on the terrace
• Tai Chi delivered by guest teacher from the Yard Yoga Studio in East Sussex
• Self-Compassion in Action - with Justin Haroun, Director of Westminster Centre for Resilience & Senior Lecturer at University of Westminster
• SUPPER al fresco (weather-permitting) and 
• Fireside Cacao Ceremony - with Amelia Critchlow (from Soul Space Healers)

Thursday

• Morning check-in
• Regenerative Living in Practice - further reflections on what regenerative living means for us all, followed by tree-planting ceremony
• LUNCH on the terrace, weather-permitting
• Nature as Guide to People and Organisational Development - with special guest speaker
• Tour of Pickeridge Farm - Boosting Biodiversity for the Good of All - with Dr William Milliken and Rachel Milliken
• After dinner talk: In Two Minds: Neuromyths in Personal Development by Dr Haiko Ballieux, Integrative Therapist/Coach & Senior Lecturer at University of Westminster
• SUPPER al fresco - followed by
• Live Music

Friday

• Morning mindfulness practice
• Closing session
• 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.