DARTMOOR RETREAT

Devon, England, UK. June 5th-8th, 2025.

Immerse yourself in the Art of Natural Dyeing,

with Botanical Inks Founder, Natural Dyer & Artist, Babs Behan.

From her creative studio in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, England. UK

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

With locally sourced plant-based dyes, mordants, modifiers and washing agents.

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

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

To enrich your creative practice, we will enjoy trips to local dye plant growers,

to harvest dye plants from the source and learn about the business of growing colour by artisan farmers.

You will also enjoy guided colour foraging walks in the local landscape to gather the wild plants to use in class.

You are invited to partake in any and all of the sessions you wish to,

along with a variety of activities designed to support your relaxation and creative process.

Including yoga, sound therapy, nature walks, river swimming, storytelling, tea ceremony and nature bathing.

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.

This is your retreat and you are encouraged to partake in the activities and creative sessions which you are drawn to,

and feel at ease to step out of others to indulge in whatver you prefer, be it a walk, some personal creative time or simply resting and reading a book.

There is space within the schedule specifically allocated to your personal creative practice,

to use the skills you have acquired within the creative sessions, for your own creative 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.

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

Along with two other private self contained barns, which offer rustic luxury ensuite accommodation with fully equipped kitchens.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

Organic Indigo Dyeing - Bundle Dyeing with Flowers - Colour Foraging Walk - Woodblock Printing With Natural Inks - Wild Ink Drawing - Plant Connection Rituals - Moorland & Riverside Walks - Wild Swimming - Organic, local, Seasonal Food Catering - Eating Out at Local Award-Winning Sustainable Eateries - Comfortable Rustic Luxury Accommodation - Small Group Size 4-6 People - Vegan + Veggie Diets - Yoga + Soundbaths

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, hoe to roaming highland cattle and wild ponies along with incredibly diverse butterly, insect and bird populations - The morning chorus in June 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 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 landscpae; nature connection rituals and crafting; a gentle and 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:

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.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Choose from the following options. Price includes full retreat activities and tuition, inclusive materials and melas, excursions and accommodation. (Excludes two meals out and transport costs along with any additional materials purchase during the retreat).