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Our Purpose
Forrest Retreats was created with a desire to create and build a healthy, supportive community where individuals can thrive both physically and mentally.
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Our team have different backgrounds means that we can offer activities designed to build healthy habits and routines in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Lake District National Park. We believe that a wholesome health experience involves building a connection with ourselves and our wider environment, meaning mindful practices in an outdoor setting are a key part of what we do. At the same time, we want to encourage activity that builds and maintains a healthy body, at a scale that is adaptable and flexible to meet the requirements of every individual who wishes to reconnect with their body and mind.
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Forrest Retreats offer a safe space where like minded individuals can come together, reconnect with nature and find ways to incorporate it more fully into their lives going forward. Our fundamental aim is to build a community of people who work and support one another to build physical and mental strength, gain confidence, learn new skills and thrive in their surroundings.
Team
Our Passionate Guides
Our small team at Forrest Retreats comprises skilled wellness professionals dedicated to nurturing your health and spirit. With diverse backgrounds in fitness and holistic practices, we work together to create a supportive and enriching retreat experience for every individual.
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Jade Lawson
Hello, I’m Jade – The founder here at Forrest Retreats.
I’ve always loved the outdoors and being surrounded by nature. Whether it’s climbing a mountain, heading out for a run, or sitting quietly with my camera waiting for wildlife, that’s where I feel most at home. I also love teaching fitness classes, travelling, and enjoying good pasta with great friends.
For 25 years, I was a high-level track athlete, These days, I’m embracing a new challenge—transitioning into trail running (wish me luck!). You’ll also find me slowly working my way through the 4000m alpine peaks, a mountaineering dream I’ve had since I was young. It’s only recently that I’ve truly believed I could make it happen.
I’ve been working in the health and wellness world for over 18 years, and with focusing my last decade in wellness management, I’ve seen how much the industry has changed—especially with the rise of social media. There’s a lot of pressure out there, but I believe real wellness starts from within. It’s about feeling good in yourself, not just looking good on the outside.
After experiencing my own mental health struggles back in 2015, I turned to natural ways to heal—long walks, breathwork, Pilates, slowing down, and tuning into what really matters. That journey led me to becoming a Pilates instructor, and 10 years later, I still love helping people move better, feel stronger, and find a bit more calm in their lives.
Can’t wait to welcome you to Forrest Retreats!
Love Jade x
Sophie Rooney
Hello! I am a freelance Mountain Leader with a background in education, competitive kayaking and long-distance expeditions.
My kayaking career took me all over Europe where I competed for Great Britain. During this professional sporting career, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by elite coaches who taught me about different training mechanisms, the importance of good nutrition, and stretching routines for injury prevention. This knowledge of how to get the most out of your body is completely applicable in everyday life and is something I hope to share with others.
Upon finishing my kayaking career and completing my MSc in Geography, I set off on a series of long-distance expeditions to raise money for charity. These included running the length of Scandinavia 2016, attempting to run East
to West across Iceland 2018, and a multi-sport relay from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2019. My proudest achievement was writing a book to describe the first of these adventures, Rundinavia, which I self-published in 2019.
In 2020 I moved to the Lake District with my husband and completed a PGCE teaching qualification, before going on to attain my Mountain Leader Qualification 2023. Since then, I have worked for activity providers to deliver experiences in the outdoor environment, including hiking, canoeing, camping, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. I have also continued to run and take part in trail races, most recently having completed the Lakeland Trails 100km and The Lap (75km).
In 2024, I began a mindful practice of meditation that helped me to realise the strong links between my mind and how my body feels day to day. I also began to incorporate more stretching, yoga and Pilates into my routine to build mental strength and physical robustness. I met Jade at a local Pilates class (she was the instructor) and we quickly became friends, realising that we both shared similar beliefs and values. We were both looking for a way to build positivity in the community, share our passions with other people and help others who lack in confidence get the most out of the incredible landscapes on their doorstep.
I look forward to meeting you on one of the retreats!