Welcome to Brazier’s education and events page! Below you will find listings of our own organised courses and events where we offer concessions and reductions on room rates according to income, and also outside organised retreats and events including the regular festivals. Education is our main purpose and we believe in teaching by being and learning by doing – we aim to provide a wide variety of learning and teaching opportunities including at our wider community weekends.
Covid Precautions: We have a detailed risk assessment for each course and event. We are undertaking extra sanitising of shared facilities and providing hand gel in all areas. You may be asked to wear a mask in some areas and observe social distancing. We may ask to take your temperature. Please do not attend any session if you have any Covid symptoms. In the event of becoming unwell with covid symptoms we will assist you to isolate and return home.
Please read our guidelines for guests before booking a course or visiting Braziers. We are looking forward to welcoming you at last!
Wood Festival will return in 2022 – original tickets valid. Register here for 2022 tickets
Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation & Bodywork Retreat
Friday to Sunday £345
Immerse yourself in a weekend of Tai Chi & Chi Kung and experience a deepening and refining of your practice.
Click here for more info.
Throughout the weekend there will be the chance to practice and explore both Chen and Sun styles of Tai Chi, along with a variety of Qi Gong forms and Meditation techniques. There are opportunities to practice on sunny terraces, in screened gardens, by ponds, in orchards and woodlands. Teachings will be offered by Jeff Docherty and Mark Collins, along with the chance to receive Acupuncture, Shiatsu and Tuina treatments.
To book, click here.
Jaime’s Body Mind Yoga
Friday to Sunday
We will explore a variety of yoga styles to include gentle yoga, restorative yin practices and a gong bath sound healing session. Also more energetic vinyasa style sessions. Something for everyone whilst having the freedom to stop , recharge and reconnect. Switch off, switch on is the mantra of the weekend. Enjoy a weekend in a beautiful setting with like-minded people. The perfect place for a yoga retreat. Please email jaimesbodymindyoga@gmail.com for full details and to secure your place. Places are limited and are first come first served. Click here to view Jaimes website.
Sensory Online
On Zoom Every Tuesday 7:30pm – 8:45 pm – Free
Join an online space considering Braziers’ place in the world today. In these uncertain times, Braziers Park intentional community is calling on the wider community to help us make more conscious and adaptive decisions. Click here for more info.
“Sensory” is the other half of the (multi-mental) social organism that forms the integrative process in development at Braziers. The integrative process is “change within continuity”. The first and last question Sensory asks is “what have we learnt and what do we want to change?” i.e. what could be done better or differently. If Sensory forms a consensus then it will make a recommendation to Executive (a decision-making meeting at Braziers), currently the other half of the social organism, for implementation. Executive may resist this but has a duty to protect and follow the recommendations of Sensory. Topics will be posted weekly.
If you are interested in joining this meeting, please email volunteers@braziers.org.uk for consideration.
Rejuvenating Autumn Yoga with Ladan Soltani
Friday Oct 30th to Sunday Nov 1st
The perfect environment to de-stress and find your balance.
For more information and booking please click here
Yoga Autumn Renewal (CANCELLED)
Friday to Sunday
A retreat to build our inner resources and enjoy the season’s colours with experienced teacher Chris Holt. Click here for more info.
There will be seven meditation and yoga sessions starting early evening on Friday and finishing on Sunday afternoon. Morning practices will be more invigorating; evenings calming and restoring. We will explore a range of meditation and pranayama (breath) practices, plus asana (postures) with an emphasis on developing the ability to find a balance between effort and ease. There will also be evening yoga nidra (deep relaxation), a guided walk through the woods and rolling countryside around Braziers Park and the option of booking massage, reflexology or complimentary therapies. Gently and safely taught, the weekend is suitable for yogis wanting to expand the subtlety of their awareness within postures and to see what happens when they quieten and go within. For more information and booking please click here.
May 2021
Bushcraft – Natural and hand-made shelters
Sunday 09:30-13:00 £50
Led by Alex DeWitt, you’ll work outdoors in Braziers beautiful grounds and learn how to make a primitive survival shelter using nothing but natural materials found in the woodland. You’ll then compare that to shelters using tarpaulins… Click here for more info.
To secure your tarp shelters you’ll learn a few knots which are easy to learn, fast to use, and can be undone easily. You’ll make your shelters in teams and evaluate how well they would protect you from the weather on this fun morning in the woods. Designed for adults, but supervised children are welcome to attend.
More info here
Balancing Opposites – 3 Day Shamanic Healing Workshop
Friday 5 pm to Sunday 4 pm
On this workshop you can begin to experience how to balance differing perspectives, feelings and states of being. Between the feminine and masculine, the heat of life and the cold of death, as well as what has you as an individual, feeling both at ‘Home and Wild’. Click here for more info.
June 2021
Braziers Experience
£299 Shared, £649 Single
A 4-week residential retreat for those interested in intentional community and holistic lifestyle. Running May 25th to June 20th. More Info.
