17 — 22 June 2026

gather kindling

Where mothers and children rest into rhythm, creativity, and time together in nature.

I created Gather Kindling, a mother and child retreat, from a deep longing - a vision of a place where us mothers are not forgotten, held just as tenderly as we hold our children. I wanted to create a space to nurture the nurturer, where mamas and little ones can experience life as a ceremony together, held by nature and a loving village of caring women.

Our children are the sparks of life we tend with care. At Meadowsweet Retreat, I watched my own daughter grow through forest play, foraging, singing, and learning from the hands that nourish us all - and I’ve seen the quiet magic that comes from being held, free, and supported. These experiences have shown me what is possible when mothers and children are welcomed together.

This Gather Kindling mother and child retreat in Devon offers a glimpse of this way of living: 6 days to rest, be held, and soften into community. A gentle pause where mothers and their little ones are nourished side by side, tending the flames of our little ones, and ourselves.

With love,
Anya x

A woman carrying a small child on her back in a forest with green trees and moss-covered ground, smiling and looking at the camera.
Group of women and children celebrating outdoors near a lake, some wearing floral crowns and dresses, in a natural setting with trees and water.

Mama, what awaits you?

Mornings at our gorgeous Georgian manor in Devon unfold with care and intention. After waking up to a breakfast feast, from 9am, our little ones are lovingly welcomed into a Waldorf-inspired childcare programme, held by our team of loving “aunties.” Children are met exactly where they are, with age-appropriate rhythms of forest-school style crafts, song and movement, outdoor play, time in the beautiful playroom filled with books and natural toys, and joyful moments on the sunken trampoline. A gentle snack time weaves through the morning, creating a familiar, nursery-like flow.

While the children are safely held in this nurturing space, mothers enter a deeper layer of the retreat. Our retreat places real emphasis on this dedicated healing time for mamas. Mothers gather in a softly held circle facilitated by Phoebe Maria - yoga teacher, sound healer, womb healer, vocal activation guide, and trained family constellations therapist. These mornings are devoted to yoga, breathwork, womb healing, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, and sharing - offering space to rest, release, and be in community.

We reunite for a nourishing, communal lunch, before drifting into unhurried afternoons together. Time opens for foraging in the woods, cooking and crafting side by side, wandering coastal paths, playing on wide green lawns, swimming in the natural pool, or simply being together with nowhere to rush to.

As evening draws in, we gather with our children for songs and bedtime stories cosied up by the fireplace. Once the little ones are asleep, mothers are invited into quiet evening rituals and time in the wood-fire hot tub - moments of deep rest, resonance, and restoration.

At its heart, Gather Kindling is a mother and child retreat shaped by simplicity and care - a place where mothers are deeply tended, children are free to play and belong, and both are held by nature and a warm village of women.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
Children playing outdoors on a forest trail, with a young girl smiling and holding a toy, surrounded by trees and additional children and adults in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a white shirt with colorful smiley faces, dark leopard-print pants, and holding a wicker basket, walking through a dense green forest with bushes and trees.
Child splashing water into a body of water, seen from above, near a wooden dock.
A woman dancing and playing with children indoors, with others in the background, sunlight streaming through large windows.
Children playing indoors, with one girl standing and pointing at bubbles, two girls on the floor playing with red fabric, and another girl in the background, in a well-lit room with wooden floors and large windows.
A woman reading a children's picture book to two girls in a cozy room with wooden floors and windows.
People having a meal at a long wooden table with dishes of salad, grilled meat, and drinks. Some individuals are serving themselves from bowls and plates, with floral decor and glasses on the table.
Two young children, a toddler and a girl, playing outdoors on grass near a lake, holding toy harmonicas, with picnic blankets and trees in the background.
A woman and four children preparing dough on a wooden table, with children engaged in baking activities, in a bright kitchen with a window and hanging decorations.
Two young girls with face paint and tattoos are making food together outdoors during a gathering, with various bowls and plates on the table.
A group of women and children having a picnic or outdoor gathering in a grassy area near a pond or lake, with a white outdoor pizza oven and a green, tree-filled background.
A woman with tattoos lying on a wooden floor, resting her head on a cushion and touching her temples with her hands.
Person sitting in a yurt playing guitar, surrounded by musical instruments, candles, and cozy textiles, with natural light coming from the open door.

The Sanctuary

Set within four acres of peaceful Devon countryside, this Georgian manor feels both elegant and welcoming - a place where historic charm and family ease sit naturally together. Sunlight fills the shared living rooms, fireplaces offer warmth on cooler days, and the bedrooms look out over gardens and open fields, creating a sense of space and calm. There is plenty here for little ones too: a dedicated playroom filled with books and toys, a sunken trampoline, and wide lawns made for running, exploring, and carefree outdoor play.

