Step Away to Move Forward

Sometimes the clearest way through is to pause, breathe, and get some distance from the noise.

Forest Revival Retreat is a peaceful, purpose-built space in the heart of the Ashdown Forest. Created to give you time, headspace, and perspective. Space to think clearly, to reset, and to move forward with intention.

Thorp Coaching offers exclusive, bespoke 1:1 retreats for leaders, founders, and professionals. Each retreat combines:

  • Executive coaching

  • Guided reflection

  • Expert-led nature walks

  • Holistic therapies

  • Locally sourced food

  • Time off-grid

  • And, most importantly — space and time in nature to think

Retreats can be booked as a powerful standalone experience or as part of a longer coaching package.

Ideal if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need room to breathe and recalibrate.

Led by Emma Thorp, a Henley Business School-trained, EMCC Senior Practitioner coach with decades of senior leadership experience across life sciences, technology, and executive search. These retreats offer grounded, compassionate support tailored to you.

Ideal if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need room to breathe and recalibrate.

Location & Duration

Location: Ashdown Forest, Sussex (90 minutes from Central London)
Duration: 2-7 nights (Day retreats available on request)

The Space

Meet the Team

  • Emma Thorp

    Executive Coach & Founder

    Emma is an Executive Coach, Leadership Facilitator, and Founder of Forest Revival. With a background in corporate leadership and executive coaching, she helps leaders, founders, and professionals navigate change, build confidence, and lead with authenticity.

    Her approach is shaped by real-world leadership experience, professional coaching training, and a deep connection to nature. As an EMCC Senior Practitioner Coach, Henley Business School-trained Executive Coach, and ICF Member, Emma brings evidence-based coaching methods together with embodiment work, trauma-informed leadership practices, and strengths-based coaching to create truly transformational experiences.

    After stepping away from a high-pressure corporate career, Emma realised the power of taking space to reflect, recalibrate, and lead with intention—a philosophy that led her to create Forest Revival. Set in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, this purpose-built retreat space offers leaders the chance to step away from daily pressures, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with clarity.

    Emma works with CEOs, founders, senior leaders, and board members, supporting them through career transitions, leadership challenges, and personal transformation. Whether through one-to-one coaching, immersive retreats, or leadership workshops, her work is about helping people break free from limiting patterns and lead with impact.

    "Stepping away isn’t stepping back—it’s creating space for the clarity, courage, and energy needed to move forward with purpose. That’s what Forest Revival is all about."

  • Tom Forward

    Ecologist & Wildlife Guide

    Born on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, Tom spent his childhood exploring its woodlands, ghyll streams, bogs, and heaths, searching for deer, snakes, and birds of prey. The freedom to roam this special landscape sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation and led him to a career as an ecologist and environmental educator.

    With a degree in Environmental Management and 20 years of experience, Tom has worked in diverse ecological roles, including at Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in southern India, the Field Studies Council, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and Commonwork Trust. A true all-round naturalist, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to every visitor experience.

    Now living on the Ashdown Forest, Tom works as an independent ecologist and wildlife guide, leading experiences across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, including at the Knepp Estate (renowned for its rewilding project), Royal Botanic Gardens Kew at Wakehurst, and Bore Place Organic Farm. He also co-produces the Ashdown Forest Podcast with audio producer Eka Morgan, celebrating the richness of this remarkable 10-square-mile landscape.

    "The Ashdown Forest hosts some fantastic wildlife, from rare plants and insects to secretive reptiles and elusive birds, all set against sweeping views over the High Weald and beyond. There’s nothing I enjoy more than helping visitors tune into the landscape—opening their eyes and ears to its beauty, leaving them with a deeper appreciation and a truly memorable experience."

  • Janna Malinovska

    Holistic Therapist

    Janna is a qualified Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist, Myofascial Release therapist, and Pranic (Energy) Healing therapist. With a passion for natural healing and holistic well-being, she helps clients restore balance—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    Her journey into holistic therapy was deeply personal. After struggling with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic sinusitis, she discovered the transformative power of essential oils and energy healing. This experience led her to dedicate her career to helping others take control of their well-being through therapeutic touch, breathwork, and natural remedies.

    Janna’s treatments are designed to reduce stress, support recovery, and enhance overall health. Whether you’re looking to release tension, improve circulation, or find deep relaxation, her tailored approach ensures that each session meets your unique needs.

    "True healing happens when we give ourselves permission to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with our bodies. My work is about creating that space for restoration and renewal."

Forest Revival Retreats – FAQs

Whether you’re navigating change, making big decisions, or simply need time to reconnect, Forest Revival Retreats offer a rare chance to slow down and find space for what matters most.

Set deep in the Ashdown Forest, these one-to-one coaching retreats are crafted just for you—bringing together expert coaching, restorative nature, and space to think clearly. You’ll leave with greater clarity, renewed energy, and practical next steps. Here’s everything you might want to know before booking:

Is there a set agenda?
No. Each retreat is designed around your unique coaching goals and what you most need at this point in time.

What’s the ROI?
Time and space to step out of the noise and reconnect with the bigger picture. Most people leave feeling clearer, more focused, and energised—with practical next steps and renewed perspective, whether that’s around priorities, leadership challenges, or simply what comes next.

Do I need to be an existing coaching client?
Not at all. Whether this is a one-off reset or part of a longer coaching journey, you’re very welcome.

Can I just book it as a holiday?
Yes — occasionally we have availability for stay-only bookings at Lavender Cottage. If you’re craving peace, nature, and a beautiful space to rest, get in touch to check dates.

How much does it cost?
Retreats are fully tailored, so costs vary depending on what’s included. If you’re curious, just get in touch and I’ll send you a personalised quote with all the details.

Can I stay longer?
Yes — extra nights outside of your coached retreat are possible. Some clients choose to invite their significant others for a relaxing holiday post-retreat, while others prefer to spend the time alone, unwinding and enjoying all this fantastic area has to offer. If you’d like more time to integrate or simply rest, let’s talk about what would feel most supportive.

Do you run group retreats?
Yes, but these are held at a different location and typically designed for leadership teams or curated groups. If you're interested, I’d love to hear from you.

Where is it?
Nutley, Ashdown Forest — just 90 minutes from London, 30 minutes from Gatwick, and a little over an hour from Heathrow.

Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, but we encourage switching off. If you need to stay connected, we’ll help you set gentle boundaries.

Need something more bespoke or budget-flexible?
Let’s talk. There’s always a way to shape things to suit your needs.

How do I book?
Just email emma@thorpcoaching.com and I’ll come back to you personally.

Emma creates a personalised setting to stimulate the mind and the soul, to uncover critical elements that are frequently overlooked in the rush of business and to re-connect with the strengths and energy that will drive you towards your vision.
— CCO Biotech