Touchstones

Earth Stewardship Program for Adults 2026

Mentored by

Phil

Nature educator & environmentalist

Collection links

Sacred Earth, Marle Green, Horam

Ages: 18+ years

Adult Quest ticket £595Adult Quest concession £525Young adult,16-25, Quest £395 +8 more

Next date: Friday 24th Apr, 16:00 – 00:00

A summary

Are you ready to step into deeper relationship with yourself, others, and the living world? Touchstones is an Earth Stewardship offering created to rekindle our inner nature, awaken our Indigenous Soul, and restore meaningful connection with the Earth through lived experience, ancient practices, and community. Each Touchstones gathering is a standalone, immersive weekend or camp, allowing you to book the experiences that call to you, while still being held within a coherent and evolving field of practice. This is not a course you must complete — it is a living pathway you can step onto, return to, and deepen over time. --- What Touchstones Offers Through deep nature connection, earth wisdom, and embodied practice, Touchstones supports you to: 1. Journey into the deep sensuality of nature — rewilding your senses and rediscovering your wild self 2. Weave lasting connections — to Self, Others, and the more-than-human world 3. Strengthen resilience and human ingenuity — adapting with grace in an ever-changing world 4. Develop native and ancestral skills — for thriving, stewardship, and belonging 5. Uncover inner strengths and gifts — through individual reflection and group field work All camps are at Sacred Earth, Horam, unless otherwise stated. Spring Equinox Camp March 20th – 22nd Location: Sacred Earth (Some indoor accommodation available at Phoenix Lodge) Drawing from ancient and indigenous practices, we will work deeply with the Four Elements and the Four Directions — Fire, Water, Air and Earth — learning how these primal forces live within us and around us. This is not simply a retreat. It is an initiation into deeper relationship. ________________________________________ A Transformational Immersion Throughout the weekend we will: • Engage in advanced nature connection practices • Develop sensory awareness and attunement • Explore plant and animal observation and communication • Work ceremonially with Fire, Water, Air and Earth • Deepen inner vision and strengthen our sense of purpose We will explore powerful reflective questions such as: Fire What is my relationship to Fire? To passion? Is my inner vitality alive and burning brightly — or dimmed? Water What is my relationship to Water? To my emotions — my tears, fears, joys? Where do I flow? Where do I resist? Air What is my relationship to Air and to the wind? How is my relationship to my mind — my beliefs, creativity, communication? How do I speak into the world? Earth What is my relationship to the Earth and to my body? Where am I grounded? Where is energy inert or held in “deadness”? ________________________________________ Why the Equinox? The Spring Equinox is a moment of balance — equal day and night — a threshold between dormancy and emergence. This weekend will guide you in harnessing the Powers of Creation at this potent turning point, aligning you with the natural rhythms of renewal and growth. ________________________________________ Who This Is For This camp is for those who: • Long to deepen their connection with the natural world • Feel called to live more consciously and purposefully • Are ready for a grounded yet powerful transformational experience • Want to celebrate spring in meaningful community Standard £225, Concession £175, Youth concession £95 Spring Camp – Interspecies Communication & Herbal Medicine April 24th – 26th Exploring relationship with plants, trees, and animal kin. Includes plant lore, herbal medicine, tracking, observation, and communication practices. Gifting price £275, Standard £225, Concession £175 Youth concession £95 Native Skills & Quest Preparation June 19th – 21st Developing foundational skills for any quest experience, both in nature and in the realm of communication. You will learn essential techniques for sending and receiving messages, enhancing your interactions with both the seen and unseen worlds, while preparing for a transformative journey. Gifting price £275, Standard £225, Concession £175 Quest Camp August 10th – 16th Includes purification ceremony and a **3-day solo quest experience**, held within a deeply supportive community container. A profound rite of passage and encounter with self, land, and mystery. This experience will also provide the necessary support for re-integration after your quest, helping you connect deeply with your vision and purpose. Standard price £595, Concession £525, Young adult (16-25) £395, Young adult concession £345 Harvest Moon – Forest Adventure September 11th – 13th Reconnect with native traditions through food, foraging, and celebration during this transformative weekend. We will harvest not only the bounty of the land but also our personal stories, golden threads, and the seeds of potential that are beginning to germinate within us. This is a time to reflect on the thorns or challenges that still require attention, while embracing the abundance of the season. Gifting price £275, Standard £225, Concession £175 All Hallows Event October 31st - November 2nd Join us for a transformative experience at the Festival of Samhain, where we gather around the Sacred Fire to honor personal growth, community connection, and our deep ties to ancestors and future generations.This weekend will guide you through thresholds and gateways, helping you connect deeply with the transformative power of fire, healing, and the wisdom of the past and future. Gifting price £275, Standard £225, Concession £175 Optional: North Star Closing Camp December - Venue to be announced £225 per person (includes accommodation & food) An optional gathering offering integration, reflection, cross-pollination between groups, and a closing ceremonial space. Who These Gatherings Are For: Touchstones welcomes adults (18+) who feel called to deepen their relationship with life, land, and community, including: Seekers • Dreamers • Nature lovers • Foragers • Facilitators • Teachers • Leaders Forest School Leaders • Practitioners • Storytellers • Weavers • The Curious No prior experience is required — only a willingness to listen, participate, and engage with sincerity. --- A Living Invitation Touchstones is rooted in a simple truth: Where there is Vision, people remember who they are. Each gathering is an invitation to step through a threshold — to meet what longs to be seen, healed, strengthened, and expressed — while weaving strong roots into the Earth and stretching toward the stars we were born to be. **Book the Gatherings That Call You** Places are limited to preserve depth, safety, and intimacy of experience. **Photography & Media Notice** Sacred Earth may capture photographs and videos during gatherings for marketing and promotional purposes, including use on social media and online platforms.

