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Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection training - 6-nights
Summary
Overview
If you'd like to teach Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection to others, then this training can help. We invite you to take this fantastic opportunity to train in Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection on this 6-night Continuing Professional Development residential training. You'll expand and enrich the range of practices and activities you lead as well as deepen your own mindfulness practice and connection with nature, thanks to this course.
Trained and skilled leaders will support your learning at Sharpham, set within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Note: this course does not train participants to become an accredited mindfulness teacher
This training course is for you if you:
- are inspired by the idea of supporting people to connect with nature more deeply through these practices
- already work (or are qualified) in a related field, such as mindfulness, nature connection, therapy, wellbeing, teaching, social care, education or facilitation
- have a mindfulness practice and an appreciation of the benefits that it brings (see the prerequisites below)
- have some experience of outdoor learning and nature-connection practices
- are committed to working within your competence, i.e. teaching only practices in which you have sufficient experience
- are aged 18 or above
What you'll experience on this course:
Course overview
Day 1: Arrival day and introduction to the programme
Day 2: Experiential practice day
Day 3: Attention and the senses
Day 4: Connection and care
Day 5: Meaning and insight
Day 6: Teaching practice
Day 7: Integration and departure
What you can expect to learn:
- Through self-practice an understanding of Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection and how this supports wellbeing, including relevant theory and research in this area
- How to lead tried and tested nature-based mindfulness practices
- How to lead enquiry (the dialogue and discussion that follows a practice)
- Understanding the role of the facilitator and how to manage a group
- How to ensure activities are safe and rewarding
Prerequisites for applying for this course
- You will have completed an 8-week mindfulness course (like our own 8-week course here), or have equivalent experience of mindfulness meditation, perhaps through dharma-based teaching, sustained practice or attending retreats
- By the time the course starts, we ask that you have read through some of the study materials and handbook that we will send to you 4 weeks before the start of the course (Approx 1-2 hours) and at least 2 of the following books: Awake in the Wild, by Mark Coleman; Losing Eden, why our minds need the wild: Lucy Jones; The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the end of nature-deficit disorder, Richard Louv; Finding Peace in a Frantic World, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman; Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life, by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Accreditation
On completion of this introductory training, participants will receive a certificate based on a simple assessment criteria, enabling them to incorporate some of the practices and skills into their existing work.
This course does not train participants to become an accredited mindfulness teacher.
Background
At the Sharpham Trust, we have been developing a unique approach which combines mindfulness and nature connection practices, something we call Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection (MBNC).
We have more than 40 years' experience of offering mindfulness and nature-based retreats, courses and events.
Our recent work includes the highly successful National Lottery-funded Mindful-in-Nature programme, working to use nature-mindfulness practices to support people recovering their mental health.
This introductory facilitator training offered here is the next exciting phase of our work, enabling participants to disseminate and teach these practices more widely, beyond Sharpham.
Why Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection?
Mindfulness can amplify and enrich our experience of nature connection and nature can amplify and enrich our experience of mindfulness. Together they combine to create a potent reciprocal relationship.
What you'll need to know:
If you decide to stay with us, we’ll send you a list of what you need to bring for this retreat in your Welcome Letter that we send out after you've booked.
You can also find out more about staying with us on our Frequently Asked Questions page, including:
- accessibility information
- why we encourage you to come on your own and not with partners or friends
- what the difference is between our retreats
Schedule
Day 1: Arrive between 3 - 5pm for Welcome Meeting at 5pm and settling in
Final day: depart by 11am
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The Coach House
When you stay at The Coach House, you'll be in comfy, single rooms in a beautifully converted 18th century stable block, set in the stunning scenery of Sharpham's grounds. You'll experience daily meditation and movement sessions, time in our gardens and on the land and you'll eat delicious and homegrown vegetarian and vegan meals.
Coach House retreats focus on nature connection through a varied programme of retreats designed to connect you to Sharpham's flora and fauna, with plenty of time for you to rest and reflect.
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By Car
By Train
By Taxi
On foot or cycle from Totnes
By CoachLeaders
Brigit-Anna McNeill
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Ollie Frame
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Costs
£1195 - includes full board and all study materials provided
All rooms are comfortable single rooms, with either an ensuite or a shared bathroom. All meals, bedding and towels are included. Rooms are randomly allocated, unless you have medical needs relating to your room allocation. If you have such a need, let us know on your booking form which will be sent to you once you have booked.
Payment schedule: £100 deposit to confirm booking. Second deposit of £500 on 9 June 2025 and the balance of £595 on 8 August 2025
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to see our booking and cancellations policy
Room Types
Click here for more information on our types of bedrooms and facilities.
Bursaries
Limited bursaries at £895 are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact the Programme Administrator at least 4 weeks in advance if you wish to apply.
Our bursary fund relies on donations. If you’d like to help another to go on retreat here through our bursary scheme, you can give online quickly and easily by clicking here
Available dates
2025
07
Sep
Introduction to Mindfulness-based Nature Connection Training - 6 nights
With Brigit-Anna McNeill & Ollie Frame
At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world.
We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, outdoor learning and the arts.
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