In May 2025, I packed my bags, tent, and notebook and made my way to the valley in North Dartmoor where meadow and woodland sit just below the open moor with its expanse of heather and the sound of invisible larks above. It is cared for by Regenco Trust, hospitable both to wildlife and humans who have come to learn land-related skills and to experience spirit in nature. I have been here before to learn, work with fire, plant trees, sit quietly alone, or support teenagers in a beginners’ quest.
This time there was only one other quester (although groups of five or more are not unknown). We were given thorough practical instruction by the two guides who would be taking care of us, as well as a couple of mythical stories which frame the quest within life’s tasks. We shared stories of the preparatory walks we had made to refine our intent and the questions that we were taking out with us. If Spirit is in everything as well as everyone, then fasting in a wild place can allow us to be more open to its promptings.
The land is beautiful in May. Insect life abounds, and we must take precautions; yet the birds, butterflies, and other inhabitants of the land are at their most active. Last time I was here, a young fox peeked at me through the long grass, coat red as fire, before deciding to take a different path.
We took our gallons of water and found the place where we would each stay for the three days. A buddy pile between us would need a daily visit, to check that the other quester had come and made a change in the pile; if not, the base camp could be alerted to check on their well- being.
For me, the quietness of the three days was in and of itself a luxury. It gave me time to sleep and time to reflect on events and dreams, and to allow thoughts and concerns to arise without pressure; time for attending to the inner and outer landscape and dreams; time for internal conversations with others, including those who had died. My diary recorded much of this, together with some new clarity about possible future paths and visits to be made.
Dawn on the last day came early. Slow after fasting, I packed up the tarp and sleeping stuff, and returned to those waiting at basecamp with a wonderful welcome and breakfast, to sleep again, and eventually to tell and hear the stories of our quests. The reflections and questions of others validated and focussed our experiences and opened new insights. We shared a celebratory feast.
I felt loaded with gifts when I came away. Not only the experience of being quite out of my normal life – so as to view it from a new perspective – but also having learned from my dreams and experiences during the quest, as well as the insights and companionship of others.
For further information about this place and practice, see https://regenco.wordpress.com/ or contact 01647 432638, or landtime1@gmail.com.
Gill Westcott