About your mentor

Phil

Nature educator & environmentalist

Hello, I'm Phil Greenwood. I am the founder of Sacred Earth. I'm a former Royal Marine Commando but have spent the last 20 years working with young people in outdoor education and taking adults on deep nature connection journeys. I'm an experienced group facilitator, mentor and naturalist. I have studied, practiced and taught advanced shamanic and connection practices from both the British Isles and other indigenous cultures around the world. I'm also part of the global 8 Shields nature mentoring movement. I strongly believe that people need nature based rites-of-passage programmes to help them find their place in the world. At Sacred Earth we aim to do just that. Our courses and programmes help people develop their social and emotional intelligence through a range of experiential learning programmes, which can be tailored to and delivered at a site of your choice. We encourage creativity, community, ingenuity and a deep connection with the natural world.

FAQs

You'll find details here about Sacred Earth, accommodation options, food and more... Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) General Information Do I have to commit to the full two years? No, while you can attend individual stages of the program, Touchstones is designed as a holistic journey, with each stage building on the last. Each session offers valuable insights and skills on its own, but full participation ensures the deepest transformation and connection to the community and teachings. We encourage participants to engage fully to receive the most from the experience. Where does the program take place? The program takes place at Sacred Earth, Horebeech Lane, Marle Green, Horam, East Sussex, TN21 9EA, as well as Emerson College, Hartfield Rd, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX. If coming by train to Sacred Earth, how do I get to the site? Get a train to Polegate Station (Eastbourne train from London Victoria -Via Gatwick). You can book a Taxi to the site from the station or arrange for a pick-up—please contact us in advance to organise transport. Logistics & Practicalities What kind of accommodation is available? Most sessions take place in natural settings, so participants should bring their own camping-style accommodation. If you prefer wild camping, we have debris and tarp shelters available on most camps. Additionally, limited indoor accommodation is available at Phoenix Lodge upon request (£25 per night supplement) in a Mongolian ger (3 people), geodome, or camper van (2 people). We can also accommodate small camper vans (up to 3 vehicles). There is also AirBnB available locally in the area, at a first come first serve basis, please check with AirBnB or other short term let accommodation providers to make your own arrangements. Some sessions, such as those at Emerson College, offer indoor lodging for an additional fee. Are meals provided? Yes, food is included in all events. Meals are primarily vegetarian, but we cater for vegan, omnivore, intolerances, and allergies—please indicate dietary needs on the booking form. Hot and cold drinks are also provided. What should I bring? Once booked, a welcome letter and kit list will be supplied, but essential items include: - Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) - Outdoor clothing suitable for all weather conditions - Notebook and writing materials - Personal snacks - Walking stick if you struggle on uneven ground. - If you want to charge your mobile phone over the weekend, please bring your own power bank as we are totally off grid. - If you are staying onsite either in a tent or camper, bring your own water for brushing teeth etc, as the site is totally off grid. Are there facilities on-site? > Compost toilets (clean and easy to use) > No showers on-site, but showers are available with our partner organisation at Phoenix Lodge for a £5 event supplement > First aid station on-site; all facilitators are first aid trained and qualified in their specialist areas > Parking available on-site > Cold water swimming (optional) > No electric/mains water onsite as we are totally off grid Is financial assistance available? We offer payment plans to spread the cost over time. If finances are a barrier, please