WOMEN IN THE WOODS
"YOU WERE ONCE WILD HERE. DON'T LET THEM TAME YOU"
Women’s Woodland Retreat in Dorking, Surrey
Bushcraft | Forest Bathing | Drum Circle
Women in the Woods | Women’s Woodland Retreat
Bushcraft, Forest Bathing, Nature Connection & Drum Circle in Dorking, Surrey
Reconnect with nature, learn empowering wilderness skills and experience the magic of women gathering in the forest.
Women in the Woods is a small, intimate woodland retreat where women gather together to slow down, reconnect and learn practical bushcraft skills in a supportive natural environment.
Over two days in beautiful woodland in Dorking, Surrey, you’ll learn traditional wilderness skills, take part in forest bathing, share songs around the fire and experience the powerful rhythm of a women’s drum circle.
No experience needed - just curiosity and a love of nature.
WHEN WOMEN SUPPORT EACH OTHER AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN
A Weekend to Reconnect With Nature and Yourself
Modern life rarely gives us space to slow down.
In the woods, something changes. The noise fades. Your senses sharpen.
You feel grounded again.
Women in the Woods offers a space to:
• reconnect with nature
• learn traditional bushcraft skills
• share stories and laughter around the fire
• experience the healing rhythm of a drum circle
• build confidence in outdoor spaces
This is not a survival course.
It is a gentle but empowering introduction to bushcraft, nature connection and community.
What You’ll Experience
Throughout the weekend you’ll take part in guided activities designed to reconnect you with the natural world.
Bushcraft Skills
Learn practical woodland skills including:
• fire lighting
• shelter building
• woodland awareness
• knife safety and tool use
• natural materials and crafting
Forest Bathing
Slow down and experience the woodland through guided sensory practices inspired by Japanese Shinrin-yoku.
These gentle exercises help reduce stress and deepen your connection with nature.
Women’s Drum Circle
As the sun sets, we gather around the fire.
The drum circle is a powerful and joyful experience where rhythm brings everyone together. No musical experience needed.
Campfire Gathering
Songs, chanting, laughter, tea and shared moments around the fire under the trees.
Often this becomes the highlight of the weekend.
Who This Retreat Is For
Women in the Woods is perfect for:
• women wanting to reconnect with nature
• beginners curious about bushcraft
• women seeking time away from busy modern life
• solo travellers looking for a safe outdoor experience
• anyone interested in drum circles and sound healing
• women wanting community and connection
Many women attend alone - and leave with new friends.
What Makes This Retreat Different
This is a bushcraft and drum circle experience. Unlike large outdoor courses, Women in the Woods is intentionally small and personal.
We keep the group to 15 women maximum so everyone feels comfortable, supported and included.
The focus is not competition or survival training.
Instead we focus on:
• confidence building
• connection with nature
• shared experience
• learning practical skills at a relaxed pace
Event Details
Next Gathering: 9th & 10th May 2026
Location: Private woodland in Dorking, Surrey
Duration: Two days (Sat 10am to Sun 12pm)
Group size: Maximum 15 participants
Accommodation: Woodland camping (details provided after booking)
Experience level: Beginner friendly
Investment: £135 per person
Meet Your Guides
"Now I have been called to work with the drum in different ways, to gather groups together, to lead in the expression of our truest selves and to heal from the very depths of our being.
I believe that we should never underestimate the ability of the drum to reconnect us all and to lead us on our path to healing."
- Melanie Syrett | The Drum woman
"Fire is an element we cannot live without. Fire is like a wild animal. It is birthed, it feeds, consumes. It has both the power to create and to destroy. It has the ability to give life and take it away. Cultures around the world have gathered around a fire for thousands of years for community, healing, ceremonies, rituals, celebrations, magic & survival. Having skills in fire is continuing on a traditional practise that dates back to our tribal ancestors"
- Yara Ghrewati | Wilderness Skills Instructor
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What to Bring
After booking you’ll receive a full preparation guide.
Typical items include:
• warm outdoor clothing
• 3 Season Sleeping Bag
• tent (optional - or try sleeping the bushcraft way!)
• foam / roll mat
• Torch
• waterproof jacket
• camping equipment
• water bottle
• personal essentials
No specialist bushcraft equipment is required.
How to Book
To reserve your place and join the tribe, please complete the booking form or email: contact@wildeyeadventures.com
Once your form has been submitted, you will receive payment instructions and a booking form to confirm your place - which includes a risk assessment on taking part in woodland bushcraft activities.
After payment has been received, you will be sent a course information document containing everything you need to prepare for the gathering.
This includes:
• directions to the woodland location
• a packing list and equipment guidance
• arrival and departure details
• information about the activities
• useful tips to help you prepare for your time in the woods
We look forward to welcoming you. 🌿
TESTIMONIALS
"It was such a good last minute decision to go down to the woods that day. I had other plans but I knew I needed to experience the power of the sisters drumming together in the most primitive surroundings, a place where it all began.
Being held and nourished by the trees, whilst being grounded by the earth and fire. Singing, dancing and drumming round fires is what I miss about traveling.
We need to make this more of a normal thing again, to gather in woodland, to learn bushcraft skills, to join in ceremony, support each other and drum together.
