The Place
A true gem in the heart of the Chiltern hills! With ancient woodland on the doorstep from our craft filed and some of the most diverse wildflower meadows in the country, we are utterly blessed to have our retreat located in this small estate camping between farm pasture and mixed woodland nestled against the River Thames in South Oxfordshire.
The Great Craft Retreat will be located on the site of Pathhill outdoors and Pathhill Organic Farm on the Hardwick Estate! But what does all this mean..?
Pathhill Outdoors
Pathhill Outdoors is an alternative curriculum provider for disadvantaged youngsters, aiding their development with hands on skills taught in the outdoor environment. Beginning life with a small passionate team over 20 years ago Pathhill's impact to young people all over south Oxfordshire has seen it win multiple awards and gain massive respect in the district. Over the years it has expanded its teaching facilities with multiple workspaces from Mongolian style yurts to woodland A-frames and several Cedar shingle canopy's. Our Craft retreats will be taking place in the centre of their teaching field providing us with all the facilities we could ask for!
Pathhill Farm
Pathhill farm is a well established organic beef farm with over 50 years pioneering environmentally friendly farming techniques. Over half of the farm is permanent grassland, and includes species-rich hay meadows by the river Thames, chalk grassland, and fen grazing. The upper grassland around the farm currently carries a herd of Traditional Herefords which you will see wondering about on your stay, they are excellent grazers and convert the diverse meadows into first-class beef which you will be tasting! In common with the rest of the Hardwick Estate, the farm has a very high nature conservation interest and implements sustainable yet traditional methods carried out by Farmer James.
Hardwick Estate
Hardwick estate has a fascinating history dating back centuries, with ties to the civil war and being one of the main inspirations for Wind in the Willows! However we love Hardwick not for its history but for its ethos; organic farming practices, nature preservation and endless enthusiasm about keeping rural crafts going! The welcoming nature of Hardwick lends itself to a number of beautiful independent businesses, from organic vegetable farms and hemp growers to wood and metal workers! All of which abide by the same principles. The estate has 430 acres of sustainably managed mixed woodland packed with life. Seas of bluebells to rare flora and fauna from goshawks to orchids. Hopefully on your time at the Great Craft Retreat you will discover some of the beauty of this inspiring patch in the Chiltern Hills.