Future Leadership Programme

Professor Lindsey McEwen, Director of the Centre for Water, Communities & Resilience, UWE Bristol

We have run academic writing retreats at Hawkwood for several years, and our annual visit is a highlight of the year for our research centre. The grounds are a great place for calmness, reflection and writing, with lots of different outdoor and inside spaces for working. We are always fuelled by lovely food and drinks, all fresh and sustainably produced. The staff always go the extra mile, particularly during the COVID pandemic where we felt very safe. We find that the ‘retreat’ also acts as an invaluable opportunity for colleagues to connect with each other away from the hurly-burly of work. Last year, we had a great evening walk together exploring the grounds and landscape behind the property. So great memories of productive days, in an idyllic venue. A retreat in every sense!

Naomi Wilkinson, The Whole Partnership

Hawkwood is the ideal venue for our work in whole systems change. Our customers - leaders, coaches and change agents - always express their gratitude to be there, appreciating the beauty of the land, buildings, food and people who make this the special place that it is. Hawkwood's own innovative programme of events enriches its environment. We love the symbiosis at Hawkwood between nature and human life, it creates a thriving potential in the places where they meet. It's more than a venue; it's a living place that keeps calling us back and our customers, too!