Before You Arrive

As a neurodivergent person myself and as an inclusive, neurodivergent-led retreat, I know that arriving somewhere new can take energy.

For many of us, feeling at ease starts with having enough information — not just the practical details, but a sense of the environment and what it will feel like to be there.

This Wild Within Retreat takes place at Hazel Hill Wood, a woodland space designed for simple, low-impact living. It is intentionally off-grid, close to nature and shaped by the rhythms of the seasons.

This page is here so you can arrive at this event at your best.

Requesting Adjustments

If there is something that would help you be at your best while you’re here, please let me know in advance. Adjustments are not an inconvenience — they are part of creating an environment where people can participate fully.

To discuss any adjustments or access needs, or if you have any other questions, you can:

A Gentle Start (Online)

Before we meet in person, I’ll be hosting two informal online gatherings via Zoom on the following dates:

Session 1: Thursday 04 June, 8pm - 9pm

Session 2: Saturday 06 June, 10am - 11am

The links to join these will be made available to you after booking in your booking confirmation email.

This is simply an opportunity for us to have a gentle start. To see one another, hear each other’s voices and begin to feel a little more familiar.

You’re welcome to come along just to listen. You don’t need to prepare anything. There’s no expectation to share - you get to choose what feels right for you.

I’ll talk a little about the rhythm of the weekend, what to expect when you arrive and you can ask any questions — practical or otherwise.

The intention with these sessions is to reduce some of the unknowns and begin building a sense of safety and belonging so that arriving for the weekend in-person can feel steady and grounded.

These sessions are completely optional. If you'd like to attend, you can attend one or both - completely up to you.

Hazel Hill Wood is:

• Woodland

• Mostly off-grid

• Simple and natural

• Quiet (apart from birds and wind)

• Dark at night

The buildings are timber cabins built from the wood itself.

Lighting is solar-powered. There is no mains electricity.

Heating and hot water comes from wood-burning stoves.

What this means:

• When the fire is burning, rooms feel warm.

• At night and early morning, it can feel cold.

• The temperature is less consistent than in a centrally heated home.

• Hot water is not unlimited, so shorter showers help ensure there is enough for everyone.

If you feel the cold easily, bring extra layers and blankets. Hazel Hill Wood have a great supply of hot water bottle - you can help yourself.

There are 2 composting toilets (2 indoors and 1 outside) and 1 regular toilet.

The composting toilets:

• Do not flush.

• Can cope with urine and feases.

• Are cleaned and maintained.

• Do not usually smell strongly.

The regular toilet is for urine only.

Water runs through a natural reed bed system. If you use specific toiletries, biodegradable products are preferred.

The woodland is natural terrain.

Expect:

• Uneven ground

• Tree roots

• Mud (especially after rain)

• No paved paths in most areas

If you have mobility needs and would like to talk this through in advance, please contact me. We can explore whether this feels workable for you.

All rooms in Oak House except one are shared sleeping spaces.

Hazel Hill Wood does not provide bedding.

You will need:

• Sheet (single or double – I’ll confirm your bed size)

• Sleeping bag or duvet

• Pillow

• Extra blanket if you feel the cold

Other Things To Consider