reach out to discuss possible support options. Event Timings Timings vary slightly depending on the camp, but a standard weekend schedule is: Friday arrival: 3 PM onwards – settle in, share supper, and opening circle around the fire Saturday: 8 AM – 9 AM breakfast Sunday: Closing circle at 4 PM, departure shortly after If you have specific travel needs (e.g., arriving early due to train schedules), please let us know so we can accommodate you. Suitability & Accessibility Do I need prior experience in outdoor skills or shamanic practices? No prior experience is required—just an open mind and willingness to engage. The program welcomes both beginners and those with existing knowledge who wish to deepen their connection. How physically demanding is the program? While many activities involve walking, sitting outdoors, and basic wilderness skills, the program is adaptable. If you have any mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss accommodations. What is the minimum age requirement? Participants must be 18 years or older. This is an adult-oriented program designed for personal growth and deep nature connection. Personal & Professional Benefits How will this program benefit me personally? Touchstones fosters self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being through nature-based practices. Many participants find a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and connection to the natural world. Can this program help me professionally? Absolutely! The skills and insights gained are valuable for facilitators, teachers, eco-therapists, and anyone working in nature education, leadership, or personal development. What kind of community will I be joining? Participants often form lifelong connections through this program. You will be part of a supportive, like-minded community dedicated to healing, learning, and stewardship. Will I receive any certification upon completion? While this is not a formal accreditation program, participants can request to receive a certificate of completion, and the experience can be valuable for those pursuing careers in environmental education, eco-therapy, or nature-based facilitation. If you would like a certificate, please let us know ahead of time.

Learning aims

Aim 1

Understand yourself more deeply

Aim 3

Slow down, reflect, grow

Aim 5

Find the beauty and power of community

Aim 2

Develop your connection with the natural world

Aim 4

Nurture and Transform yourself

Aim 6

Find alternative ways of thinking about the world

Photography & Video

Sacred Earth may capture photographs and videos during the course for marketing and promotional purposes. Please be aware that these materials may be used in social media and other promotional content.

Pricing information

Ticket namePriceInformation

Ticket nameAdult Quest ticket

Price£595

Information-

Ticket nameAdult Quest concession

Price£525

InformationPlease contact us to discuss eligibility for the concession price.

Ticket nameYoung adult,16-25, Quest

Price£395

Information-

Ticket nameYoung adult Quest conc

Price£345

InformationThere are limited concession tickets please get in touch with us for this option.

Ticket nameStandard weekend ticket

Price£225

InformationA ticket that will also support concession prices

Ticket nameConcession ticket

Price£175

InformationPlease get in touch if you want to be considered for this option

Ticket nameWeekend youth concession

Price£95

InformationPlease contact us to discuss eligibility for a concession

Ticket nameSaturday day ticket

Price£75

Information-

Ticket nameSunday day ticket

Price£75

InformationTicket for Sunday only

Ticket nameSaturday concession

Price£60

InformationPlease contact us to discuss eligibility

Ticket nameSunday concession

Price£60

InformationPlease contact us to discuss eligibility

LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections

Where we'll be

Sacred Earth, Horebeech Lane, Marle Green, Horam, East Sussex, TN21 9EA

WHAT’S PROVIDED

Drinks

Meals

Safety

Risk Assessment

Public Liability Insurance

First Aid Training

First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds are not generally available, but may be considered with sufficient notice.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.