Touchstones

Earth Stewardship Program for Adults 2025/26

Mentored by

Phil

Nature educator & environmentalist

Organisation links

Sacred Earth, Marle Green, Horam

Ages: 18+ years

Two Year Adult Ticket £3775

Next date: Friday 2nd May, 15:00 – 00:00

A summary

Are you ready to embark on a two-year journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and deep connection with the natural world? Welcome to Touchstones, an extraordinary Earth Stewardship Program designed to rekindle your inner nature and forge meaningful relationships with the world around you. If you'd like to experience a weekend first please click here: https://eequ.org/book/touchstones-drop-in-camps-with-phil-14755 Touchstones is more than a program—it’s a journey. Over two transformative years, you will: 1. Journey into the Deep Sensuality of Nature – Reconnect with the earth and rediscover your wild self. 2. Weave Lasting Connections – Build meaningful relationships with yourself, others, and nature. 3. Enhance Resilience and Ingenuity – Adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. 4. Develop Native Skills – Gain practical skills for survival and flourishing in natural environments. 5. Uncover Inner Strengths – Boost your confidence, self-esteem, and find your gifts through individual and group experiences. Facilitated by Phil Greenwood with a guest appearance by Victoria Mew. Stage One (2025): May 2nd – 4th: Stepping into the Magic of Beltane – A Celtic Fire Ceremony. This weekend is full of what it means to step through a gateway – to meet thresholds in our lives Our weekend will include a powerful purification ceremony with earth, air, fire and water Together we will weave new beginnings and a festival of possibilities, by connecting to the four elements, sharing ancient practices and traditions that enliven our modern life journeys. What does it mean to hold space? How can we help ourselves step into our greatest potential? How can we stay connected so we can help others do the same and make the world beautiful our hearts know is possible? May 23rd – 27th: Intergenerational Deep Nature Camp for all ages (immersion package) Learn about the five voices of the birds Deepen your connection to the elements through advanced connection practices Experience the mysteries of plant medicine and herbalism Share your gifts into the melting pot of the community basket Have fun tracking and finding/observing our local flora and fauna (and experiencing inner tracking practices that support wholeness) Learn new methods and practices for health and well being with Suzy Greenwood Develop awareness and understanding of acorn leadership through the 8 Shields July 18th – 20th: Earth Stewardship and Talking with Trees. How can we engage in new ways that have roots in ancient methods to communicate and steward the environment we depend upon, our natural capital and ecological system services that support life, health and happiness? How can we relearn the value of reciprocity – giving and receiving? This weekend is full of deep nature connection, each participant is invited to deepen their own nature and their own connection through meeting the trees, stewarding a small part of our ecological nature reserve and weaving a basket of personal and community connection to both human and non-human species September 26th - 28th: The Harvest Moon Autumn Camp. A wonderful harvest and introduction to food and foraging, culminating in a wild feast and even a pit roast!! Interwoven with stories and songs, circle and sharing. Autumn foraging - involving roots and shoots, fruits and nuts, making delicious natural dishes to share, celebrating the harvest with ancient tales October 30th - 2nd Nov: Festival of Samhain – Sacred Fire Ceremony. Another threshold and gateway as we prepare for the entering of the darkness and winter months – our threshold will include another purification lodge and introductions to soul craft, dreaming and communication through ancient practices and advanced connection techniques. Includes: (optional) personal overnight (dusk till dawn) fire quests on All Hallows Eve , within a community held sacred fire – when the veils are the thinnest… Introduction to shamanic journeying techniques Ancestors offerings and an altar to the unseen realms November 15th – 16th: Stepping into Sovereignty (Emerson College) Stage Two (2026): January 23rd – 25th: North Star – Journey to Wholeness (Emerson College) March 20th – 22nd: Spring Equinox Camp (Phoenix Lodge available) April 24th – 26th: Spring Camp – Interspecies Communication and Herbal Medicine June 19th – 21st: Native Skills and Quest Preparation August 10th – 16th: Quest Camp – Purification Ceremony and 3-Day Quest September 11th – 13th: Harvest Moon Event – Forest Adventure December (Optional): North Star Camp (Emerson College, £225.00 extra) 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.

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 nameTwo Year Adult Ticket

Price£3775

Information-

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.

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