Earthy Sundays: one year of woodland wellness

Nearly one year ago, in July 2025, yoga teacher and forest therapy practitioner Heather hosted the very first Earthy Sundays: Hebden Bridge Day Retreat. Fast forward a year, and not only are Earthy Sundays still going strong, but Heather has also become part of the iglu family as one of our sauna hosts.

Over the past twelve months, these monthly retreat days have brought together dozens of people seeking something many of us need more of: fresh air, meaningful connection, movement, nature, and time to slow down.

We've loved being a part of these wholesome, outdoorsy wellbeing experiences that encapsulate the very best of Hebden Bridge. If you've not yet joined an Earthy Sunday, here's what makes these retreat days so special.

A monthly retreat day for muddy boots, wild hearts & honest connection

Earthy Sundays have been set up as an antidote to busy modern life. Each retreat combines yoga, nature connection, forest therapy, hiking, sauna and cold plunge, and aromatherapy into a carefully curated day. 

As well as being a lovely day out, it's seven evidence-informed wellness practices woven together to create a restorative experience that supports both body and mind.

What to expect

Each Earthy Sunday includes:

• Yoga and meditation

• A guided hike through the beautiful Calder Valley

• Forest therapy and nature connection practices

• Woodland sauna and cold plunge at iglu sauna

• Herbal tea and an aromatherapy gift to take home

Seven wellness rituals rolled into one day

1. Meditation

Meditation can help calm the nervous system, improve focus, and create a sense of presence, allowing participants to arrive fully before the day's adventures begin.

2. Yoga

Gentle but intentional yoga encourages participants to move mindfully, release tension, and reconnect with their bodies. It's the perfect transition from the demands of everyday life into a more relaxed and embodied state.

3. Hiking

Walking supports cardiovascular health, circulation, mobility, and mood, while providing an opportunity to experience the restorative effects of spending time outdoors.

4. Forest therapy

Much of the retreat takes place amongst the trees, and for good reason! Research suggests that spending time in woodland environments may help reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, improve mental clarity, and support immune function.

Heather's forest therapy practices invite participants to engage with nature through their senses, slowing down and noticing the world around them in a deeper way.

5. Contrast therapy

The retreat concludes with time at the sauna and cold plunge in nature. Alternating between heat and cold, often known as contrast therapy, can support circulation, recovery, resilience, and nervous system regulation.

With iglu sauna so well placed up on the hills, it’s the perfect setting to absorb the day's experiences and leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.

7. Aromatherapy

Before heading home, participants receive an aromatherapy gift and herbal tea to continue the experience beyond the retreat itself. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, making aromatherapy a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with feelings of calm and wellbeing long after the day has finished.

5. Connection

One of the most important ingredients in wellbeing is community. Many guests arrive solo, but Earthy Sundays naturally create opportunities for conversation, laughter, and authentic connection. There's no pressure to share or participate in anything uncomfortable, just space to be yourself amongst like-minded people.

Meet Heather

Heather. is the founder of Wild Heather Wellness, a yoga teacher, CMA-accredited forest therapy practitioner, and one of iglu's sauna hosts.

Through her nature-inspired wellbeing experiences, Heather creates welcoming, down-to-earth spaces that help people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Her approach is particularly valued by those who may find traditional wellness spaces intimidating, offering a more accessible, authentic, and refreshingly uncomplicated approach to wellbeing.

What people are saying

"I genuinely feel like it reset my brain a bit." — Mia

"A beautiful, grounding experience in Hebden Bridge." — Janine Isaacs

"Heather creates a real sense of community and belonging." — Ruth Morris

"If you're thinking about booking on, do it!" — Beth Whitfield

"Really lovely wholesome day with a good mix of activities. I left feeling amazing." — Eleanor Ferrely

Join the next Earthy Sunday

If you're curious about forest therapy, yoga, sauna, cold plunging, or simply spending a nourishing day outdoors in good company, we'd love to welcome you to a future retreat.

Book your place here