Is this retreat suitable if I'm dealing with mental health challenges or going through a difficult life transition?  The retreat is suitable for men and/or people identifying as male, who have lived experience of mental health or experienced times of change or difficulty. However, our retreats are designed for personal growth and connection and whilst they might be therapeutic in nature, they are not a therapy or crisis space. If you're currently receiving mental health treatment, we encourage you to discuss participation with your healthcare provider first. Where the Mind Grows facilitators are trauma-informed and experiences in creating psychologically safe, supportive environments working with collaborators who have a good experience and insight into working with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Its likely if you are joining this retreat you may have experience of anxiety, depression, stress, burn-out, confidence issues,  trauma, grief, neuro-diversity or find yourself over-thinking situations (either currently or in the past) - these are common issues people we work with can relate to. None of our sessions will require you to share these experiences with the group. 

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Do I need any prior experience with outdoor activities or personal development work? Not at all. Our retreats are designed to welcome men from all backgrounds and experience levels and we put this retreat because we know this isn't the type of event that many men have experienced, so we appreciate this may be your first time at something like this. Whether you're completely new to nature-based activities or personal growth work, or you're looking to deepen existing practices, our facilitators will proactively support you to engage and feel part of what is on offer. It's totally common to feel a bit apprehensive about taking part in new or unknown activities. If you need to talk to us about any concerns or unknown just get in touch and ask. 

Whilst we love people to make the most of the retreat offerings its also a space to 'opt in' to activities meaning you get a choice if you need to observe from the side-lines or take some time to rest while you are here instead. 

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I'd love to attend but I can't afford the total amount in one payment ?  We are often able to support payment plans where we can. If you need this, please contact us to discuss it. 

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How do I get to the venue?

The venue (Little Seed Field) is located in a remote area of North Yorkshire, so its easiest to get to by car. ​

If travelling by public transport your nearest stations and/or bus station towns are Harrogate, Leeds, Ripon and you may need to get a taxi from these venues. 

Sharing cabin retreaters are encouraged to car share where you are able too. 

As part of our welcome sequence to retreat attendees we send you detailed directions to the venue to help you plan a smooth journey.  If you are travelling from further away you may consider the option to stay on site the night before, where cabin availability and your budget allows. 

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I'd love to bring my son along with me to this event as a bonding and personal development experience, what age is this retreat for?  The event is aimed at adults aged 25 and over, we believe this ensures the activities can be engaged in openly and are age appropriate across a group. Typically WTMG work with male clients aged 25- 55ish from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. 

I am currently transitioning to male or now live my life identifying as male will this be a safe space for me?

Our position on this is we hope you feel it will be yes. The event is open to anyone who identifies as male. 

If you disclose anything further to us personally this is always done in confidence as we believe people are the owners of their own stories. If you have any questions around this, please do arrange a chat. Our shared toilet and shower facilities are individual cubicles should you value privacy in changing and showering and we also have ensuite cabins too - we mention this as past trans, queer and LGBTQIA+ clients have fed back this was helpful information to know. We ask you to identify your pronouns on registering so we can speak with you in a way that matches who you are.  Our Terms and Conditions include an anti-abuse policy and we seek to offer this space to people who can be respectful to themselves, each other and nature. 

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I'm trying to decide if I should come solo or see if a friend, family member or colleague wants to come along with me. But I am not sure what is best?

Many people enjoying coming to our retreats as solo attendees because it offers you space to really focus on yourself and a cabin to yourself too. If you find you are wanting to attend the retreat to work on issues around masking or people pleasing around others and need space to re-define we say GO SOLO. 

That said we have also found that many people will choose to share with someone they trust, feel comfortable and open around and that recognise the need for each others independence and space throughout the retreat to connect with other people too. A sharing option (always with someone you know, we don't ask you to share with strangers here) can be great if you and your friends have identified the need for a break from your everyday pressures,  where you already have connections with people where you do activities to enhance your collective well-being (even though lets be honest you might not describe it exactly that way) e.g you go camping, running, hiking together or have been school/uni friends, colleagues, brothers etc. 

Sharing cabins and this retreat experience together can help connect bonds of friendship, whilst also meeting other interesting and new people too. Whatever you choose, we will always see you as an individual and you'll be treated that way. Even if you attend in the company of good friends. We ask each person to complete a registration form prior to attending, and we don't share anything you disclose with others in the sharing or wider group. 

For 2026 we are also opening a few cabins for people who are happy to share with another retreater, and we'll support you to connect in advance to ensure you are happy with your cabin buddy. 

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Do you need to like Nature for this event? This event is delivered in and alongside Nature so we would hope that like us you have an appreciation and affinity for Nature, if you plan to attend. 

Many people are attracted to this event, because you don't get enough chance to be out and connected with Nature. The retreat gives you the opportunity for that. Our T&C's highlight an expectation that all attendees will respect the natural setting. 

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Will a men's retreat  be too 'out-there' and 'woowoo' for me?  Retreats for men still aren't that common and retreats in Nature are still seen as something that may just be 'full of hippies' and 'woowoo' or people worry we'll try and get you to join a cult. 

Not this one! Our retreats are accessible to a wide range of people.  We combine science and psychological and coaching elements with elements of ecopsychology, nature-inspired modalities and a natural appreciation for our collective natural world. Some of our practitioners training draw on ancient indigenous wisdom or holistic methods, which have existing for a long time across the world and can be fascinating to explore and learn about.  These ideas are delivered in practical and tangible experiences with open exploration of people's differing views and experiences.  Many people find that exploring personal development and growth can also offer you deeper understanding of yourself and the world, which some people may see as spiritual. We always let you find your own words for your learning at our events. 

All we ask is that you come with an open mind to the opportunities and learning you will experience. You won't be asked to do anything you really don't feel comfortable to and our sessions offer space for new ways of thinking and doing, that may lead you into 'stretch zone learning'.  The retreat is a place for personal growth and we invite people ready to engage and participate openly - this is a do with approach not a do too, and we see all attendees as contributors and co-creators of the retreat group. experiences

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