Melissa Irace
I’ve been interested in how life works and all things woo for most of my life. I had very unconventional parents and an international upbringing that meant I experienced a wide range of teachings from a very young age. As an adult, I spent many years feeling alone, different and not loving myself very much, which led to people pleasing, burnout and an abusive relationship. This was probably my greatest teacher, as I went deeply inward, connected more to nature and my own intuition and learned powerful lessons about how to look after my energy. I also realised how strong and resourceful I am and learned to really love – and laugh at – myself.
Alongside my personal quest for wisdom, I’ve had a pretty interesting career supporting businesses, communities and regional economies through marketing, events and connecting people. More recently, I’ve shared this knowledge as a teacher at Exeter University, specialising in entrepreneurship, marketing and business start-up. My passion project is Heart Leaders (www.heart-leaders.com) – where I teach a heart-led approach to business that looks at your inner ‘being’ as much as outer ‘doing’.
All these experiences have helped me see first-hand how unbalanced we’ve become in how we work and live life. Like many women, I’ve juggled a career and family and felt the constant pressure to excel at both – while putting my own wellbeing last.
Nature and our plant allies have been a huge part of my healing journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for supportive friends and sistership. Laughing and dancing amongst the trees with like-minded friends really is the best medicine.
During our retreats it will be a real honour and joy for me to share practices and tools to help you look after your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Together and with the support of nature, we’ll connect with your heart’s wisdom, listen to what your heart wants you to remember and call in a life you can truly love.
Whatever the questions are, I’ve come to realise that we already know the answers within us – we just have to be still enough to hear them.
Fiona Cathcart
One of my earliest creative passions was designing tapestries. My work took me around the world, gathering inspiration from tribal art and the traditions of different cultures – experience that deepened my appreciation for creativity, connection, and the widsom found in every corner of the world.
Since then, I’ve spent over twenty years organising events, but bringing people together has always been much more than just a career to me – it’s something my heart has always been called to do. Creating spaces where people can connect, share, grow and simply be has always felt like a part of my purpose.
I feel incredibly grateful to be the custodian of our beautiful venue, lovingly passed down to me by my amazing father. Long before conservation became a thing, he dedicated his life to caring for the land, protecting wildlife and nurturing nature. His deep respect for the natural world shaped my own love of the countryside and taught me that nature has a remarkable ability to heal, restore and inspire.
For many years, it has been my dream to open this special place to others by creating soulful retreats and gatherings where like-minded people can step away from the busyness of life, reconnect with themselves and find comfort in nature and community.
I’m a creative soul who finds joy in colour, dancing, walking the south west coastpath, camping beneath the stars and spending time immersed in the woodland. I believe there is something truly magical about sharing these experiences with others, and it brings me great happiness to create spaces where people can laugh, dance, breathe, heal and feel at home – both in nature and within themselves.
Like nature itself, I believe there is beauty in diversity. I thrive on the unconventional and love bringing people together from all walks of life in a space where everyone feels valued and accepted.
My hope is that every person who joins us leaves feeling lighter, more connected, and reminded of the peace and strength that already lives within them.