Outside, life spills gently into the grounds. A natural swimming pond, wood-fire hot tub, BBQ area, and tennis court offer easy, joyful ways to spend the day, while shaded terraces and tucked-away garden corners invite rest and quiet moments. The resident donkeys will become our best friends, in exchange for a carrot or two! The yoga shala and waterside garden room provide peaceful spaces for massage and healing work, while the open heart of the house naturally draws people together for shared meals, laughter, and conversation.

Beyond the gates, Devon opens up in all directions - winding woodland paths, soft sandy beaches with tidal pools, and the simple magic of glorious English summer. Altogether, the manor offers a feeling of being held: a home where families can slow down, feel at ease, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of days lived close to nature and one another.

A yellow two-story house with a gray roof, surrounded by a gravel driveway, green trees, and a lush garden with flowering bushes in a rural setting under a partly cloudy sky.
Interior view of a house entryway with wooden flooring, a staircase with striped carpet, a wooden console table with vases and a mirror, and a bench with a throw pillow, seen through an open door.
Bedroom with pink walls, hardwood floors, and large windows showing a green landscape. A white bed with a colorful quilt and folded towels, a fireplace, a black dresser, and a blue table with a large potted plant and a hat hanging on the wall are vis
Bathroom with a clawfoot bathtub, toilet, window with greenery outside, wooden furniture, potted plants, and framed art on light green walls.
A dining room with a long wooden table set with plates, glasses, candles, and napkins, near large windows with green outdoor scenery, a fireplace with a fire, and a hanging wooden light fixture.
Living room with navy blue walls, a white fireplace with candles on mantel, a mirror above fireplace, a black TV mounted above a beige patterned sofa, a pink armchair, a wooden coffee table, travel books, dishes, a colorful rug, potted plants, framed
A cozy kitchen with blue cabinets, a wooden dining table with six chairs, a large window with open blue shutters, open shelves with jars and bottles, a fireplace with a brick arch and black pipe, and dried flowers and plants on the shelf and mantel.
Living room with brown leather sofas, an orange armchair, wooden furniture, a green paneled wall with artwork and musical instruments, window with outside view, hardwood floor, and a children's toy.
Outdoor garden with a hot tub, wooden chairs, colorful flowers, and a rustic barn in the background.
A backyard patio with garden furniture, a hot tub, a table with a flower vase, a barbecue grill, and surrounding lush greenery and flowers under a partly cloudy sky.
A peaceful pond with lush greenery surrounding it, a small wooden house on stilts in the background, and partly cloudy sky overhead.
A large, two-story yellow house with a gray roof, surrounded by green trees and a manicured garden with bushes and flowers, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Backyard with a trampoline on green grass, surrounded by trees and open fields under a clear blue sky.
A bright, sunny garden scene featuring a small pond surrounded by lush green plants, trees, and colorful flowering bushes with purple and yellow flowers. The background shows a clear blue sky.
A scenic coastal landscape with blue ocean, sandy beach, rocky formations, and lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of green grassy cliffs and hills overlooking the ocean with a clear blue sky.

The Village That Holds Us

  • A woman holding a young child outdoors in a field at sunset, with trees and mountains in the background.

    Anya Lily

    Founder of Meadowsweet & Gather Kindling and mother of 2

    Anya’s work is deeply rooted in her journey of motherhood- a path shaped by raising her daughter in a slow, natural way, closely connected to the rhythms of the land and community. In her early years, her daughter was immersed in retreat life, growing up surrounded by nature, creativity, and a village of women, which continues to inspire all that Anya now offers.

    With a background in floral design and time spent in Michelin-starred kitchens, Anya weaves together food, art, and nature in a way that feels both grounded and intuitive. Her approach to mothering and creating is led by simplicity, nourishment, and a deep trust in natural rhythms.

    Whether tending to plants, fermenting seasonal harvests, or creating with flowers and earth, Anya’s days are guided by a desire to live slowly and sustainably, holding space for other mothers to do the same.

  • A woman with curly hair playing an acoustic guitar in a cozy, wooden yurt-like space decorated with musical instruments, candles, and natural decor.

    Phoebe Moon

    Singer, ceremonialist and auntie

    Phoebe brings a deeply grounded presence shaped by years of therapeutic, musical, and somatic training. As an experienced therapist with a background in family constellations, yoga, and crystal bowl sound therapy, she holds a powerful space for emotional and energetic transformation. A passionate group singing facilitator and lifelong vocalist, she has spent the last four years immersed in the world of plant medicine and ceremonial music. Through movement, voicework, and soulful song circles, she invites you to come home to your body, your voice, and your ancestral rhythm.

