Following the success of their Wild Words project, (which has been recognised and listed by the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature) Dartmoor Preservation Association have now launched a brand-new residential weekend for creative changemakers, in collaboration with Moorland Guides.
This not-for-profit retreat ‘Wild Words: Creative Changemakers Residential’ is running at Karuna Retreat Centre from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th October 2026 for a weekend of nature connection, fellowship with like-minded folk and rejuvenation in the heart of the moors.
Aimed at writers, artists, poets, bloggers or other creatives whose work inspires ecological activism and care for nature, this residential will be balanced in providing a restful, restorative space whilst also providing the opportunity to meet like-minded peers and to incubate new ideas.
Helen Bruce, Communications Officer at the DPA, says of the residential “stories can change the world for the better. Words that come from a bond with place, and a sense of reciprocity with the land, are shaping campaigns and fuelling movements to help nature thrive again. Writers and artists are driving much of this work, offering interpretations of the ecological crisis we are facing that offer hope and space to commit to small (and not so small) acts of healing. This work needs to be nurtured and the creative changemakers at the forefront of these campaigns deserve space to recharge.”
During the thoughtfully scheduled weekend, guests will be joined by The Dartmoor Herbalist for a session looking at archaeobotany, local soundscape artist Avoca for a session looking at connection through somatic movement and sound and local masseuse Jo Redwood. Helen JR Bruce will be leading the participants through the art of sacred map making and Hannah Durdin from Moorland Guides will offer the opportunity to experience mindfulness through greenwood whittling.
Hannah Durdin, Director of Moorland Guides, explains her involvement “since taking over Moorland Guides in 2024, I’ve been passionate about collaboration on Dartmoor, looking after this very special space, and providing opportunities for folks that might not otherwise exist. Working with the DPA on this residential brings all of those together and it’s a real privilege to be working with Helen to hold this space for those whose creative work makes a real difference to the protection and recognition of the moors.”
This not-for-profit weekend has been priced to be accessible to all but in addition to this, there are four places for this retreat at a reduced cost for those on low incomes. Dartmoor Preservation Association and Moorland Guides plan for this to become an annual event on the Dartmoor calendar, offering the opportunity for those working creatively to protect this land to come together for a weekend of connection, rejuvenation and inspiration.
Full details of this exciting new residential can be found at Wild Words Dartmoor Retreat – Moorland Guides.
