tHE cLEARING
A day retreat for leader's, looking to create space and reset.
WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
GROUND AND ALIGN THIS WINTER!
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Join us at The Clearing - A day retreat for leader's. Space to brighten, lighten and enliven your leadership, inside and out!
Time for nourishment, and grounding as we head into winter.
A retreat day in nature, for leaders across Yorkshire and beyond
Date & Time
NEW WINTER DATE
WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2026
Location
Little Seed Field, Castiles Farm, Near Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3PU
A collaboration
JK McQuinn - Where the Mind Grows & Ali Carruthers-Illingworth Purple, Pebble, People with bonus sessions from Mandy at Calm Aura Healing.
The Clearing
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A day to pause, gain perspective and find space to grow.
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A restorative day retreat for leaders, managers and business owners at Little Seed Field, North Yorkshire.
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You spend your days making decisions, supporting others, solving problems and keeping things moving.
Whether you're growing a business, leading a team or navigating the many demands of leadership, it's easy to become so caught up in what needs to happen next that you lose sight of yourself in the process.
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When was the last time you gave yourself the space to stop, take a breath and consider what you really need?
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Welcome to The Clearing.
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A day away from the usual demands of work and life, immersed in nature and guided by thoughtful, experienced practitioners who will help you slow down, look at things differently and reconnect with what matters.
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Through systemic coaching, nature-led exploration, shared reflection and restorative sound & gong bath, you'll have space to explore what's on your mind and in your body right now. Notice what might be ready to change and consider how you want to move forward.
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No targets to hit. No expectations to meet. Nothing to prove.
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Just time and space to pause, reflect and reconnect with yourself , so you can return to your work and life with fresh perspective and renewed intention and the ways to guide yourself energetically into winter.
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Step away from the everyday. Make space for what comes next.
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Why the Clearing?
Leadership can be rewarding, meaningful and full of possibility. It can also ask a lot of us.
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There are decisions to make, people to support, challenges to navigate and competing priorities that rarely wait for a convenient moment. As a business owner, manager or leader, you may spend so much time creating space for others that there's little left for yourself.
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You don't have to be struggling to benefit from stepping back. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is pause before the next big decision, take stock of where you are and reconnect with the bigger picture.
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The Clearing offers an opportunity to do just that.
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Away from your usual environment, there is space to feel, think and be at a slower, deeper pace. There's room to think without interruption, explore familiar challenges from a different angle and listen to the things that can get lost in the noise of everyday life.
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It's not about finding all the answers in one day. It's about creating the conditions for new questions, fresh insights and a different sense of what's possible.
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A day to reconnect with what matters
The Clearing brings together three complementary experiences, each offering a different way to pause, explore and reflect.
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Expanding Personal Insights - ​Space with Ali - Seeing Things Differently
Sometimes we need to step back from ourselves to see things a little differently.
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Ali is a systemic coach and constellations practitioner who creates space to explore what shapes us, influences us and sometimes gets in our way. Through a gentle, experiential approach, you’ll be invited to look at yourself and what’s alive for you from a different perspective, noticing connections, influences and patterns that might not always be obvious.
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There’s nothing to prepare and no previous knowledge of systemic coaching or constellations is needed. Come with curiosity and see what emerges.
Igniting & Letting Go with the help of Nature - Space with JK -
Finding Room to Breathe, Grow and winter
Nature has its own rhythms. It doesn't rush the seasons or expect everything to bloom at once.
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With JK, you'll be invited to step outside the familiar, reconnect with the natural world and explore what its patterns of growth, change and renewal might reflect back to you.
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Through guided nature-based experiences and time for reflection, you'll have the opportunity to slow down, notice what's happening within and around you, and consider what you might want to nurture, release or approach differently.
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A chance to breathe, find perspective and remember that growth doesn't always come from doing more., embracing the season of winter in your work and life approaches.
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Gong & Sound Bath for Relaxation - Space with Mandy-Making Room for Stillness
Sometimes we need to stop thinking and simply allow ourselves to be.
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Mandy's gong and sound bath offers a restorative pause in the day, creating space to rest, settle and step away from the constant mental activity that can accompany busy working lives.
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It's an opportunity to slow the pace, reconnect with yourself and let the experiences of the day settle before turning your attention towards what you want to carry forward. Time to rest and receive.
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Between sessions, enjoy a nourishing plant-based lunch prepared by a local Yorkshire firm, with plenty of time to connect with your fellow retreat community and peers. And some peaceful pauses in the day, just for yourself too. The day closes with a reflective space together, to ground your insights and set intentions you can carry forward with confidence, leaving inspired and refreshed.
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Accommodation is not part of this retreat, but please note there is glamping accommodation available on site and we can support you with booking this with the venue if interested, for an additional fee payable to them.
What you might take away with you
Every person's experience of The Clearing will be different.
