┬áSatori – County Wildlife Site and nature-based healing retreat on the Somerset-Devonshire border
Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June
This Nearly Wild Experience camp will take us through the meadows and woodlands of Satori, a County Wildlife Site and nature-based healing retreat on the Somerset-Devonshire border. Our host, Emma Finch, will help us explore the land through sensory foraging and wicker weaving.
At Satori, slowing to natureÔÇÖs rhythm is encouraged. By connecting with the natural environment and materials, this weekend will help us move through the countryside with care and creativity. Emma will also teach us how to grow and process willow for making crafts, as well as sharing how she came to set up this off-grid retreat.
Emma is well versed in the ways of wicker weaving, having been trained by the late English Master Weaver, Mr. Ivor Hancock. The weekend will combine willow weaving with foraging, for a holistic experience outside. Bring pens and notebooks (if youÔÇÖd like!) for doodling and a space to express your thoughts and ideas.
During the sensory based wild foraging walk, you will evolve different techniques and skills to heighten your awareness whilst out gathering along hedgerows and in meadows. Over this session, Emma will teach you:
- Skills to identify wild foods by working closely with your senses and intuition
- How to identify at least (depending on what’s on our doorstep) a dozen wild edibles
- How to harvest safely, legally and for our future
- How to work with herbs: for teas; cooking with them; eating them fresh; and how to dry them for future use
- How our relationship with the wild edibles helps our wellbeing (for mental and physical health)
 
ABOUT EMMA
Emma explores the natural world through elements such as walking, crafts, foraging and writing. These experiences have supported her through bouts of stress, depression and anxiety, as well as through her own cancer journey. Satori was founded in order to help other people experience the physical and mental benefits of nature.
ÔÇ£Connecting with natureÔÇØ, writes Emma, ÔÇ£promotes clarity and resilience, which is amplified by community and movement outdoors.ÔÇØ
Due to the size of the location, this event is capped at 12 persons to ensure that there is room to adapt to the needs and interests of our campers. The following itinerary is therefore subject to change (and weather conditions!)
Fri 14th June
- 3pm Arrive & settle
- 6pm Gather round campfire for some grounding, fresh wild-herb tea, a check-in, run-through timings for weekend, overview of NWC, set mindful intentions
- 7.30pm Free time and self-reflection
Sat 15th June
- 9.30am Gather round campfire, fresh wild-herb tea
- 10am Sensory-based wild food foraging (2.5-3hrs)
- 1pm Lunchtime
- 2.30pm Gather round campfire for some willow craft making (2.5-3hrs) ÔÇô weÔÇÖll be making trivets, ideal for sitting a hot pan or kettle, fruit, table display etc .
- 7pm Gather round campfire, Emma to share her journey of creating Satori (30-45mins), guests welcome to bring their dinner with them
Sun 16th June
- 11am Finishing off willow craft making, if needed
- 12noon Gather round campfire for check-out and gratitude round
All guests are welcome to explore the land until 2pm. Daisy yurt & Primrose hut need to be cleared by 2pm.
Guests are invited to bring pens/paints/paper to explore thoughts and creativity whilst here, but this is not essential.
This is not designed as a formal training course, but as a learning experience where you can get started and learn some basics in an informal, sociable environment. If you want to miss some sessions, relax or just have time alone, you can. This is not about passing a test, itÔÇÖs about informal learning.
There is space for a maximum of 12-Nearly Wild Camp guests, so booking for this weekend is essential. The cost is ┬ú20 per adult with under 15s free to attend the experience. The camp pitch or other accommodation IS NOT included within this fee, so you should┬ábook directly with Emma for this┬áÔÇô but, do check out SatoriÔÇÖs┬áAccommodation page┬áfirst to get an idea of what youÔÇÖd like to book (Daisy┬áyurt, sleeps 4, ┬ú95 p/n; Primrose┬áhut, sleeps 2, ┬ú65 p/n; 6 x wild┬ácamp┬ápitches, ┬ú10 p/p/p/n)
The location is Satori:
Tel. 07957 161748
Oatens Lane
Churchstanton, TA3 7PU
 
We hope to see you there!
Adult ticket for Satori Experience Camp Weekend £20
Child ticket for Satori Experience Camp Weekend £0