In May 2025 Hazel Hill hosted a retreat for executive coaches who are grappling with how to remain resilient and helpful in a turbulent world. For the third year, of what is now becoming a regular annual Hazel Hill event, the twelve coaches explored their own relationship with the climate crisis, the impact on their professional practice, and the role of community in their futures. All the participants graciously agreed to provide some reflections on their experience, and these are below in unedited format.
“Total immersion in woodland evoked feelings of belonging, of being lovingly and safely held and supported by nature. The trees, plants, sunlight, shade, birdsong and wildlife all played a part in enlivening my senses, my awe and my appreciation of this beautiful country and planet. The result was a profound deepening and connection with my truth and with the work I am inspired to do. “
“During our working lives we don’t pause frequently enough to reflect on me, how am i doing?, how am I feeling? is this the impact I want to have? how effective am i / the team? is this what I want to be doing in 1 year? As its not part of our working life it becomes harder to pause, either alone or in a team. We may need to force the reflection by changing the environment. Spending time in an ancient wood like Hazel Hill Wood provides a fabulous space to think, talk, question, explore, experiment, etc. Birdsong, majestic tall trees, open fires, newts, facilitate a refocus on what is important, what is needed and what is wanted.”
“Having just spent 2 days in the wood, with expertly facilitated conversation I return to work feeling renewed with fresh perspectives, an energy to change and a new tribe.”
“I’ve always felt I needed to go to the woods when invited, even if not always knowing why. This is my third time and has felt the most impactful. I wonder if it has an accumulative effect? The previous events have felt a larger focus on my practice, how we serve clients and the environment; this time, it has felt more transformative for me (and hence my clients, practice, family and community).”
“I loved the community you brought together, the simplicity and power of the few exercises and the messages that abounded from everyone. I ended up working in the perfect group, with perfect insights and abundant love, and that seemed to be true for everyone. How that can that be? I think I know the answer.”
“I keep having flashbacks to the cathedral like nature of the campfire and trees. I so wish I could have taken a sapling from Hazel Woods for my garden… or even that ‘my’ trees could send back thanks, deep thanks and gratitude to Hazel Wood.”
“Specifically, I have personally progressed insights, release and fortification in relation to (letting go of self-imposed) limitations, owning a greater sense of belonging, (driven, I believe by my dual nationality heritage and the schisms of the war), and embracing love (the duh moment of recognising the love and care I hold for clients, and the reservation I hold in groups somewhat hit me).”
“Hazel Woods always reminds me to foster communities and I just notice that I hosted an intergenerational family event over the weekend with family members who hadn’t seen each other, in some cases for years, it seemed to come together organically. It was special. And I have my daughters asking to co-host a garden party for all our friends, and somehow we have easily all landed on a date, whereas previously I dithered. Coincidence?”
“A woodland experience that keeps on giving…….the combination of unfussy simple wooden buildings to prepare and share meals and sleep with the Hockney-es greens of native trees, vegetation and wildlife always allows me to find space for deep conversations, personal reflections, laughter and tears. I leave after only a few days feeling calmer, rejuvenated with clearer thinking for ‘what next’.”
“It was a privilege to join a group I had never met before, led by Nick Mabey in this beautiful nature retreat. While the glorious May weather and spring colours helped, Hazel Hill would be a joy to visit at any time of the year. The woods are something special, and I loved the opportunities for conservation walk and foraging walk alongside gathering around the firepit for ‘work’ that felt like play. Accommodation in the Hideaway and meals in the Oak House made this probably a most comfortable off-grid experience. Thank you to Hazel Hill Wood and all involved there for a very inspiring and reconnecting couple of days.”
“It was a profound experience for me, surrounded both by the forest and by people I admire deeply and even love. The trees and Nick contained the space and led us through exercises that enabled me to come away more settled, more grounded, less self-obsessed and more determined to move forward trusting my intention.”
