Lens on Nature
Reconnect With Nature And Rewild Your Spirit
(available from 1st March, 2025)
About this offer
Throughout your stay in any of our Holiday Homes, immerse yourself in our serene surroundings and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. As part of your visit, the Lens on Nature experience provides a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and biodiversity of Broughton Sanctuary. With expert guidance, you will contribute to rewilding and nature recovery efforts, deepening your connection to the environment while learning about the Sanctuary’s inspiring conservation work.
Join Joel Batchelor, our dedicated nature recovery ranger, for a rewarding volunteer experience at Broughton Sanctuary. Help with woodland maintenance, habitat creation, and fence line removal, gaining hands-on rewilding experience. Continue your journey with River, an expert ecologist, on a Nature Recovery Tour, exploring the sanctuary's diverse plant and animal life and learning about biodiversity efforts. The highlight is the Odyssey Trail, a 30km path through Broughton's 3,000 acres, featuring nature restoration projects, woodlands, historical landmarks, and mountain views. Enjoy immersive wellbeing experiences like the Fire Temple, Labyrinth, Wild Swimming Reservoir, and Moon Baths.
Detailed Information
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Rewild the Land with Joel Batchelor
Begin by volunteering with Joel Batchelor, our resident nature recovery ranger. Joel has planted tens of thousands of trees on the Sanctuary's land and will guide you through various rewilding activities. Whether you choose to contribute your morning, afternoon, or the whole day, you can expect to participate in woodland maintenance, habitat creation, and fence line removal, gaining hands-on experience in restoring natural ecosystems.
Your journey continues with a Nature Recovery Tour led by River, a freelance ecologist and geospatial specialist. River brings a wealth of knowledge in habitat restoration, biodiversity, and community engagement. As you explore the rewilding landscape of Broughton Sanctuary, you will encounter a rich variety of plants and animals and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to promote biodiversity.
The highlight of your stay is the Odyssey Trail, a new 30km walking trail that weaves through Broughton's beautiful 3,000 acres. Over several days, explore the five interconnected loops of the trail, which feature a transformational nature restoration project, flourishing woodlands, historical landmarks, and stunning mountain views. The Odyssey Trail also offers immersive experiences with Broughton Sanctuary's signature wellbeing features, including the Fire Temple, Labyrinth, Wild Swimming Reservoir, and Moon Baths.
Morning Session
9:00am - 12:30pm
Volunteer with Joel Batchelor: Begin your journey by contributing to the ongoing rewilding project at Broughton Sanctuary. This hands-on experience will give you an intimate understanding of the efforts required to restore natural ecosystems.
Lunch Break
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Enjoy a refreshing lunch in the serene surroundings of Utopia. Feel free to bring your own or pre-order a picnic basket.
Afternoon Session
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Continued Volunteering: Spend the afternoon furthering your contributions to the sanctuary’s rewilding efforts. Continue your work with Joel, applying the skills and knowledge gained in the morning session.
Day 2: Nature Recovery Tour & Odyssey Trail
Morning Activity
9:00am - 12:30pm
Nature Recovery Tour with River Six: Embark on a guided morning tour through the rewilding landscape of Broughton Sanctuary with River, a seasoned freelance ecologist and geospatial specialist. River’s expertise in habitat restoration and biodiversity will enrich your understanding of the sanctuary’s flora and fauna. Learn about the various species that inhabit the area and the efforts being made to promote biodiversity.
Lunch Break
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Option to relax and refuel with a wholesome, chargeable lunch at Utopia in the Walled Garden. Enjoy the tranquil views and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.
Afternoon Activity
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Odyssey Trail Exploration: Begin your immersive journey through the Odyssey Trail, a series of five interconnected loops spanning 30km. Discover Broughton’s 3,000 acres of rewilding landscapes, including flourishing woodlands, historical landmarks, and breathtaking mountain views. Highlights of the trail include:
- Fire Temple: a space for reflection and connection.
- Labyrinth: a meditative walk designed to centre the mind.
- Wild Swimming Reservoir: Take a dip in the refreshing waters, unwind in the Woodland Sauna and lie down in the adjacent Tree Nets.
- Moon Baths: Relax and rejuvenate in these unique baths under the open sky.
Day 3: Continued Odyssey Trail
Morning Activity
9:00am - 12:30pm
Odyssey Trail Exploration Continued: Continue your exploration of the remaining loops of the Odyssey Trail. Delve deeper into the sanctuary’s nature restoration projects and soak in the beauty of the thriving ecosystems.
Lunch Break
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Savour your lunch at one of the stops along the trail, reflecting on your enriching experience.
Afternoon Activity
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Continued Exploration and Relaxation: The Odyssey Trail is a celebration of movement, inviting you to focus your mind on the dynamic beauty of nature. Pause to notice the delicate rustling of leaves in the breeze, the graceful flight of birds across the fields, or the intricate web woven by a spider. As you observe these moments, you may feel a profound sense of belonging to the natural world—a simple yet powerful experience.
Over time, your senses begin to sharpen, and you become attuned to more than just the sights around you. Sound becomes a gateway to connection, whether it is the melodic call of a bird, the subtle shifting of the wind, or the gentle trickle of a brook. Try an exercise to enhance this connection: stand with your back to a stream, cup your ears forward, and let the sound surround you without looking at it’s source. This simple act can deepen your awareness and appreciation of nature’s symphony.
How to Book
Available from March 1st, this complimentary experience is open to all guests staying in the Holiday Homes on Broughton Sanctuary. Scheduled times can be viewed via the monthly Avalon Wellbeing Activities. Lens on Nature must be booked at the time of reserving your holiday home online or with our Holiday Homes Operations Manager, at least two weeks prior to arrival.
Call: 01756 799608
Terms and conditions
- Lens on Nature experience can be added to all stays at Broughton Sanctuary Holiday Homes.
- Open to non-residential visitors and residents of Craven.
- Activities included in this experience are non-exchangeable, transferrable or redeemable for cash.