SEPTEMBER WEEK-LONG RETREAT

A deep creative immersion on Dartmoor

Devon, England, UK. Sept. 7-13th

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN - EARLY PRICE AVAILABLE UNTIL JAN 1ST.

Immerse Yourself in the Art of Natural Dyeing

With Botanical Inks Founder, Natural Dyer, Author & Artist, Babs Behan.

From Her Creative Studio in the Heart of Dartmoor National Park, England. UK

Personal CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

This extra-long retreat offers the chance to really dive in deep to the natural dye, ink, paint and printmaking practices shared and have the opportunity for 121 guidance and mentorship from Babs Behan, to culviate your desired level of skill, to improve your natural colour practise or to develop a special project with hands on help and advise. Plus 24/7 access to the Botanical inks creative studio, equipment and materials.

121 SUPPORT & MENTORING

You also have the opportunity to receive a private 121 video call with Babs before and after the retreat to support your creative development.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Harvest Season - Fruits, Berries & Nuts - Extended Stay for Creative Development - 121 Creative Support - 24/7 Studio Access - Organic Indigo Dyeing - Bundle Dyeing with Flowers - Colour Foraging - Woodblock Printing with Natural Inks - Wild Ink Drawing - Plant Connection Rituals - Moorland & Riverside Walks - Wild Swimming - Eating Out at Local Award-Winning Sustainable Eateries - Small Group Size 7 People - Wholesome Organic, Seasonal Food - Rose Tea Ritual - Comfortable Beds - Rustic Luxury Accommodation - Wellness Activities

Season

September is beautiful on the moor. The days are still long and bright and the relaxed end of Summer softness offer the perfect pace for sinking into this longer retreat to savour the surroundings, the magic of Southcombe and all the foraging, river dips and time outdoors along with lots of nestling in and being creative with the abundance of harvest fruits for our dyes, inks and paint pots.

The flora of the moor is ripe for gathering and we can pick flowers and dye plants from the garden for our crafts.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the flowers, wild living colours & multi-sensual craft practices.

natural colour practices

You will gain an introduction to using a plant-based natural dyeing process.

With all plant-based: dyes, mordants, modifiers and washing agents.

There will be a variety of natural dye techniques practiced throughout your stay, such as:

Flowers + Plant Dye Picking

Immersion Dyeing

Organic Indigo Dyeing

Shibori Tie-Dyeing

Wild Ink Making & Mark-Making

Natural Ink Woodblock Printing

Bundle Dyeing with Flowers

Hapazome Flower Printing

Natural Paint Mixing & Painting

walks

To enrich your creative practice,

you will get to visit some favourite local spots for riverside and moorland walks,

wild swims, nature bathing and to meet ancient woodlands.

HOLISTIC CREATIVITY

We plan to weave some special activities into the flow of the retreat,

to compliment and support your relaxation and creative process.

Such as yoga, mindfulness, plant connection ritual, soundbathing

or a wood fired sauna overlooking the valley and spring fed pool.

spaciousness

You are invited to partake in all the activities you wish to,

and also be free to take time out as and when you feel to, perhaps to enjoy some solo time, curl up and read a book in a cosy nook or indulge in more time digging into a favourite creative practise.

It’s your weekend and we encourage you to have it be what you want it to be as much as possible.

There is also space within the schedule specifically allocated for your creative practice,

to use the skills you have acquired within the workshop sessions, for your own personal development.

The house and gardens are a pure delight and offer a restful and comfortable space to dwell in,

with stunning views across the moorland and incrediby spectacular scenery in all directions.

food and nutrition

Nourishing organic seasonal food will be provided for most meals and there will be a couple of trips to local, award-winning cafes and restaurants (not included) to sample the culinary delights of this verdant region.

YOUR HOST

All with the guidance of your host. Natural Dyer and Artist, Babs Behan. Founder of Botanical Inks.

This retreat takes place at Southcombe Barn, where Babs resides as the long-term Artist-In-Residence.