Come and have an immersive holistic experience connecting with others and nature in a deeper way. There will be opportunities to:
Learn about trees, gardening & food growing
Practice healthy vegetarian/vegan cooking
Learn about sustainability and permaculture
Experience communal living, dining & co-management
Participate in “Sensory”, bonfire & other activities
Have time to relax, be in nature, & find purpose
Contribute to the UK’s oldest secular intentional community
Learn about peace activism & conflict resolution
Email courses@braziers.org.uk if you are interested. Prices start as low as £299 per person (all meals and accommodation included). Start date is flexible.
Needs-based Communication – POSTPONED (A new date will be posted shortly)
Saturday & Sunday 09:30-17:00 £200
This workshop will give you an understanding of the basics of needs-based or non-violent communication. Click here for more info.
There will be some new concepts to learn but this is mostly an experiential training in which we’ll explore a deeper connection with our feelings and needs as they show up in our lives. After the course, you will start to see your relationships (including to yourself) in a new light and will have practical tools to begin exploring more.
Ultimately you can look forward to an entirely different quality of clear, heartfelt communication and meaningful connection with the people around you. Cost: £200 includes lunches. Concessions available. Accommodation at 3 tier rates WE WILL POST A NEW DATE FOR THIS POSTPONED COURSE SHORTLY.
Bushcraft- Making natural cordage
Sunday 09:30-12:30 £40
You’ll learn how our ancestors made invaluable strings for tying together their belongings, building camp furniture, and for fishing with. We’ll look at some examples of cords I’ve made and then try your hand at making your own. Click here for more info.
We’ll try making a withy – a cordage made from a twisted live tree branch and traditionally used by hedge layers. Then we’ll look at quick bindings made from brambles and tree roots. Finally we’ll learn the ‘reverse wrap’ method of twisting together plant fibres which can be used on such plants as nettle to make a strong cord. A fun and relaxing way to connect with nature in the woods. No prior knowledge needed – this is a fun and skill building session.
Adults and 13+ due to dexterity required and some knife use. Under 18s require a supervising adult present who may attend free of charge if they don’t want to participate.
For more info and to book, click here.
July 2021
Elementary Festival
Thursday to Monday – £30 to £350
Come and immerse yourself in a magical world of music, movement and relaxation through live performance, workshops, sound journeys and healing sessions. Click here for more info.
Come and see a wide range of instruments from around the globe including Fujara, Tabla, Hang, Sitar, Cajon, African Drums, American Indian Flutes and Flamenco Guitar…oh, and just a little bit of Didgeridoo! Click here for more info & booking
Bushcraft – Wood carving
Sunday 09:30 – 13:00 £40
Even if you’ve never carved wood before you’ll be able to produce a beautiful and useful object on this guided outdoor workshop. Click here for more info.
We’ll take fresh wood and split it to the correct dimensions then start whittling away a Swedish style butter paddle. I’ll supply carving knives and teach you safe techniques and grips for using them effectively. You’ll leave with your very own wooden butter knife, and a passion to spend more time doing relaxing wood carving!
Limited to just 6 spaces.
Minimum age 16 due to knife use – under 18s must have an adult present with them who can attend free of charge if they don’t want to take part. Please bring a drink and snack if needed.Click here for more info & booking
Introduction to Permaculture
Saturday to Sunday £180
A wonderfully inspiring weekend in an idyllic location with Braziers Park community with a Saturday night bonfire & social. You will learn the Permaculture basics – the ethics, principles and design tools to get you started to re-imagine your life, your garden, farm, community or any project for sustainability, regeneration and abundance – it’s not just for gardening!
You will have the opportunity to put learning into practice and create your first permaculture design as well as see inspiring examples on film and in Braziers 50 acres of organic meadows, woodland and gardens. Participants will receive a Permaculture Association certificate on completion which is accepted towards the first 2 days of a full Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Cost: £180 / £130 (concessions) including lunches and refreshments, To book,click here.
Accommodation and extra meals available at 3 tier rates according to income
Book accommodation here .
Tutors: Trish Whitham and Phil Pritchard
For queries or further info email: trish@braziers.org.uk
August 2021
Wider Community Weekend
A chance to be part of the Braziers community for a wonderful bank-holiday weekend of activities in good company. Click Here for More Info.
Come and find space for relaxation, fun and conversation in our beautiful house and grounds. Most activities are free to join and accommodation and meals are at our 3 tier rates based on income. Let us know if you have a session that you would like to offer for a this Wider Community Weekend. Email courses@braziers.org.uk for more information or to book. Limited places – all sessions need booking.
September 2021
Braziers International Film Festival
Friday to Sunday-Weekend and Day Tickets Available
Films, Workshops, Discussions, Bar, Meals, B&B and More!
