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Eco Yoga retreat in Dorset
New Date: tbc

For beginners and intermediate level students.
The main aim of the yoga retreat is to raise the standard of yoga for those who already practice and to give beginners a thorough introduction to the art. The secondary purpose of the retreat is for you to relax, unwind, put away the everyday stresses and worries by concentrating on your yoga practice and returning some sense of balance and harmony to life.

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About Springhead
With it's eighteenth century mill and gardens, Springhead is an ideal location for Yoga. It is set in a protected valley beneath the North Dorset Downs just a few miles outside Shaftsbury. It is located in an "Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty" and on "Hardy's Trail" and "Dorset cycleway". It is an idyllic spot for long country walks and peaceful living. It was conceived as a centre for rural regeneration by Rolf and Mariabella Gardiner who came to Springhead in 1933. Rolf was a pioneer of the organic farming movement and an advocate of wise land use. Mariabella created a beautiful garden around the lake that was used as a setting for festivals, drama, dance and music. The trust was formed in 1973 to endorse their vision of Springhead and to secure it for study and recreation. During recent years springhead has continued to develop and the garden now sits well in an historic landscape offering beauty, atmosphere, prospects, secrets and surprises. The gardens are divided into two parts by the mill. The upper garden starts with a horseshoe around the springs - the source of water for the lake, in its purest form it can be drunk directly from the spring itself and directly filters through the mill building allowing an abundance of fresh water to drink and to bathe in. The lower garden is where many different herbs are grown organically and remedies are made for Neal's Yards.

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Accommodation
The accommodation is clean, comfortable but basic. The trust is set up at present to cater mainly for school groups and much of the accommodation is small dormitories with bunk beds, but there are also some single and twin rooms available.

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Your Retreat Schedule

Friday 25th May
4.00pm onwards - Arrival of group to Fontmell Magana Afternoon Tea and snacks
18-20.00pm - Wind down class
20.30pm - Dinner

Saturday 26th May
7.30am Morning Teas
8.00-10.00am - Asana Practice
11-12.30pm -Large breakfast/brunch
12.30-17.30pm - Free time/Walking excursions/relaxation
Optional: 2-3pm - Addtional Yoga or Tai Chi Class
18.00-20.00pm - Asana Practice
20.00pm - Dinner

Sunday 27th May
Early Morning: - Visit to Stonehenge with practice,
Teas Large breakfast/brunch
1-3pm - Asana class or Tai Chi Class
18.00-20.00pm - Asana Practice
20.00pm - Dinner

Monday 28th May
7.30am Morning Teas
8.00-10.00am - Asana Practice
11-12.30pm - Large breakfast/brunch
12.30-15.30pm - Free time/walks
Optional 1-2pm Yoga or Tai Chi class
16.00pm Depart Springhead

All activities are optional.

Food on offer during the retreat will be Sattvic, wholesome organic vegetarian to complement your Asana practice.

What is Sattvic Food
This is the purest diet, the most suitable one for any serious student of yoga. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A sattvic diet thus leads to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, pure fruit juices, milk, butter and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Sattvic food involves the use of Organic produce without the use of chemical and pesticides.

There will be 2 large main meals a day to fit in with your practice, and there will also be fruit, bread and healthy snacks available out of meal times to accommodate different body rhythms.

N.B. - If you have any specific dietary requirements or are allergic to certain foods please let Deepa know.

The cost of the retreat will be £285. The cost covers accommodation, freshly prepared organic and Sattvic food, yoga classes/ Tai Chi Classes,exclusive use of the grounds at Springhead and practice at a very special sacred site.

A £50 deposit is required to reserve your place on the retreat.

Full Payment to be made one month before departure, instalments of the fee can be arranged if required, in special circumstances the amount may be paid upon arrival to Fontmell Magna.

What to bring
Yoga clothing
Yoga mat *
Sun cream/sun block
Outdoor walking shoes
Sandals
Torch
Bedding i.e sleeping bags/duvets **
An Open Mind

* If you do not have a mat, please let Deepa know mats can be provided
** Bed sheets and pillow cases are provided, if you require bedding please let Deepa know, this will be at a small additional cost, and supplied by Springhead.

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Travel to Springhead
By Train: Waterloo - Gillingham (Dorset) on the Exeter line, takes just under 2 hours. Trains depart every 20 past the hour and are direct. Train tickets cost £30. From Gillingham station you will need to take a taxi to Fontmell Magna, which costs approx £15 and takes about 20 mins. (Where possible taxis can be shared)

By Car: Fontmell Magna is situated just off the A350 between Shaftsbury and Blandford Forum. From Shaftsbury take the A350 South for about 4 miles to Fontmell Magna or from Blandford Forum take the A350 North for about 9 miles. On entering Fontmell Magna, look out for Mill Street going east, opposite The Crown public house. Springhead can be found on the right-hand side about 400 metres from the junction. Proceed carefully as this is a narrow lane, frequently used by the local duck population.

The Springhead Trust
Fontmell Magnor
Shaftsbury
Dorset
SP7 0NU
Registered Charity No: 1112083

For further information on retreats, please call 07779 240985 or email deepaspirit