  • An older woman with curly gray hair, wearing a yellow embroidered dress, is smiling and handing a sprig of green leaves to someone outside the frame outdoors, with green hills and trees in the background.

    Amanda, the Wild Tea Lady

    Herbalist, tea maker, mother of 4 & grandmother

    Amanda, lovingly known as The Wild Tea Lady, is a mother of four and grandmother, with a passion for nurturing families and honouring the rhythms of motherhood. A strong advocate for home birth, she brings a grounded, intuitive approach to supporting women through all stages of their journey.

    She has spent a lifetime foraging and working with wild botanicals, crafting gentle, medicinal teas and infusions that are tailored to each mamas needs - offering nourishment, restoration, and care.

    Alongside her herbal wisdom, Amanda also brings over 30 years of experience in tarot, offering a soft and supportive space for reflection, guidance, and deeper connection.

  • A woman in a sleeveless denim shirt and white skirt standing at a table with three plates of green vegetables, preparing food inside a room with a large window and trees outside.

    Josie Hawkins

    Private chef & auntie

    Josie is a passionate chef devoted to creating deeply nourishing, seasonal food that supports both mother and child.

    With a love for local, organic produce, her cooking is rooted in simplicity, care, and the belief that food should feel as comforting as it is revitalising.

    We will have the great pleasure to share Josie’s passion and skill in communal cooking and workshops with the children.

A woman holding a baby standing on a wooden dock beside a body of water with trees in the background.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

“"Gather Kindling felt like sacred ground: slow, intentional, and deeply nourishing. Circles of women holding both rawness and radiance, moments of quiet, cold swims, nourishing food, and being seen allowed me to rest and breathe for the first time since becoming a mother. Seeing my baby loved and cared for while I turned inward was a profound gift. Gather Kindling reminded me that motherhood is not just to survive, but to be lived - soft, strong, and whole. I left feeling changed, held, and more awake to the power of women walking together. Follow the pull - it is a gift you will carry long after you leave."
— Camille & daughter Anouk

A day in the life…

7:30 am – Morning breakfast
The day begins gently with a nourishing breakfast of local, seasonal ingredients. Tea steams, children wake slowly, and everyone arrives into the day without rush.

9:00 am – Children’s morning care
The Gather Kindling aunties welcome the children into a calm, playful morning. Time is shared between the playroom and gardens with seasonal crafts, stories, music, and outdoor exploration. Activities are tailored for different ages, allowing babies, toddlers, and older children to feel held and engaged. A wholesome mid-morning snack grounds the group before the morning winds down.

9:30 am – Mothers’ circle: yoga, breathwork & sharing
Once the children are settled, mothers gather in a quiet, nurturing space for somatic yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, and sharing circles. This child-free time (while always honouring breastfeeding or little ones needing closeness) allows mothers to rest, reconnect, and nurture themselves.

12:00 pm – Reuniting
Mothers and children come back together for gentle cuddles, connection, and a smooth transition into shared time.

12:30 pm – Seasonal lunch
A vibrant, nourishing lunch is shared together, slow and communal, celebrating the flavors of the land and the rhythm of the day.

1:30 pm – Unhurried afternoon
Afternoons are spacious and flexible making time for mother child connection and naps: wander the gardens, swim in the natural pond, rest in the shade, befriend the donkeys, or simply be together in the flow of the day.

4:00 pm – Foraging & land connection
We come together for a guided foraging walk, discovering edible and medicinal plants of the season, followed by crafting with what we’ve gathered.

5:30 pm – Wood-fire pizza party
Around the outdoor pizza oven, we cook and share a joyful meal together as the light softens, laughing and learning in community.

6:30 pm – Evening songs & bedtime stories
Dusk brings gentle gathering for songs, stories, and lullabies, guiding children into relaxation with warmth and calmness.

8:00 pm – Evening time for mothers
Once the little ones are asleep, mothers are invited into quiet evening rituals - wood-fire hot tub, gentle breathwork and yin yoga. Baby monitors are used, and mothers remain close and available if needed.

This is a sample rhythm rather than a fixed timetable. The days will flow organically, with timings gently shifting to make space for rest, spontaneity, and the needs of both mothers and children - including a day where we head out together to explore the nearby beaches.

