We’re delighted to welcome back Gemma McGuigan to Lime Wood for a special three-part Longevity Workshop series, offering tools and insights to support everyday health and long-term vitality.

Gemma McGuigan is one of the UK’s leading IFM-certified Functional Medicine and Nutrition practitioners, with a reputation for translating complex science into practical, accessible insights. Her work focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic health concerns, with specialist expertise spanning gut health, hormones, autoimmunity, fatigue, and nutrigenomics. A respected educator and speaker, Gemma bridges cutting-edge functional medicine with a nature-led philosophy of wellbeing.

This three-part workshop series explores longevity through the lens of Functional Medicine, reframing ageing as a dynamic and adaptable process influenced by energy, metabolism, inflammation, nervous system health, nutrition, movement and connection. Rather than focusing on symptom management, it highlights how signs such as fatigue, brain fog and low vitality can be early signals to support deeper balance and resilience in the body. The focus is on “pro-ageing” - building long-term health, vitality and adaptability to support a more vibrant and energetic life for longer.

Each workshop covers a different topic and can be booked individually, so you can choose the topic which most appeals to you, or you can book the series.

Individual workshops are priced at £135 to include the talks, welcome and break time refreshments, a seasonal 2-course lunch, an optional movement class, plus you'll also leave with a thoughtful gift to take home.

Alternatively, if you would like to attend all three workshops, you can enjoy a discounted rate of £380 for all three when booking together, saving you £45. To book the full series and to receive your discount, please contact our Spa Reception. Further discount is available for Herb House Members - please enquire with Spa Reception on 023 8028 6999.

Workshop Timings:

10am - 10:30am - Tea, Coffee, Green Juice & Welcome

10:30am - 11:30am - Workshop Session 1 with Gemma

11:30am - 11:45am - Break with Drinks & Protein Balls

11:45am - 12:30pm - Workshop Session 2 with Gemma

12:30pm - 1:15pm - Q&A Session with drinks in The Greenhouse

1:15pm - 2:45pm - Healthy, Seasonal 2-Course Lunch with Gemma

3:05pm - 4:05pm - Optional Movement Class - Gong Bath with Rich Hale in The Hideout

Workshop 1 – Monday 14th September – Reimagining Ageing: Why Ageing is More Malleable Than We Think

This workshop explores the emerging science behind longevity and how ageing is influenced by lifestyle, environment, metabolism and the nervous system, rather than time alone. Through a Functional Medicine lens, Gemma introduces the key drivers of ageing, from energy production and mitochondrial health to inflammation, stress physiology and immune balance, highlighting how modern life can accelerate the ageing process and how we can begin to address it through prevention.

Workshop 2 – Monday 21st September – Building the Biology of Longevity - FULLY BOOKED - please email reception@herbhousespa.co.uk to be added to the waitlist

This session focuses on the daily habits that shape how we age, exploring how food, movement, sleep and lifestyle act as biological signals that influence repair, resilience and long-term health. Through a Functional Medicine lens, Gemma looks at the role of nutrition and exercise in supporting metabolism, mitochondrial function, muscle mass, gut health and inflammation, alongside practical strategies to enhance cellular renewal and metabolic balance. The session also introduces key tools for longevity, including supportive testing, supplements and lifestyle approaches to promote healthy ageing.

Workshop 3 – Monday 28th September – The New Science of Ageing Well - FULLY BOOKED - please email reception@herbhousespa.co.uk to be added to the waitlist

This final workshop explores how longevity is shaped not only by physical health, but also by emotional wellbeing, nervous system balance and human connection. Gemma examines how chronic stress and modern overstimulation can keep the body in a prolonged state of survival, impacting repair, immunity and resilience, while also introducing the science behind rest, safety and recovery. The session highlights the importance of sleep, circadian health, purpose, joy and social connection as key drivers of healthy ageing, offering a holistic blueprint for long-term vitality and wellbeing.

Booking Terms

You can cancel or amend your booking up to 72 hours prior to your booking. Within 72 hours the full balance would be non-refundable and non-transferable. Full pre-payment required at the time of booking.

6pm, Wednesday 16th September 2026

In a world of constant notifications, busy schedules and endless information, the ability to feel calm, present, and deeply relaxed has become one of life's greatest luxuries. At the heart of this lies the nervous system, influencing everything from our mood, energy and sleep to how we recover, connect and navigate everyday life.

While our brains evolved to respond to occasional threats, modern life often keeps us in a constant state of low-level stress. Overflowing inboxes, social media, poor sleep and the pressure to always be available can leave us feeling permanently "switched on" without even realising it. Join us at Herb House for an inspiring evening exploring the science of the nervous system and discover practical ways to cultivate greater calm, resilience and balance in everyday life.

We're delighted to welcome back Peigin Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing, who will share her philosophy of creating rituals rather than treatments and explore how touch, botanicals and scent can help support nervous system regulation.

Joining Peigin is Jane Newall, founder of Infinite8 Life and Professional Health Coach, who will explain why modern life keeps us on high alert and share simple, evidence-based techniques to build resilience, restore balance and support lasting wellbeing.

Opening the evening, our resident breathwork facilitator Tracey Howes will lead a short seated practice. Together with Peigin and Jane, they will demonstrate how science, movement, therapeutic touch, and the restorative power of nature can work in harmony to help your body and mind return to a place of calm. You'll leave feeling inspired, informed and equipped with practical tools to support your wellbeing long after the event.

In a life where we're constantly encouraged to do more, perhaps the greatest luxury is giving ourselves permission to pause. Your nervous system is central to your wellbeing. This is your opportunity to understand it, nurture it and begin unlocking its extraordinary potential.

Your ticket will include welcome refreshments, an insightful talk with Peigin and Jane chaired by Julia Shaw, a Ground wellness gift to take home plus a surprise Ground Gift Box worth over £40 will be given away to one lucky attendee on the night!

Herb House Members receive 35% off this event - please book with Herb House Spa Reception or by entering your promotional code.

Join Alex Irwin 10am-12pm on Sunday 20th September for an autumn Forest Bathing experience in the heart of the New Forest. As the leaves begin to turn and the forest shifts towards the quieter season, wander beneath the trees and immerse yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of nature at this special time of year. Taking place around Mabon, the second harvest festival of the Wheel of the Year, the session invites guests to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world as the forest prepares for winter.

Through gentle forest bathing, grounding and breathwork practices, discover a deeper connection to nature, alongside stories of forest folklore and the spirit of the season. Afterwards, gather at Raw & Cured for wild teas, drinks and seasonal snacks.

Join our resident Forager Sammie Longhorn for seasonal foraging. Sammie is a yoga teacher, forager, and community herbalist, with a passion for reconnecting people with the incredible edible and medicinal properties of our wild and native plant life.

Meet at 11am at Herb House to venture into the forest for a one-hour foraging walk. Then head back to our greenhouse for refreshments and a Q&A with Sammie.

Join Lindsey from Dorset Forest Bathing for a gentle evening walk on Wednesday 21st October, from 4.15pm-6.15pm, as autumn reveals its magic in the woods. This is a chance to slow down and experience the woodland as daylight fades, noticing the vibrant fungi, rich seasonal colours, and the quiet transformation of the forest at dusk. We’ll pause along the way to listen and look more closely, with the possibility of glimpsing deer, bats, or owls as they stir into the night. After time spent immersed in nature, return to Raw & Cured to enjoy light refreshments and a moment of reflection together.

Guests aged 12 and over are welcome. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a booked adult.

Tickets are £65 per person, or complimentary for Herb House members. Complimentary places for members will be available to book via Technogym from 8th October.