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You might leave with:
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A clearer perspective. Space to step back from a situation, see it differently and recognise what matters most right now.
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A deeper understanding of yourself. An opportunity to notice patterns, influences and habits that shape how you think, respond and lead.
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A renewed connection with what matters. Time to reconnect with your values, priorities and the things that give you energy and meaning.
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A little more room to breathe. A restorative pause from the demands of everyday life, with space to slow down and simply be. Leaving with new energy.
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An intention for what comes next. A chance to consider what you want to do differently, what you might let go of and how you want to move forward.
You don't need to transform your life in a day.
Sometimes a small shift in perspective is enough to open up a different way forward.
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Is The Clearing for you?
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The Clearing is for people who spend much of their time holding things together, making things happen or helping others find their way.
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For business owners
When you're running a business, it's easy for the business to take up all the space. This is an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, reconnect with your bigger picture, deepen connection and energy with yourself too. Consider what you need as well as what your business needs.
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For managers and team leaders
Supporting a team means balancing people, performance, relationships and competing expectations. Take time to reflect on the challenges you're navigating, gain a fresh perspective and reconnect with the kind of leader you want to be.
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For senior and organisational leaders
When you're responsible for complex decisions and wider organisational challenges, having space to think can be invaluable. Step outside your usual environment and make room to explore what's happening beneath the surface, what might need to change and what deserves your attention next.
For anyone ready to pause
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You don't need a particular job title, a team to manage or a business to run. If you're navigating change, looking for perspective or simply recognising that you need a little space for yourself, you're welcome here. Leading in life is still leading.
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You can come with a question, a challenge or no clear agenda at all.
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Just bring yourself and an open heart and mind.
Come as you are. Leave room to grow
The Clearing isn't about adding another task to your to-do list or turning personal development into something else to get right.
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It's an invitation to step out of the familiar, spend time in nature and give yourself permission to explore without needing to know exactly where it will lead.
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You'll share the day with others who understand something of the responsibility and complexity of working life, in a setting that encourages curiosity, reflection and connection.
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And perhaps you'll discover that the perspective you've been looking for doesn't require you to work harder or push further.
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Perhaps it begins by making a little space.
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Practical Information & Booking
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Your day includes:
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Facilitated experiences with Ali, JK and Mandy.
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Systemic coaching and constellations exploration.
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Nature-led reflection and connection.
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A restorative gong and sound bath.
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Time to pause, reflect and connect with fellow attendees.
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Lunch, refreshments and workshop resources.
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Timings: 09:30am-16:30pm - Wednesday 11th November 2026
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Location: Little Seed Field, Castiles Farm, near Ripon, North Yorkshire HG3 4PU. Free parking on site. Limited public transport access.​
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What to wear: Sturdy shoes and layers for being outdoors. Indoor spaces are available throughout the day. Enough layers for the changeable weather and outdoor spaces. Hats and gloves are recommended at this time of year along with a weatherproof coat. ​
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What to bring: If you use a special notebook or journal for this type of space, please bring that. You may also like to bring a water bottle, and reusable mug though neither are essential as we have plenty. ​
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Extend your Experience and stay over: Little Seed Field is also a glamping site and can offer cosy cabins for those who would like to stay over the night before and/or after - subject to availability onsite. Overnight stay can be arranged at an additional cost through the venue directly. Please let them know you are attending The Clearing with Where the Mind Grows, when you send your enquiry. ​
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Food & drink: Refreshments available throughout. A delicious warm plant-based lunch is included.​
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Dietary, Learning & accessibility needs: Please include these on your registration form when you sign up.​
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After you book: You will receive confirmation via a receipt and we will send a follow up to welcome you. Before the event you will receive the formal event welcome email, which will include everything you need to know and prepare for, for the day. ​
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Booking Options : This year we have ticket options for solo attendees, two people (colleague, couple, friends, business partnership) coming together and a special offer for groups of five (aimed at colleagues/teams, networking professionals, friends or business/leadership partnerships) - Each option includes the retreat activities, resources and lunch/refreshments but does not include accommodation. ​
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Inclusivity and Diversity: These events are enriched by the diverse life experiences and cultures of the people who attend. This includes the diversity of 'leaders' this event is beneficial for and because of. There is no need to be a guru or expert, we'll begin from the human and work out! Everyone offers value in the group, no matter what type of leadership experience or journey you've had so far. The diversity of the group is just like a forest, enriching the soil! This event is suitable for women, men and non binary adults from a range of sectors.
SECURE YOUR PLACE AT tHE CLEARING
Select your ticket option below. We'll follow up with a welcome email a few days after to confirm your place. Ticket includes retreat activities, lunch and refreshments as well as workshop resources. (Ticket purchase necessary - if you need a payment plan, please email info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk - all payments must be complete by 1st November 2026.