“I am excited to welcome you to the serene setting of my creative studio and home, nestled here within the expansive moorland, amidst the wildflowers of Southcombe’s magical wild meadow gardens.

This sensational landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for your immersion into the world of natural dyeing.

We are spoilt with an adundance of colour to harvest from the surroundings and inspired by the enchanting environment, home to roaming highland cattle and wild ponies along with incredibly diverse butterly, insect and bird populations - The morning chorus is extraordinary!

By night, the dark sky nature reserve offers a spectacle of shooting stars and the milky way.

Up here on the moor I feel away from everything, in the best possible way - its peaceful and calm, and yet only 15 minutes from the gorgeous town of Ashburton with its independent shops and cafes and our lovely Widicombe In The Moor village just a few minutes on foot, with excellent coffee and organic food.

The location is incredible, with the the most astounding walks, wiild and clean river swims, fascinating granite tors, stone circles and ancient deserted villages close by in all directions. There is a lot to explore and be amazed by!

This will be more than a natural dye course. It will be a creative experience, and nourishing on so many levels.

Expect (optional) daily activities to get your body moving and out breathing fresh clean air; immersions into the wild landscape; nature connection rituals and crafting; a friendly group experience and time to be with yourself and gently with others in an incredible place; Restful and rejeuvenating therapeutic sessions; delicious vibrant food and a lot of inspiration and magic!

Through this carefully considered schedule, you will learn how to extract and use colours from plants to create stunning fabrics and paper arts, and unlock your creativity through simple and intuitive practices.

This experience is not just about learning a new skill, it’s about embracing a holistic approach to creativity that nourishes your whole being.

As you partake in this experience you will have the opportunity to indulge in healthsome nutrition that complements your creative endeavors. Nourishing your body with wholesome meals made from organic and locally sourced ingredients will not only fuel your artistic pursuits but also enhance your overall well-being.

This harmonious blend of being in wild nature, using hands to harvest and craft, slowing down and resting together, nourishing sustenance and a beauty-filled environment creates a truly transformative experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE :

(Subject to change)

LOCATION:

The retreat is situated at Southcombe Cottage, where Babs Behan resides as the long term Southcombe Barn Artist-in-Residence and bases her natural dye businesses Botanical Inks and the Bristol Cloth.

Southcombe Barn, situated in the heart of Dartmoor, is a place where creative arts, wellbeing and connection to landscape foster a retreat for minds, bodies and souls to rejuvenate, flourish and land.

Nestled in 16 acres of wildflower meadows, woodland and moorland pasture. The land backs onto the open moor and is a haven of wildlife, birds, bees and butterflies. Set within the Dark Skies reserve, nights can be spent gazing up at star-filled skies and sunsets and sunrises enjoyed from nearby tors. The Dartmoor National Park has incredible walks and wild swimming spots.

Southcombe Barn is just 15 minutes drive from the historical stannery town of Ashburton, in South Devon on the A38.

We are a 30 minute taxi from Exeter airport, 30 mins taxi from Newton Abbot train station, and 45 minutes from Totnes train station.

See Google Maps for location here

accommodation

Accommodation is available within the Southcombe Cottage residence in four private rooms, with shared bathroom.

Along with two private self-contained barns, which offer rustic luxury ensuite accommodation with fully equipped kitchens. Within the Southcombe Barn property and only a few steps away from the studio, where our retreat will be based.

(Please do book early to secure your preferred option).

Choose from the following options:

Price includes full retreat activities and tuition, inclusive materials and meals, excursions and accommodation. (Excludes two meals out and transport costs along with any additional materials purchased during the retreat).

Payments:

Select your preferred room option from the list above and select single or double occupancy where appropriate. Prices include retreat activities, materials, accommodation and the inclusive meals. Plus a complimentary signed copy of the “Botanical Dyes” book by Babs Behan. Excludes transport, meals out and additional materials or shop items.

PAYMENT PLANS - It possible to spread the cost of the booking with three seperate installments over several months. Please email: hello@botanicalinks.com to make this arrangement.

Early Booking Price Offer Ends January 1st.