Why Women Need Time in the Woods

Wellbeing

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Outdoor skills

Why Women Need Time in the Woods

By Yara Ghrewati

Published on April 14, 2026 4 min read

Women in Nature

There is something powerful that happens when women gather in nature. This is why women need more time in the woods. Nature is where we truly belong.

Away from busy schedules, screens and everyday responsibilities, the woodland offers something many of us rarely experience anymore: space to breathe, listen and reconnect.

The forest has a way of slowing everything down.

The smell of the trees, the sound of birds overhead, the warmth of a fire burning nearby these simple moments can help us rediscover something we often forget in modern life.

This is one of the reasons we created Women in the Woods, a small and welcoming women’s woodland retreat in Surrey where participants can reconnect with nature, learn bushcraft skills and share the experience with other women. Creating more opportunities for women’s outdoor experiences.

Learn more about the upcoming Women in the Woods gathering here: Women in the Woods – Women’s Woodland Retreat in Surrey

Reconnecting With Nature

For thousands of years humans lived much closer to the natural world. Today many of us spend most of our time indoors, often feeling disconnected from the rhythms of the seasons and the landscapes around us.

Spending time in woodland environments has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and restore mental clarity. Practices like forest bathing – the mindful experience of being present in nature – are now widely recognised for their wellbeing benefits.

During our women’s woodland retreat near Dorking, Surrey, we encourage participants to slow down and experience the forest through their senses.

Listening to the wind moving through the canopy. Feeling the texture of bark beneath your hands. Noticing patterns of light moving across the woodland floor. Looking deeper into the fractals of nature, repetitive patterns of mathematics, the blueprint of all existence. There are lessons and powerful teachings from mother nature.

Tuning into these moments, becoming aware of the cycle of life and feeling a part it of – instead of living separated from it – can be surprisingly powerful for the human psyche. We are shaped by our environment.

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Learning Bushcraft Skills Builds Confidence

Another important part of the gathering is learning practical wilderness skills. For many women, spending time in the outdoors can feel intimidating at first. But learning simple wilderness skills can quickly build confidence and independence.

At the gathering you may learn skills such as:

lighting a fire using traditional techniques

understanding woodland resources

shelter building and camping in woodlands

understanding woodland ecology

These skills are taught in a supportive and relaxed way, making the experience accessible even for complete beginners. If you’ve ever been curious about bushcraft courses for women, this gathering offers a gentle introduction.

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The Power of Women Gathering

One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend often happens after the sun begins to set. As the fire burns and the woodland grows quiet, the group gathers together for a women’s drum circle. We build this communal fire, together.

No musical experience is needed – the rhythm simply emerges naturally as everyone joins in. Drumming has been part of human culture for thousands of years, bringing people together in shared rhythm and connection. Many participants describe this part of the evening as deeply joyful and energising.

It is a reminder that gathering together in nature can create something truly special.

A Supportive Outdoor Experience

Women in the Woods is designed to be welcoming, relaxed and inclusive. The group is intentionally small, with a maximum of 15 participants, creating a supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable.

Many women attend the gathering alone and quickly find themselves part of a friendly community. Stepping out of the comfort zone is always the first step.

Whether you are completely new to outdoor experiences or already enjoy spending time in nature, the weekend offers a chance to learn, share and reconnect.

Join Us in the Woods

If the idea of learning bushcraft skills, experiencing forest bathing in Surrey and gathering around the fire with other women resonates with you, we would love to welcome you to the woods.

The next Women in the Woods gathering in Dorking, Surrey takes place on: Date: 9–10 May 2026 Spaces are limited to 15 guests, to keep the experience personal. Discover more and reserve your place here: Women in the Woods – Women’s Woodland Retreat

Also check out Women’s Nature Retreat in Wales (Off-Grid Retreat Near Eryri) 23rd – 26th July 2026. Explore new lands. Tune into Nature.

Stay Connected

You can join the Wildeye Adventures mailing list by emailing: contact@wildeyeadventures.com New woodland experiences and seasonal gatherings are announced there first.

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By Yara Ghrewati

Yara Ghrewati is the founder of Wildeye Adventures, a passionate advocate for reconnecting people with nature through immersive outdoor experiences. With over 15 years of expertise in the outdoor industry, she is a certified Bushcraft & Survival Instructor, Archery Instructor, Environmental Educator, and Forest Bathing Practitioner.

Operating across UK woodlands and international landscapes, Yara works with schools, expedition companies, youth mentoring groups, and grassroots initiatives to deliver engaging, hands-on learning in nature. She is First Aid certified, DBS checked, and holds a qualification in Mental Health in the Outdoors.

Beyond her work in the field, Yara is also a public speaker, campaigner, and media presenter, using her voice to champion environmental awareness and outdoor education.