Rewilding Retreat in Dorset with Archery, Bushcraft and Drumming

Sessions are carefully structured to give you the best balance of hands-on activity, skill development and enjoyment. With small group ratios and longer durations than typical commercial centres, there’s plenty of time to practise and get immersed in each activity. You’ll be guided by friendly, highly qualified instructors who tailor their coaching to your ability and aim to make sure everyone feels confident and engaged.

We only use high quality, well-maintained equipment and run our sessions from woodland bases that are designed to feel natural and authentic. Far from a typical set-up, you’ll be spending your time in a quiet, rustic woodland range that many guests have described as a “Robin Hood’s camp.” This setting, combined with the relaxed but professional instruction, makes the whole experience feel unique and memorable.

All technical equipment is provided, so you only need to focus on dressing appropriately for the weather. Comfortable outdoor clothing is best, with waterproofs or spare layers in colder or wetter conditions, and suncream and hats during the warmer months. Closed-toe footwear is required—trainers are fine. You'll be outdoors the whole time, so it’s important to come prepared for the forecast.

We also recommend bringing any snacks or drinks you might want, as well as any personal medication you may need. Sessions go ahead in most weather conditions, and being prepared helps you enjoy the full experience. There are no shops or facilities on site, so it’s best to arrive ready and self-sufficient.

Yes, dogs are welcome on site, provided they’re well-behaved and kept on a lead at all times. The woodland setting is home to deer, rabbits and pheasants, so it’s essential for your dog to remain under control. If they’re calm and used to being around people, they’re free to stay with you during the activities.

Water bowls and shaded spots are available to keep them comfortable while you take part. It’s worth bringing your own poo bags and making sure your dog is happy being in a slightly noisier setting. For many visitors, bringing the dog along adds to the experience of being outdoors as a family.

Sessions continue in most weather conditions, and the woodland setting actually makes the experience feel even more immersive when it's wet. Light rain rarely impacts the session itself, and many people find it adds to the atmosphere—especially in the woods. All our equipment is suitable for outdoor use, and instructors are well prepared to adapt if the weather changes during your visit.

That said, we do recommend dressing appropriately for the forecast. Waterproof jackets, spare layers and suitable footwear make all the difference in keeping you comfortable. If it’s looking particularly wet, a hat or hood can be useful, and bringing a spare top to change into afterwards is never a bad idea. We’ll always aim to deliver a fun and rewarding session regardless of the weather.

This retreat is ideal for anyone who’s looking to step away from their daily routine and experience something more grounded, hands-on, and connected to the natural world. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who’s already familiar with nature-based practices, the day is designed to be open and accessible. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being outdoors, want to explore personal growth, or simply fancy a day that feels very different to what you might usually do.

You don’t need any prior experience with archery, firelighting, bushcraft, or drumming—the session is paced to suit everyone, and guidance is given throughout. It’s also a great option for families with older children (8+), couples, friends, and small groups looking for something meaningful to do together. While it’s a calming, slow-paced day, there’s still plenty of activity, so a willingness to get involved and embrace nature is all that’s needed.

It’s a healthy mix of both. Activities like fire lighting, wood carving, archery, and drumming involve gentle physical movement, but they are guided with an emphasis on mindfulness, patience, and connection rather than speed or power. You’ll spend time walking through the woodland, standing, sitting around the fire, and using tools like knives and bows—so it's active but never rushed or physically intense.

At the same time, many parts of the day are deeply reflective. The rhythm of the woodland and the way the activities are delivered encourage you to slow down and engage your senses. The drumming circle, storytelling, and time spent connecting with plants and materials from the land are calming and restorative. It’s not about fitness—it’s about presence.

Not much, but being prepared will help you enjoy the day to its fullest. Please wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing—layers work well, and waterproof jackets or trousers are useful even in mild drizzle. Footwear should be sturdy and closed-toe (trainers, walking boots or hiking shoes are best) as the woodland terrain can be uneven or muddy depending on the season.

Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. We have a composting toilet and a covered seating area on site, but we recommend limiting valuables and electronics as much as possible—this is a great chance to switch off. Also, if you have any personal medication, allergies or needs, make sure you bring what you need with you and let your instructor know discreetly at the start of the session.

We have an inclusive approach and always aim to support people with physical disabilities or special educational needs. The best thing to do is contact us ahead of time so we can talk through what adjustments may be helpful to make your experience enjoyable and accessible.

Depending on the activity and individual requirements, we may be able to modify the session, adapt equipment, or provide additional support. We’re happy to tailor things where needed, and our team are experienced in creating a safe and encouraging environment for a wide range of participants.

If you book 12 or more places, the session will be private and just for your group. You’ll have exclusive use of the ranges and full attention from the instructors. This is ideal for families, birthday groups, or team outings looking for a more personal and flexible experience.

For smaller bookings, the session may be shared with other individuals or small groups. That said, group sizes are always kept low to maintain quality and make sure everyone gets time and support. If you’d prefer a fully private session for fewer people, please get in touch and we’ll see what we can arrange.

Our online booking system limits 'open' sessions to 13 people to keep things manageable when groups are mixed. However, for private or single-group bookings, we can accommodate more than this. There’s no fixed upper limit as long as we’re able to staff and prepare the session properly.

If your group is larger than 12 and you’d like to keep everyone together, just drop us a message via the adventuro chat below. We’ll discuss your needs and create a session that suits your group’s size, ability and preferences.

Absolutely. Sessions are designed to be inclusive and flexible, and we regularly run events for mixed-age families and friend groups. We’ve hosted groups ranging in age from toddlers to grandparents, and we adjust the pace and style of coaching to suit everyone.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning after a break, or have some experience, we aim to make the session enjoyable and engaging for all. Everyone is encouraged to take part at their own level, and our instructors are skilled at adapting the format to keep it fun, safe and inclusive.

Yes—please plan to arrive around 15 minutes before your session start time. This gives you time to check in, walk to the activity area and settle in before the session begins. The ranges are up to a 5-minute walk from the car park depending on the location, and it’s important that we start on time.

At the New Forest site, you’ll travel along small country roads that may include tractors or the occasional donkey crossing—so it’s worth allowing a little extra travel time. Late arrivals are treated as cancellations and are non-refundable, so do plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Yes, there’s free on-site parking at both our New Forest and Dorset locations. At the New Forest, the car park is accessed via a narrow gravel track which may not be suitable for large motorhomes, though minibuses are fine. From there, it’s a short uphill walk—around 3 minutes—to reach the woodland ranges.

In Dorset, the car park is more easily accessed and is less than a minute’s walk from the activity area. If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, especially for the New Forest location, we recommend giving us a call in advance so we can advise or make arrangements where needed.

Unlike a traditional bushcraft or adventure session that focuses mainly on physical skill-building, the rewilding retreat blends those skills with mindful practices and a deeper connection to the natural world. Activities like archery and firelighting are still present but are used as tools to promote focus, awareness, and wellbeing. You’ll leave with new skills—but also with a clearer mind and a stronger sense of personal connection to nature.

It’s also more holistic than a standard outdoor day—it includes storytelling, drumming, sensory exploration, and reflection time. The setting and small group size help create a safe, supportive environment that allows for individual insights as well as group connection. Whether you’re coming for relaxation, to learn something new, or to simply recharge away from screens and schedules, this retreat offers something genuinely different.