Eco Woodland Retreat at Forest Garden Shovelstrode Ltd
About this space
Forest Garden Shovelstrode is a magical woodland eco retreat in Sussex, home to Winnie the Pooh.
The 6-acre site includes a Forest Garden (productive food forest) and a tranquil wildlife pond. The backdrop is a regenerating ancient woodland, which has several old iron pits dating back to the Wealden iron industry and a few open glades covered in wildflowers and woodland meadow grasses.
The lower canopy of bright hazel is overhung by a higher canopy of tall oaks, beech, cherry, aspen, and field maple. Many new mixed-native trees have also been planted to help create a more resilient woodland for future generations.
Nestled in the woodland are four rustic log cabins and two traditional yurts, which have been lovingly decorated and provide comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests.
A large, flat, open grassy area beside the wildlife pond can take a marquee up to 12 by 8 metres. The woodland workshop is an undercover tented area of 12 x 6 metres with an open fire pit and seating logs that can be used for courses and workshops.
Woodland craft courses such as green woodworking and beekeeping, and a range of treatments and therapies, including massage and yoga, can be arranged to suit your requirements.
The Forest Garden kitchen and cafe are in an old converted stable building with outdoor seating for approximately 30 people and a clay pizza oven. We cater for your event using much of our own or locally grown produce, or the space can be hired for use by your own chef.
Forest Garden Shovelstrode has been used for many film and photographic shoots, company off-site meetings, team building days, yoga and wellbeing retreats, wedding receptions, birthday parties, and family reunions looking for a unique and memorable rural venue.
Prices
Capacity
Catering and drinks
Facilities
Music & sound equipment
Accessibility
Rules of the space
Allowed events
Age policy
Guests under 18 are not allowed
Host rules
No smoking inside buildings.
Outside catering is allowed by agreement.
No noise after 11pm.
Cancellation policy: Standard 60 day
Forest Garden Shovelstrode is a woodland oasis carpeted in wildflowers and teeming with wildlife, on the edge of Ashdown Forest, half way between London & Brighton.
Following the principles of permaculture, we grow and harvest much of our own produce in the orchard, vegetable, and forest gardens, which also supply our on-site cafe.
We run woodland craft courses and promote wellbeing in nature (Shinrin Yoku) through a variety of therapies and treatments. The wood-fired sauna was built using locally grown western red cedar and helps to improve cardiovascular and brain health, detoxification, and fat loss. It also improves sleep quality.
The outdoor space comprises a regenerating woodland, a wildlife pond, and a forest garden covered in a diverse range of plants and trees, with some open areas and woodland glades.
The woodland workshop is a versatile tented area used as a teaching, meeting, and workshop space. A level grassy area beside the wildlife pond can accommodate a marquee or structure of up to 100 sq m for an event or performance.
There are four beautiful log cabins and two traditional yurts within their own secluded corner of the woodland, providing overnight accommodation for up to 12 people (twin share).
The cafe has a well-equipped kitchen, BBQ, wood-fired pizza oven, and alfresco dining area and fire pit surrounded by many exotic and edible plants.