It was truly magical, thank you Yara from Wildeye Adventures and Melonie The Drum Woman for organising a beautiful gathering." - Dani Love 2019
"I spent a wonderful few days with Yara in ancient woodland in Sevenoaks for women in the woods. I have been on many of her events and I learn something new each time I loved every minute of being out in nature. Making my own shelter lighting my fire with skills she taught me have just been wonderful
Thanks again Yara roll on the next women in the woods" - Jakki Hesse 2025
"Meet the mother tree. She is an ancient tree and helps feed nutrients to all the surrounding trees. This is why it is so important to look after ancient trees, they are the foundations and nurturers of our woodland areas. I learnt this with Yara from Wildeye Adventures at the brilliant 'Women in the Woods' event I went to."
Melissa 2019 - Founder of Planted Skincare
"I went to a Women in the Woods event. We learned about bushcraft, lighting our own fires without a lighter! We spent time in nature just being. It all ended with a communal drum circle where I was struck by mental release. The rhythm the drums provided, the power of the bass and the beauty of the sound produced by a group of strangers. A connection, without the use of words is refreshing." - Anna 2020
"Light a fire, get warm. Connect with nature. Connect with your soul at the Women in the Woods event"
- Veronica 2020
Thank you for a wonderful weekend. Yara's passion for re-connecting people to the land, to mother nature and for sharing indigenous wisdom is contagious. Yara is an excellent teacher, kind and patient and she worked tirelessly to make sure we had everything we needed to survive out in the woods, feeling safe and empowered. The sound of her flute beckoning to us through the trees to announce breakfast was truly magical. It was precious to enjoy moments of solitude as well as moments of connection with others around the fire. A much needed healing and inspiring weekend. - Harriet Rudd 2023
"I cannot begin to explain the weekend I have just had with Wildeye Adventures. After seeing their advertisement on Facebook for a Wild Women's weekend, I took the leap and booked to go by myself, I am in my early 20s and was a little scared I'm not going to lie, Yara and Kristine were incredible. They were so welcoming and I felt like I was at home in the woods with them. They were really helpful with how they explained things and made sure everyone felt very supported. The drumming session with Mel just made me cry, I obviously had a lot to release and this weekend was the PERFECT way to do it. From learning how to build my own shelter, start y own fire, cook my own food and just be at peace with myself I couldn't recommend them any higher. Take the leap and just go, you may find that part of you, you were always searching for. I know I did." - Meg Abernethy-Hope - 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any bushcraft or outdoor experience?
No experience is needed at all. Women in the Woods is designed to be welcoming for beginners as well as those who already enjoy spending time outdoors. All activities are guided step-by-step and you will learn at a relaxed pace.
Is the gathering suitable if I come alone?
Yes, absolutely. Many women attend on their own. The small group size and supportive atmosphere make it easy to connect with others, and most participants leave having made new friends.
What activities will we do during the weekend?
During the gathering you may experience:
• Bushcraft skills such as fire lighting and shelter building
• Woodland awareness and nature connection practices
• Guided forest bathing
• Campfire cooking and time around the fire
• A women’s drum circle and shared evening gathering
Activities vary slightly depending on the season and weather.
Where does the gathering take place?
The gathering takes place in beautiful private woodland in Dorking, Surrey, UK. Exact location details and directions will be sent to you after booking.
Do we stay overnight?
Yes. The gathering includes an overnight woodland experience. Participants usually camp in tents. You will receive full information on what to bring and how to prepare.
What if I have never camped before?
That’s completely fine. Many participants are new to camping. Guidance is provided before the event, and the group atmosphere makes it a supportive introduction to sleeping in nature.
What should I bring?
After booking you will receive a detailed packing list. Typically you will need:
• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mat, torch)
• Water bottle and personal essentials
• Packed Lunch & Dinner to cook over a fire for day 1
No specialist bushcraft equipment is required.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The gathering runs in most weather conditions. Being outdoors in changing weather is part of the woodland experience, and activities are adapted if needed to keep everyone comfortable and safe.
Is the gathering physically demanding?
Activities are gentle and suitable for most fitness levels. We move at a relaxed pace and focus on enjoyment, learning and connection rather than physical challenge.
How many people attend?
To keep the experience personal and supportive, each gathering is limited to a maximum of 15 women.
Are meals included?
Details about food arrangements will be shared before the gathering. The course is self-catered on day one. Bring a packed lunch and a meal to cook over the fire for dinner. Camp food ideas will be shared upon booking. Breakfast is included and served the next morning.
What is a drum circle?
A drum circle is a shared musical experience where participants create rhythm together using drums and percussion. No musical experience is required. The focus is on expression, connection and enjoying the energy of rhythm around the fire.
What age group is the gathering suitable for?
Women in the Woods is generally suitable for adults of all ages. Participants often range from their 20s to their 60s.
Is the woodland private and safe?
Yes. The gathering takes place in a safe, private woodland environment. Safety guidance is provided throughout the weekend and activities are supervised.
How do I book a place?
You can secure your place by booking through the website or contacting Wild ee Adventures directly. Spaces are limited and events often fill quickly.
Are there any toilets?
There are no proper toilets in the woods. Only one simple compost eco toilet. So it’s back to the wild way. We’ll cover responsible wild ways during woodland awareness. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitiser with you.
What if the event sells out?
If a gathering is fully booked, you can join the waiting list or mailing list to hear about future Women in the Woods events.
Women in the Woods | Wildeye Adventures
Women in the Woods | Wildeye Adventures
Women in the Woods Drumming
WomenInTheWoodsVideo1
Women in the Woods | Wildeye Adventures