A young girl with blond curly hair, wearing a white dress with colorful embroidery, paints her face with a pink and black design, standing outdoors in a lush green garden. A table in the foreground has various face paint supplies and a bunch of green
A group of women gathered outdoors in front of a large tree, holding hands and participating in a ceremony or gathering, with a woman speaking into a microphone and holding a basket of flowers.
Person writing in a notebook at an outdoor gathering with bowls of herbs and teas on a sunlit table.
Close-up of a porcelain plate with fried green tomatoes topped with fried herbs, next to a bowl of potato salad.
Child with flour on shirt and a woman smiling at him, making pizza outdoors with pizza ingredients on the table.
A group of people, including children, having a outdoor meal at a long table on a grassy area near a lake with trees in the background on a sunny day.
Person holding a wooden tray with six plates of chocolate mousse garnished with raspberries, set outdoors on a patio with potted plants and garden in background.
A woman and a young boy smiling and holding onto a ladder on a dock by a lake, with a swimmer in a tube and green trees in the background.
Group of five people, two women and three children, in a forest with tall trees, some of the women holding children, others standing and observing.
A woman holding a baby in a forest with tall trees and green foliage.
A young man and woman lying in a hammock outdoors among trees, sharing a tender moment.

What’s Included? A deeply nourishing all-inclusive experience for mother and child, designed to offer true rest, connection, creativity, and care in a beautiful natural setting.

  • Beautiful accommodation for mother and child, with the choice of a shared double bed or twin beds

  • All daily meals, wholesome snacks, herbal teas, nourishing infusions, coffee, and fresh juices for both mother and child, lovingly created by private chef Josie Hawkins using seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients

  • Dedicated morning childcare from 9am–12pm each day, held by our Gather Kindling aunties, including Waldorf-inspired crafts, storytelling, songs, imaginative play, outdoor adventures, and gentle creative exploration

  • Daily mothers’ circles during childcare sessions, offering a rich programme of yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, nervous system support, and meaningful shared reflection with other mothers

  • Spacious, unhurried afternoons together with your child, enjoying experiences such as foraging, nature crafting, cooking, swimming, coastal walks, nature play, and slow living moments, all guided organically by the land, season, and group energy

  • Evening restoration for mothers, including gentle rituals, quiet connection, and time to soak in the wood-fired hot tub beneath the stars

  • Sit in on baby monitors throughout evening sessions, allowing mothers to fully relax while remaining responsive to their children at all times. A Gather Kindling team member will be available nearby to support if little ones wake or need their mama

  • Full access to the retreat grounds and beautiful shared amenities, including the natural swimming pond, tennis court, yoga shala, gardens, wild spaces, and cosy communal areas

  • A carefully held, intimate retreat experience centred around rest, reconnection, creativity, nature, motherhood, and community

Please note: babies under 2 are warmly welcome and require dedicated 1:1 care during morning childcare sessions (additional £200).

Not Included

  • Massage, facials or bodywork treatments (available to book in advance, subject to availability)

  • Travel to and from the retreat (car shares and taxis can be coordinated)

  • Travel to local beaches (guests may use their own cars or we will organise a shared minibus)

BOOK YOUR PLACE

What You’ve Been Asking…

  • We welcome children of all ages, including babies! For little ones under 2, we kindly ask for 1:1 care during the morning childcare sessions at an additional investment of £200, to ensure they are fully supported. Our morning activities are designed to engage children of all ages, and our chefs can cater for babies enjoying purees or following baby-led weaning. Most of the children attending are between 2 and 6 years old, creating a joyful, playful, and supportive community for little ones to explore and connect.

  • During the retreat, we offer a dedicated morning childcare space held by our loving and experienced Gather Kindling aunties. Each morning begins with a gentle 30-minute transition period, allowing mothers and children to settle together, arrive slowly, and ease into the rhythm of the day before the children’s program begins.

    Following this, children are lovingly cared for in a Waldorf-inspired morning of nature play, crafts, music, gardening, and sensory exploration, while mothers are invited into their own nourishing time of yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, sound, and sharing circles.

    We hold the mothers’ circles as a child-free space where possible, to allow deeper rest and connection — and we also honour the reality of motherhood. If a little one needs to join for breastfeeding, reassurance, or simply to be quietly close to their mama, they are always welcome. This is a space led with understanding, softness, and care.

    This rhythm offers mothers the rare gift of being tended to, while knowing their children are held safely and lovingly nearby - supported, seen, and free to explore in a nurturing environment.

  • Workshops at Gather Kindling are gently integrated into the rhythm of our days and designed to nourish both mothers and children. For mothers, this includes somatic movement, yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, and softly held sharing circles.