EARLY BIRD ENDS FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2026 - TICKET SALES END 30TH OCTOBER 2026
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Solo Ticket
Come as a pair
Group Ticket
A solo ticket at the retreat, for one person. Includes retreat activities, lunch time meal and refreshments.
£289
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Come along with a friend, colleague, business partner or event life partner.
This ticket includes all retreat activities and lunch/refreshments for two people. Save 11%
£542. 42 (257.21 per person)
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Our 11.11 special group offering. Five people group booking, friends, networks, colleagues who know coming together can support the commitment for time and space.
£1,111 (£222.20 per person)
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About the venue
Little Seed Field, will be our venue for The Clearing. A working farm, glamping & micro wedding site, owned by Joanne and Sean Nicholson. Back in 2023, Where the Mind Grows took up roots in the woods there. Leasing the woodland at the bottom of the land, and running one to one sessions, retreats and team days ever since. The farm is an ongoing rewilding project with beautiful ponds, wild meadows, fields & woodland.
Alongside our time in Nature, you'll have access to indoor spaces like the communal area and/or 'owl barn'. With toilet's onsite and free parking too. If you want to extend your day retreat experience.
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Extend your retreat experience with an overnight stay onsite
If you'd like to make The Clearing a more spacious break or 'workation' for yourself. You can stay over onsite in one of the glamping cabins all to yourself, for an additional cost arranged direct with the venue.
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A view of the glamping site
Time in the woods
Exploring by the pond
Inspired in the Owl barn
"Absolutely would recommend this event to anyone who spends their days juggling the busyness of life (so everyone?!) - it was the perfect way to step away from the doing of day to day, make some time to focus on me, my needs and the bigger picture, meet some fantastic people and leave feeling like I'd had a mini holiday."
B, Business Owner
F.A.Q's
I am new to leadership, will this be suitable for me?
Absolutely. In fact these will be a great opportunity for you to share your space with other leaders too. Leader's come with a vast range of experience, in and out of work. There is no need to be a guru or expert in leadership, we'll always start with the human being first!
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I am not sure if I'll be able to stay the whole day, can I still attend?
We do ask that you only sign up if you can commit to attending the full day. This minimises disruption in the group and days activities and ensures we can ground in and out of each activity together ensuring you can make the most of the experience. We'll invite all leaders attending to put on their out of office, and turn their phones to silent or away completely for the day!
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Is there a payment plan?
If breaking your payment down into instalments is helpful, we can discuss that with you, to help you access The Clearing day retreat.
All payments must be made a minimum of 10 working days before, or your place may be lost with no refund. To discuss this option email info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk with CLEARING PAYMENT PLAN REQUEST as your title.
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Is this a leadership retreat just for women?
Not at all, this event is open to anyone who recognises themselves as leader, business owner, or manager. The experience is enriched by the diversity of those who attend.
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What is your cancellation policy?
You will have a 48 hour cooling off period, on your purchase. There are no refunds offered on non-attendance. In the event we have to cancel the retreat, you will receive your money back or take as credit for another WTMG event.
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Where is it?
The Clearing will be delivered from Little Seed Field, Castiles Farm, HG4 3PU, North Yorkshire. It is a remote location with limited public transport, so access is usually by car or taxi. The nearest train stations are Harrogate & Leeds.
Upon signing up, you will receive a welcome email with further details and directions for the venue.
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What will I need to bring?
The event will cater for much of your needs throughout the day. Resources from all activities are included and a small welcome pack. Refreshments will be supplied throughout the day and you'll also have lunch catered for, by a lovely Yorkshire caterer. (Please ensure you share your dietary requirements on sign up). Please wear sturdy footwear suitable for being outdoors in Nature, and wear comfortable clothes and layers suitable for the forecast on the day. You may like to bring your journal or notebook. Whilst refreshment's are available we also recommend bringing a water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout.
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I don't manage a team, is this event for me?
Yes, absolutely! You don't need to manage a team(s) to attend. You'll get the most from this space as a business owner or leader/project manager even if YOU are your own team! We already have business owners of small businesses and solopreneurs signed up. This is also suitable for those in leading roles in life, as well as work.
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I would love to bring a colleague with me, is that ok?
Yes, absolutely! We even have an offer for people wanting to book for themselves and a colleague or business/leadership connection. For this winter event we have a special pairs and group off. Save 11% when you book as two people, or gather 5 of you together for our super-special 1,111 offering. Just consider if attending together would allow you to be yourself, and open to exploring during the day.
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This sounds amazing, but I live outside of Yorkshire and its a bit of travelling for the day. Is there somewhere I can stay near by?
Yes, Little Seed Field is actually a glamping sight too, and you can book a cabin on the Thursday and/or Friday before and after for an additional cost. Booked direct through the venue. Email them direct to let them know you will be at the Where the Mind Grows retreat and subject to availability they will support you with your booking. ​
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Got a question, that isn't answered here?
Email: JK - info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk​
