Where the Wild Songs Grow

An immersive weekend of intuitive singing, nature and creative connection

23–25 April 2027
Anybody’s Barn, Storridge, near Malvern, Worcestershire

An intimate retreat for just 13 participants.

What happens when we allow our voices to grow wild?

As spring awakens the land, we invite you to awaken your voice. To listen to the songs carried on the breeze, the whispers of the trees and the melodies waiting to emerge from within you.

Where the Wild Songs Grow is a weekend of vocal exploration, creativity and connection, where we will discover what happens when we let go of familiar songs and allow something new and unexpected to blossom.

Through intuitive singing, vocal improvisation and playful experimentation, we will explore the many colours, textures and possibilities of the human voice. From gentle humming and soothing lullabies to wild, expressive soundscapes, we will give ourselves permission to sing freely, without judgement or expectation.

Inspired by the natural world, we will venture onto the land, listening deeply and allowing the sounds, rhythms and energy of spring to influence our singing. We will explore vocal healing, shapeshifting through sound, and the ways our voices can express different aspects of ourselves and the world around us.

Together, we will weave our individual voices into something greater, creating spontaneous songs that could never have existed without each person present.

There will be opportunities to sing beneath the open sky, gather around the fire, share songs as the sun sets, and experience the beauty of simply listening and being heard.

With just 13 participants, this intimate retreat offers a supportive space to explore, play, connect and deepen your relationship with your own voice.

No singing experience is necessary. You don’t need to know how to improvise, read music or consider yourself a singer. All that is needed is curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Come as you are, and discover what wants to grow when you give your voice the freedom to bloom.

What to expect

Intuitive singing and collaborative vocal improvisation
Vocal healing, resonance and shapeshifting through sound
Creating wild songs inspired by nature
Small-group vocal exploration and spontaneous song creation
A guided walk with views of the Malvern Hills
Singing together around the fire
Sunset singing and moments of quiet reflection
Deep listening, connection, playfulness and rest
A taste of the weekend

Our journey will follow the unfolding of spring, from planting the seeds of our songs to nurturing their growth and celebrating what we create together.

Friday 23 April — Planting the seeds

Time
Activity
4–6pm
Arrivals and settling in
6pm
Evening meal
7.30–9.30pm
Welcome circle, intuitive lullabies and a relaxing bedtime sound bath
Saturday 24 April — Growing our wild songs

Time
Activity
10am–12pm
Singing on the land — seeding our wild songs
12.30–1.30pm
Lunch
1.30–3.30pm
Free time
Optional guided walk offering views of the Malvern Hills / land art
3.30–5.30pm
Growing our wild songs — collaborative vocal exploration and creation
6–7pm
Evening meal
7.30–9pm
Singing around the fire
Sunday 25 April — Harvesting our songs

Time
Activity
10am–12pm
Cacao ceremony and harvesting the abundance of our wild songs
12.30–1.30pm
Lunch
1.30–3pm
Closing circle, sharing and singing
The timetable is an invitation rather than a fixed programme, allowing space for the needs, creativity and inspiration of the group, as well as adapting to the weather.

Retreat prices

We offer a sliding-scale pricing structure to help make the retreat accessible to different financial circumstances. Chose the rate most appropriate to your financial circumstances.

Accommodation option
Sliding-scale price
Base rate (travelling in each day)
£185 / £200
Shared room (2–3 people) or camping
£205 / £220
Private room
£245 / £260
There is 1 fully funded place and 2 half funded places for this retreat for people facing significant barriers to accessing this kind of retreat. Please contact Ruana to discuss if this is something you would like to apply for.

Places are limited to 13 participants and previous retreats at Anybody’s Barn have been fully booked so early booking is recommended.

Food and community living

We will self-cater together as a community, sharing the preparation of meals in small food pods of approximately 3 people using the well-equipped kitchen. In your pod you will be responsible for providing the food for one meal for the group. Preparation time for meals is built into the programme.

Cooking and eating together is part of the retreat experience, offering opportunities to connect, share and enjoy the simple pleasures of community living.

Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated, or you are welcome to bring your own food.

Our beautiful retreat venue

Anybody’s Barn is nestled in a peaceful rural setting near the Malvern Hills. Run by a registered charity, it offers a welcoming and down-to-earth space in which to retreat from everyday life and reconnect with nature, creativity and community.

We will have access to private woodland, workshop spaces, an art room and shared communal areas, including a well-equipped kitchen and dining space, showers and five simple bedrooms. There is also a small area for camping.

The surrounding landscape offers beautiful walks, woodland paths and far-reaching views across the countryside. The woodland is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife, including foxes, badgers, muntjac deer, rabbits and many species of wild birds.

Anybody’s Barn has the rustic charm of a converted rural barn. Please note that there are some uneven tracks, a few low ceilings and parking space is limited. Anybody’s Barn is a 10minute drive from Malvern Link Train Station and car/lift sharing is encouraged where possible.

You can see photos from previous retreats below and explore the venue on the Anybody’s Barn gallery

What participants have said about previous retreats with Ruana at Anybody’s Barn

“I feel like my molecules have been rearranged and my whole nervous system feels smooth (so different to usual). The pure magic of spontaneous song creation is like nothing else… transcendent. It’s very profound and I’m full of gratitude.”

“This weekend was a magical symbiosis of improvised song! I felt like a particle in the collective consciousness, individual but interwoven by sounds and voice. The way that Ruana holds space is like no one else – the perfect balance of holding and sharing her skills, knowledge & passion for singing. Magic!”

“This retreat was pure elemental alchemy, perfectly held in a skilful and beautiful balance between support and freedom. Ruana you are a rare treasure and these spaces are absolute treats, in all ways. Unforgettable and invaluable. Thank you.”

Ruana founded The Song of Now and has been leading singing retreats since 2021. You can find more information about Ruana and her experience here

Book your place

Join us for a weekend of wild songs, springtime magic and creative connection.

Just 13 places available.

Book Now

For further information or to discuss the retreat, please contact Ruana:

Email: ickle_miss@yahoo.com
Phone: 07973 499585

Venue address:
Anybody’s Barn
Birchwood Hall
Storridge
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR13 5EZ

Contact

ickle_miss@yahoo.com

07973499585