A rejuvenating and nourishing Reflective Spring Retreat at the beautiful Gosforth Nature Reserve in Newcastle Upon Tyne. We will spend the day in and around nature and taking its cues and prompts for learning and reflection.
We will be joined by professional nature photographer Trai Anfield, who will lead a special reflective session to help us more effectively capture the essence of nature, connecting to emotions and embodying our experience in a relatable visual medium. This session is not about becoming a better photographer, it is about using the lens as a way in. A way of getting closer to nature, to yourself, and to what is being stirred wihtinn you. It is about emotional resonance and visual storytelling rather than technique, so no previous photography experience is necessary and we will use our camera phones. We will reflect together on how we go beyond the capture of the ‘thing’, to its essence, how it makes us feel and what it tells us. How do you capture what you see with your heart?
The cost includes your day entry to the reserve, all facilitation, exclusive use by our group of the Nature Studies room, drinks and snacks and all crafting and other materials. You should bring your own lunch. There is a kettle, microwave and fridge in the room for us to use.
Spring Reflective Retreat 24th April 2026 Gosforth Nature Reserve
Agenda
09:30 - 10:00 Arrival and refreshments
Arriving, grabbing a cuppa and settling in.
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome
Welcome and meeting your facilitator: Christina
10:15 - 10:45 Community Agreement
Safety, working in nature, belonging and reflection on our personal outcomes for the day
10:45 - 12:30 Connecting with Nature
Recharge and relax with a mix of grounding, connecting and reflection practices to help us deepen and align our connection with self, our work and nature. Photography as connection session.
12:30 - 13:15 Lunch
Bring your own favourite lunch (fridge, kettle and microwave available)
13:15 - 15:30 Reflection in partner with nature
Working with nature as we walk, sit and explore our inner and outer landscapes, with an offer of practices that will engage us individually, in pairs and as a group. Creative crafting exercise with a Spring theme.
15:30 – 16:15 Cuppa & treats , reflections and connection
Developing our learnings and sharing our insights and what we are taking away from our day
16:15 Close
