Frequently Asked Questions - Systemic in Nature 2025 

Arriving at Systemic in Nature

Staggered arrival times 

Arrival times are staggered (details below) for different types of tickets and to avoid shuffling too many vehicles around.   

Anyone bringing their own tent can drop this off at Rookhow before leaving any vehicle at the church car park.

Arrival times for:

• On-site [camping, yurt, bunkhouse] - 8.30am - 9am

• Whole weekend tickets but staying off-site - 8.45am - 9.15am

• Friday day tickets - 9.15 - 9.30am

 

The Symposium will begin at 10am so please give yourself plenty of time to travel, drop bags if needed, park and make your way to Rookhow.

 

Travelling 

If driving/car sharing; there is a series of country roads. Put your route navigation on early, otherwise you may struggle to find us. It is also a good option to download and use what 3 words for both the car park and Rookhow.

If you get stuck and need assistance, try ringing either Paul or Charlie who will do their best to assist you:

Paul: 07920089368      Charlie: 07940139301

 

Parking

Parking for everyone will be in the St Paul’s Church Car Park (directly opposite the church), Rusland, Ulverston, LA12 8JZ

What 3 words for St Paul’s Church Car Park:  rant.tablet.crackled

This is a 10- 15 short walk from Rookhow.  We will be there to welcome and direct you and there will also be signage.  Please take care walking on the country lanes and use your torch if returning to the car park in dark or dull conditions.

There is limited parking on site at Rookhow, and we need to keep the space directly outside the building clear. 

 

Train travel

The closest train station with frequent trains is Ulverston

Local taxi company: A2B: 01229 587030

For those who are coming by public transport - we are arranging a train station pick-up (and drop off Sunday) from Ulverston station.  Please aim to arrive by 9am if possible, to the train station on Friday morning and let Charlie know your expected arrival time so we can book you in for a pickup (with the brilliant Jay). 

 

 

Arriving at Rookhow

If you are arriving on foot, by bike, or wish to drop your camping equipment first:  go directly to Rookhow.  Those in cars also make your way on foot to Rookhow after parking your car at St Paul’s.

Address: Rookhow, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8LA

What 3 words for Rookhow :  overheard.confining.zooms 

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Individual needs and accessibility 

If you have any particular needs re: religious, culture, dis-ability, mobility or gender for example - get in touch and we will do our best to discuss how we can make the symposium accessible for you.  Please familiarise yourself with the Rookhow accessibility guide   

 

Where can I sleep?

Rookhow has simple bunkhouse accommodation - we will have dorm space for female and male genders. 

Individual camping is also an option - there is a camping field at the rear of the bunkbarn.

 

Can I bring my van to sleep in?

Sorry; there is not enough space to allow sleep-in vehicles.   However you could camp with your vehicle off-site.  Nearest site is Grizedale campsite, a15 minute cycle or 44 minute walk.

Nearest B&Bs for those seeking additional comforts are Lands End Cottage, Force Mill Farm and Yew Beck Cottage.  

 

What washing and toilet facilities are available?

There are 3 showers and 4 toilets onsite - all mixed gender and there is step-free/accessible toilets and showers in the Meeting House.  

 

What other facilities are there?

There is a landline for emergency use only.

There is limited Wifi in the Meeting House - although we encourage you to unplug as much as possible and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

There’s an electric vehicle charging point.

 

What’s the food and drink situation?

We are very fortunate to be working with the wonderful and local Simon at Rock Cottage Dining.

There will be simple help-yourself breakfasts and light lunches/supper during the residential and hot food for a main meal.

All food will be vegetarian with vegan options.

Please contact us in advance if you have specific dietary needs and we will do our best to cater.  

There will be tea, coffee and drinking water available.

 

What does communal mean?

Shared meals, meal times and facilities.

Chipping in to keep Rookhow clean and tidy -  sweeping and stripping your bunk on the last day.  

Sharing dorm space with others or camping in the same field.

Bring something to share at our closing circles if you like; a skill, idea, poem, a song...

 

Can I bring my dog? 

No pets sorry - except registered guide dogs.  

 

What do I need to bring?

Boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet/muddy

Other clothes for all indoor and outdoor activities

Long trousers - the woods are a tick-area

Natural insect repellent

Torch

Personal-sized tent and warm bedding if camping

Sleeping bag or blankets if staying in bunkbarn (pillow and sheets provided)

Towel

Your personal toiletries and any medications

Water bottle and name-labelled lunch box/bag  

Day rucksack 

Ear plugs and an eye mask

Note pad and pencil/art supplies

 

What don’t I need to bring?

Kitchen/indoor cooking equipment and crockery

Cleaning supplies

Speakers, fireworks, gas fired heaters/hobs

 

Is there a site map?

Yes; see the  orienteering map.  (bottom of Woodlands page on Rookhow website)

Be mindful that it’s a gently managed wood and trees may be left over paths and there is steep/boggy ground.  Step carefully!

 

How do I book?

We will send you a booking form to the email address that you used to register your interest on the website.  The booking form will contain further booking information including ticket prices.