ROOKHOW 

LAKE DISTRICT group accommodation & woodland


LANEQUEST Tuesday 9th June

Cycle orienteering event organised by Wheelbase. More info soon. 


MEET A TREE DAY 

THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER WITH GARETH THOMAS

Spend a day getting to know a tree inside and out! You will never look at a tree in quite the same way...


How does a tree move water, support massive branches, drop it’s leaves in Autumn? What lives in, on and under a tree? How does a tree inter-relate with the world around it? What is our ancestral and spiritual connection to trees and why do we feel such a bond with them? How can we use the timber and retain traditional skills in woodwork and woodland care?

What does it look like?

We will explore the structural, forestry, ecological and spiritual aspects of trees and our relationships with them. There will be hands on activities that help you understand trees alongside an opportunity to carve a reminder of your day. The day will leave you with a deepened understanding and sense of wonder at the trees we all pass every day and don’t often acknowledge for how special they are.

Please come dressed for the weather and bring a packed lunch.

Suggested donation £40 per person

A FOUNDATION TRAINING IN NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION

16TH-18TH October 2026

With Shona Cameron

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a practical, learnable process for communicating with empathy, honesty, power and compassion. The purpose of NVC is to ensure everyone’s needs are valued equally and fulfilled in ways that contribute to connection, harmony and peace. Nonviolent Communication develops people’s ability to listen to and transform blame, anger and criticism into respectful, constructive communication, and to resolve conflicts peacefully. 


NVC is a means for giving feedback empathically, so as to sustain self esteem, and enable people to learn and grow. NVC has a profound effect on our relationships and on the contexts of our lives.

This training which presents the concepts and tools used in NVC; introduces you to the steps of the NVC process for use in expressing yourself to others, listening to others and listening compassionately to yourself, will give you sufficient information and practice to start using NVC in your daily life.


Suggested donation £150 or pay what you feel

HEART OF THE QUAKER WAY

Online course 4 thursdays in November 7-8.30pm

With Ben Pink Dandelion in partnership with Woodbrooke Learning

Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th November 7-8.30pm on Zoom

Suggested donation £30 for the course or pay what you feel


This online course looks at the key elements of Quaker spirituality and outlines what makes up the Quaker Way. With plenty of time for discussion and conversation, we will look at four core aspects of Quakerism: 

  • the idea that everyone can have a direct encounter with the Divine 
  • a distinctive form of worship to nurture that sense of encounter
  • a way of discerning what is truly part of that encounter
  • and the particular life that emerges from this experience 

 Participants will gain a clearer understanding of Quakerism as well as a strong sense of community amongst those involved with Rookhow.

We encourage people to join for all 4 sessions if they can.

Quakers and non Quakers welcome. 

ACTIVE HOPE with Gareth Thomas 12th-14th March 2027

'The Work That Reconnects' - Joanna Macy's inspiring and powerful programme that helps us support ourselves and those around us in challenging times.


Gareth is a trained facilitator in 'The Work That Reconnects'. The concept was developed by Joanna Macy alongside many other people over her lifetime.

The process takes you on a spiral transitioning through four key stages:

  • Coming from Gratitude
  • Honoring Our Pain for the World
  • Seeing with New/Ancient Eyes
  • Going Forth
Here is a link to more information about the work of Joanna Macy.


Suggested donation £150 or pay what you feel


DEPOLARISATION: HOLDING A RADICAL CENTRE 14th-16th May 2027

Facilitated by Rebecca Brierley, St Ethelburga's Community reconciliation programme manager and coordinator of the Journey of Hope programme.

As social and political divisions intensify across communities, many of us are asking how to stay grounded, connected, and effective when our communities or workplaces are divided. This weekend invites you to explore the practice of what we call the Radical Centre; not a political middle ground, but a place of moral courage and curiosity. It is “radical” because choosing to listen, to build trust, and to stay in dialogue is countercultural in a climate of outrage and certainty. Drawing from our long-standing peacebuilding practices, this training offers a structured yet reflective pathway for those who wish to build social cohesion, nurture trust, and model a new kind of leadership for divided times.

Cost: £150 per adult or pay what you feel. Quakers and non Quakers welcome.