    Together, we’ll take part in nature-based experiences such as gentle foraging walks where we learn about wild herbal medicine, simple seasonal cooking, shared crafts, and time for wild play and swimming. These offerings are spacious and optional, allowing creativity, rest, and connection to unfold in an organic, family-led way.

    All materials needed for group crafts and activities will be provided.

  • The retreat gently encourages a digital detox and a return to deep presence. While Wi-Fi is available at the manor, we invite you to set an away response, place your phone on do not disturb, and unplug as much as possible during your stay.

    To support this shared intention, we kindly ask that there is no screen time in communal areas, as Gather Kindling is an invitation for both mothers and children to step away from technology and sink fully into connection - with each other, the land, and the rhythm of the days.

  • The retreat is held in a beautiful Georgian manor nestled in the Devon countryside, surrounded by gardens, open lawns, and wild landscape, and just a short drive from the coast with access to magical beaches, woodland walks, and wide open skies.

    The closest train station is Barnstaple, with direct services from Exeter and onward connections to London Paddington, followed by a short taxi ride. The nearest airport is Exeter Airport, approximately 1–1.5 hours away by car, and we’re happy to help facilitate taxis or car shares once everyone is booked in.

  • In mid‑June, around the Summer Solstice, the weather in Devon is generally mild and pleasant — expect long, light-filled days with temperatures typically ranging from 16–22°C (61–72°F). You may enjoy warm, sunny spells perfect for exploring the gardens, coastal walks, or swimming in the natural pond, alongside occasional cooler breezes or light showers, which add to the lush beauty of the countryside.

    We recommend layered clothing so you can stay comfortable from sun to shade, and bringing a light raincoat just in case. Evenings can feel gently cool, making it a perfect time for quiet reflection or gathering around the fire.

  • The manor is equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer and iron should you like to use it.

    Please bring your own bathroom essentials.

    There will be some extra therapeutic offerings available at an additional price.

    If there is a particular experience or place in the area you would like to visit whilst with us let us know and we will try to incorporate it into the schedule.

  • We have a small number of highchairs and cots at the manor, and we kindly ask that you let us know when booking if you’d like to use one.

  • All meals are lovingly prepared in-house by our amazing resident chef Josie, with a focus on vibrant, plant-forward dishes that celebrate the seasonal produce of the region. Local meat and seafood features regularly on the menu, and if you have other dietary needs or preferences - we’re more than happy to tailor the meals to suit.

  • Yes, we have organic fresh cows and oat milk for you to help yourself to.

  • The manor offers spacious, light-filled bedrooms designed for comfort and relaxation. Many rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and there is a mix of doubles and twin beds, with cots available on request. Each room is thoughtfully furnished, blending classic Georgian charm with cozy, restful touches, providing a peaceful space to recharge after your days.

  • This retreat is a safe and nurturing space where both mamas and little ones can fully connect and grow. We prioritize the well-being and privacy of everyone, especially the children. As such, we kindly ask that photographs not be taken of any child—whether your own or others—without prior permission from their parent or guardian. It's important that we respect each family’s privacy, and no images should be posted online without the explicit consent of the child's parent.

    To protect the sanctity of our retreat space, we also ask that no professional photography or video recording equipment be used. Our dedicated photographer will capture moments throughout the retreat, ensuring that beautiful memories are preserved and shared with those who wish to receive them.

    Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and mindful experience for both mamas and children.

  • Payment plans can be taken in 3 parts, with the final instalment due on May 1st.

    As our retreats are small and intimate, every spot on the retreat is incredibly important to us so please book with intention to make it.

  • We understand that life is unpredictable. If you need to cancel more than four weeks before your retreat, your deposit will be retained, but any further payments will be refunded. If it’s helpful, we’re happy to transfer your booking to another retreat within the next year, space allowing.

    If you need to cancel within four weeks of the retreat, we’re unfortunately unable to offer any refund, as costs will already have been committed on your behalf. If you find someone to take your place, they’re welcome to join with our approval.

    We kindly ask for understanding here - our retreats are small, deeply planned offerings, and last-minute changes have an effect on the whole group and team.

Can't find your question? We're here to help.
Woman in a yellow dress with red accents and a floral crown, smiling as she leans over a young girl wearing a floral dress and a flower crown, outdoors during daytime.

"I went to Gather Kindling in the hope of spending more time with my daughter. What I received was so much more than that. I connected with other mothers - we cried, we laughed, we shared stories of motherhood unspoken before, we connected on the most human level possible. Women of different walks of life, held by the magic of the people running the retreat. The food, the setting, the support, it was all magical and exquisite. I had an incredibly profound experience of feeling seen, held and validated in my experience as a mother."
— Villi & daughter Esme