Change Collective

We invite you to join the Change Collective…

Are you driven to create positive social and environmental change? Do you long for time and space to reconnect with your core purpose and think more creatively about your approach? If so, we invite you to join an inspiring community of fellow change-makers on this 3-month learning journey in nature where we’ll explore powerful themes including: inspiration, imagination, play, focus, power, community, celebration, and wisdom.

For two precious days every six weeks, you'll have the chance to step away from daily distractions, think more creatively & clearly, connect deeply with like-minded people, and nurture new friendships that may inspire powerful collaborations. This regenerative leadership journey will renew your energy, while empowering you to become a more effective and impactful change-maker.

Why?

It’s hard to think clearly in the attention economy. It is even harder to think creatively. And yet the mounting challenges we face as a species mean we need deep, creative thinking more than ever. Many of us are looking for the space and community within which to do this. The Change Collective offers just that – a chance to liberate yourself from daily distractions, open yourself to new perspectives and possibilities, and find belonging in a supportive community of peers. 

Is it for you?

We’ve found that people from a variety of professional backgrounds join this course and apply the learning to their work and personal lives. For example, in 2024 we’ve had people working in community grant funding, environmental & creative arts therapy, learning design, health innovation, social research, youth mental health, conservation, coaching for female entrepreneurs, sustainability strategy & communications, and nutrition.

What themes will we be exploring?

This course is designed around a regenerative ‘natural flow’ model and includes deep dives into 6 key themes, which are vital but often under-explored tools for social / environmental change:

1. Inspiration & excitement: Drawing inspiration from nature (exploring the natural flow model) + connecting to what generates excitement in us

2. Imagination & play: The power of imagination activism + play/experimentation to generate the possibility of new futures

3. Focus: Voluntary vs. involuntary attention; how to stay focused when our attention has been monetised + “slow productivity” as a superpower

4. Power: Power over vs. power with; the dance between power & connection + an introduction to compassionate communication

5. Community & celebration: The importance of celebration as a tool for social change + weaving our web of community support & collaboration

6. Wisdom: Intelligence vs. wisdom in the digital age + integrating what we’ve learned for a wiser approach to change

What will you come away with?

Our intention is that the course will give you:

• New, valuable insights about catalysing change, which you can apply in your personal and professional life

• An inspiring & supportive network of fellow change-makers, with the potential for ongoing collaboration

• An enhanced sense of personal wellbeing and renewed energy to inspire positive change

When?

This course takes place during the working week, making it more accessible to people (particularly parents) who are unable to join our longer residential courses due to caring responsibilities. The core course content finishes around 4pm each day - and then there is a couple of hours free-time to reflect, walk, prepare dinner and/or visit a local beach. We share dinner and a fireside together on each of the three evenings we have together. This will finish by 9pm - and you are welcome to camp or stay locally. Please note that food is not included - we suggest bringing a packed lunch and participants organise and co-create communal dinners and breakfast. The dates are as follows:

• 3rd April (10.30am to 9pm) and 4th April (9.30am to 4pm)

• 15th May (10.30am to 9pm) to 16th May (9.30am to 4pm)

• 26th June (10.30am to 9pm) to 27th June (9.30am to 4pm)

Where?

We will gather at a 15 acre smallholding just outside Woodbury Salterton, East Devon. The land offers a mix of verdant meadows and ancient woodland, as well as easy walking access to East Devon’s Pebblebed Heath - an expansive wild place and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our hearth is in a beautiful rustic hay barn, with cushions and blankets to keep us cosy. The farm is a nascent rewilding project with 2000 saplings already planted and other plans on the horizon. As part of the programme, there is an option to participate in rewilding work days to help increase biodiversity on the farm.