Films are projected to audiences in a cinema-style environment, with screenings taking place inside a large, historic 17th-century barn adapted for public performances, in addition to in the Gothic manor house and in custom-built outdoor structures. Screenings are followed by group discussion and Q&A with attending film-makers, who will be invited to Braziers. Single day and full weekend tickets are available with or without meals and accommodation. Book Now .
Submissions here. More info on sessions and workshops coming soon here.
Bushcraft – making cooking pot hangers
Sunday 09:30 – 13:30 £45
Make useful items for woodland camping!
Re-connect with nature and learn sustainable harvesting techniques to take what we need from the woodland without damaging the ecosystem.. Click here for more info.
Using our most trusty tools, a small hand saw and a bushcraft knife, we’ll learn safe and effective techniques for wood processing. There’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire watching a kettle boil or a pot of food cook – our ancestors came up with many ingenious ways of hanging containers over the fire and we’ll explore the pros and cons of some of them including a cooking tripod, a Waygon stick, a hanging bar and an australian cooking crane. Don’t worry if you’re completely new to bushcraft or tool use – this will be a relaxed and welcoming morning in the woods suitable for complete beginners age 13+. (Under 18s require a supervising adult present who can attend free of charge if they don’t want to take part). Book here
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Jaime’s Body Mind Yoga
Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm
This weekend retreat, set in beautiful surroundings, will give you an opportunity to ‘retreat’ from busy life and immerse in yoga and meditation. Time to reflect, recharge and vitalise. Varying styles of yoga to try including a restorative yin yoga and gong bath session, a good mix of activity and free time, a massage therapist on site, a group of gorgeous like-minded people. Jaime’s style of yoga is inclusive and fun. For further information please visit Jaime’s website or email jaimesbodymindyoga@gmail.com for further details..
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Introduction to Permaculture
Saturday to Sunday £180
A wonderfully inspiring weekend in an idyllic location with Braziers Park community with a Saturday night bonfire & social. You will learn the Permaculture basics – the ethics, principles and design tools to get you started to re-imagine your life, your garden, farm, community or any project for sustainability, regeneration and abundance – it’s not just for gardening!
You will have the opportunity to put learning into practice and create your first permaculture design as well as see inspiring examples on film and in Braziers 50 acres of organic meadows, woodland and gardens. Participants will receive a Permaculture Association certificate on completion which is accepted towards the first 2 days of a full Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Cost: £180 / £130 (concessions) including lunches and refreshments, Bookhere.
Accommodation and extra meals available at 3 tier rates according to income, book here
Tutors: Trish Whitham and Phil Pritchard
For queries or further info email: trish@braziers.org.uk
Autumn Herbal Medicine & Foraging
Saturday & Sunday
Community medical herbalist Rasheeqa Ahmad of Hedge Herbs will lead foraging sessions in the beautiful and bountiful meadows and woodlands of Braziers Park. Click here for more info.
Learn how to identify beneficial plants in the early autumn that offer seasonal nourishment and immune support. Discover how to connect with instinctive plant wisdom and practice different methods of preparation to make your own healing, herbal remedies for yourself and as special gifts. Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s foraging courses will run from 10 am – 5 pm and cost £85 for 1 day or £125 for both days. Topics will differ on each day.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided and are included in the course fee. Additional meals may be possible at Braziers’ 3-tier rate. Please email courses@braziers.org.uk for full details and to secure your place. Places are limited and are first come first served.
Letting Go
Friday 5 pm to Sunday 5 pm – £385
A 3 day shamanic healing workshop with ceremony, enabling the breaking free of habits, behaviours and patterns. Click here for more info.
Bushcraft – Firelighting – Primitive and modern skills
Sunday 09:30 – 12:30 £50
Our ancestors probably wouldn’t have survived without the ability to control fire, yet today many of us have lost these skills. On this detailed workshop we’ll cover every aspect of fire lighting to take you from beginner to master. Click Here for More Info.
We’ll cover:
How fire works – Troubleshooting – Splitting wood to create your own kindling – Try different firelighting methods such as firesteel, flint and steel, and blowing a tinder bundle into flame – Fire lays to create a stable fire for warmth or cooking in any weather – Safe clear away to leave no trace. Suitable for complete beginners. Minimum age 13. Book here .
November 2021
Winter Herbals – Immune Tonics
Saturday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm £150
Spend a cosy winter weekend at Braziers preparing for the season of darkness by concocting healing herbal goodies to support the immune system. Click here for more info.
December 2021
Buried Deep – 3 Day Shamanic Healing Workshop
Friday 5pm to Sunday 4 pm
Come and explore nature’s way of uncovering what lies within you. Learn ancient teachings of winter and how to sustain yourself in life’s storms.. Click here for more info.
August 2022
Supernormal Festival
Friday to Sunday
Independent and uncompromising, it champions multi-faceted, exploratory art and music from the underground, margins and fringes to impart inspiring and engaging encounters beyond the everyday and the expected. For more info click here
Event Title Goes Here
Friday to Sunday
