Wintering retreat with Looby
Experience Nature Connection, Community & Craft & song with Looby
Wintering is an experiential journey to finding peace, connection and preparing for the winter within ourselves. We will spend time relaxing, crafting, singing, in nature and creating community together. It is a space for deep rest
Dates
6th - 8th November 2026
Cost
TBC
Facilitators
Looby Macnamara
Wintering retreat Description
As we head into the darker months, this is an ideal time to reflect and set some intentions for how we want to be over winter.
it is a time when our personal culture changes - we can direct this and set useful patterns that support our reflection, well-being and creativity. During our time together we will embed some simple nature connection practices for the time when being outside doesn't come so naturally.
The darker months can bring quietness, but at times loneliness, so gathering in community to share, eat, craft and sing together is deeply nourishing.
This is an exciting opportunity to connect, relax, have fun and learn with Looby.
Experience the Magic of Applewood
What you will experince
We will be following the flow of energy in ourselves and the natural world over the weekend. There will be times of quiet reflection, sharing circles, joyful singing,
Weather permitting we will connect with the fire element outside. There will be time for walking the land and being held by the magic of Applewood.
We will be doing a design for ourselves to set intentions and direction for our nourishing wintering.
We will be using both the Mother Nature card decks and the CEED deck to guide and encourage us.
Appreciation from Past participants
Heart warming, mind opening, deep connection to myself and nature. An experiential treat that filled my soul and better equipped me for more effective personal leadership.
Julie
I feel nourished and reconnected to myself.
Nessa
It was the very first time I live and witness the harvest of collect wisdom in such an inspiring environment, super safe and compassionate, that enhances our creativity, nourishment, wildness, connections and deep cultural awakening discussions! Thank you for this magical experience curation and holding the space for all of us coming from all around the world and helping one another find and create more peace in our lives and lives of others.
Karim
Practical Information
Dates
6th - 8th November 2026
Arrivals after 4pm on Friday 6th November. On sunday we will have a closing circle followed by lunch and departures.
Booking
For enquiries and booking please email Emma at applewoodcourses@yahoo.com
Fees
Residential - including evening meals & breakfast, plus indoor accommodation/ camping/ van park up
- Concession: £150
- Low waged: £195
- Waged: £250
Places are limited so early booking is advised.
Early bird booking by end of Sept 10% discount.
* Special offer * 10% Discount if bring a friend (find out more here)
Non-residential fees
20% discount
Making Payments
There are 3 payment scales
- Concession: means-tested benefits, students limited to 4 places per course
- Low waged: under £15K per year
- Waged: over £15K per year
We offer this sliding scale on an honesty basis to try and make courses more available for low-income groups. We trust that you will pay what is right for you. Payment by installments are also accepted - please let us know your needs. Secure your place with a £55 deposit.
Food & Accommodation
We will provide all breakfasts and dinners on Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday lunch.
We invite participants to bring lunch to share for Saturday. Hot drinks and our famous crumbles will be available for everyone.
Residential
We have an indoor bunk room that can sleep 6 people. Places are limited book early.
Non Residential
If you are local you are welcome want to return home at night if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not found what you need to know?
Visit our FAQ page for more information or email Emma at applewoodcourses@yahoo.com
Facilitators & Venue
Looby Macnamara is co-developer of the Cultural Emergence toolkit with Jon Young. She is an experienced permaculture teacher, author and designer. She is author of 4 books, Cultural Emergence, People and Permaculture and 7 Ways to Think Differently.
People and Permaculture is the first book to directly translate the principles and design methods of permaculture from land to people. Looby enjoys using creative teaching methods to create a fun and collaborative learning environment.
Applewood Permaculture Centre is a 20 acre smallholding, in Herefordshire, UK. Looby and Chris are lucky to have had this as their family home with their 2 daughters as well as a training centre since July 2016. There are various teaching spaces, from heated yurt and barn space to outdoor marquee and open air. There are many diverse habitats here, woodland, orchard, forest gardens, pasture, pool and kitchen gardens. Applewood is a tranquil sanctuary for wildlife and people alike. We are blessed with night times filled with owl hoots and immense starry skies that you’ll get to enjoy round an outside fire.
For regular updates and photos
see our facebook page
