An in-person development experience on a farm in Cumbria. You and your team, with expert facilitators, one executive coach and a graphic scribe. You’ll work with a small flock of six sheep, usually two dogs and the Shepherds who  work the farm daily. We blend one ancient skill with the essential skill of self-exploration – and use it as a platform to get new insights, clearer perspectives and fresh thinking. Everyone feels like an impostor at the start of it and that’s intentional and great. You’ll drive away different and reflect on it a lot.

We’ve helped countless people get over their fears – animals and others! You’re never put into a situation you find deeply uncomfortable. We’ll chat to you and work out how we can help you. 

Yep! ICE Creates is the business behind all this. Brookside Farm is the home of the ICE Creates CEO and our Cumbria ‘office’. Natural Leaders happens partly inside – but mostly outside. You will meet us and all the animals. 

The inside part happens in a purpose-built barn renovation annex to the main building. We built it with all this in mind and (even if we say so ourselves) the space is perfect for it. 

We prioritise the wellbeing of our animals (humans included) above all else. If it’s too wet, cold or hot – we’ll simply move the date.

Yes. We have spaces in front of the main barn on site (prioritised for anyone with a physical disability) and there’s ample parking on the road outside the farm. 

Brookside Farm is in a 13th century village called Croglin. It’s nestled between the Pennines and the River Eden in northern Cumbria, UK.

It’s off-grid if digital-detox is part of your plan (we do have Wi-Fi though of course!). 

This is an experience where everyone is learning one new thing together from scratch. That’s already something most teams don’t do often. 

There’s also a blend of psychometric profiling, team profiling and learning the practical art of shepherding. Lots of dialogue with our expert facilitators and coaches, who balance support and challenge in a highly psychologically safe space. 

Teams can safely unpack successes, challenges, barriers… whatever they need to. Our expert facilitators have collectively over 100 years of experience in this space.

You are in very safe, experienced hands. 

It depends. If Penrith is drive-able for you there might not be any need to. A lot of teams do stay over the night before though, and they have the evening before as a kind of social event in one of Penrith’s or Carlisle’s many lovely establishments. 

If Penrith isn’t drive-able there are lots of local hotels. Many people who come stay at the Premier Inn Penrith.

It’s an outside experience in Cumbria, so we suggest:

•    A waterproof jacket
•    Wearing some layers is good
•    A pair of strong footwear like wellies, walking boots or robust trainers
•    A pair of indoor shoes – comfy trainers, crocs are acceptable (here at least!)
•    An outdoor hat if you wear one
•    Comfortable leg wear – jeans, walking trousers or leggings are all perfectly fine

Yes. All the food is home cooked from scratch, on site, in our purpose-built kitchen.
All of it can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals or a whole team. We can 
accommodate everyone, whether…

•    You eat everything
•    You’re Veggie
•    You’re Vegan or prefer a Plant Based diet 
•    You eat Halal
•    You eat Kosher
•    You have specific allergies (such as nuts or gluten) 

We’ll send a comprehensive health & safety form out in advance, and it’s got space
for everything to be shared. We’ll chat to you about more specific things if needed.