Leading in Nature

26/11/2025

Field Notes is back with the newest research gem from Professor Miles Richardson! This one challenges how we (researchers) usually measure the benefits of spending time in nature: When it comes to mental health, how we look at trees matters more than how many there are.

Both the opportunity to access green space and our *orientation to engage* count. This is an interesting finding for us as outdoor leaders, because it suggests a gentle shift in our practice. Rather than asking people to count species, for instance, we can focus on *shared appreciation* and gently guide their attention toward the richness and variety in any treescape - whether large or small.

Encouraging our participants to notice variety in the treescape - or hedgerow, or even landscape - is worthwhile. Richardson’s study shows that appreciating variety and "richness" in a treescape influences mental health in three key ways:
💚 It improves people’s satisfaction with their environment.
💚 It increases the number of visits to nature spaces that people make.
💚 It grows emotional their connection with nature.

While subtle, this shift in appraoch is an easy one, and it’ll enhance the psychological benefits of *any* outdoor activity. What’s not to like? 🤩

Read the original research summary now: https://findingnature.org.uk/2025/10/24/green-pathways/

Gently steering participants' attention is one of the approaches we cover on my CPD course, Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders. Why not learn more about other small shifts in practice that can help you support participants more effectively? The next two dates are 30th November and 16th January. Get details & tickets here: https://leadinginnature.co.uk/events/

25/11/2025

Hello lovely people - I've got only a couple of spaces left on this one, and it's going to be a cracker!

We're at a new location, the Tyn-y-Coed Hotel, which gives us immediate access to some lovely woods and the open valley near Crimpiau. The photo is of just one of the magical places that we'll be spending time at 💚

Do join me! Booking link in comments 👇

22/11/2025

It's coming up soon now, so if you'd like to join me for Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders on Sunday November 30th, now's the time to book 🤩

Look for the Events link in my bio 👆 or in the comments 👇

20/11/2025

The light dusting of snow has highlighted the amazing geology of Cwm Idwal ❄️ 💙

Cwm Idwal is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - and one of the reasons it's an SSSI is it's geology. In my opinion, it's the jewel in the crown of Eryri and these are the best conditions to appreciate it.

Next year I'll be offering guided walks here, which I'm looking forward to!

19/11/2025

Winter wonderland has arrived in and I'M EXCITED 🤩🎊🙌🏻🕺

I've got so much on right now, but tomorrow I'm going to head into the hills to enjoy this beauty while it's with us. The to-do list can wait 😅

❄️

18/11/2025

Bit of R&R at the weekend 😁 A very refreshing segment of the North Wales Path with my fab husband David of WalkThis.Land - Conwy to Llanfairfechan, with a very cold immersion of feet near the Penmaenbach headland 🥶

Then a restorative Qi Gong winter wellbeing workshop with Three Deep Breaths School Of Qigong - highly recommended!

Lots is going on behind the scenes here this week, so look out for new CPD dates and an exciting new partnership to bring you even more awesome CPD on the themes of mental health and neurodiversity. Not to imply in any way that these are the same thing - anyone who knows me knows that I advocate for clear delineation here 👍

In the meantime, there are still a few spaces left on Practical Mental Health Skills for Outdoor Leaders on Sunday November 30th. Details & booking here: https://leadinginnature.co.uk/events/

14/11/2025

This event - coming up on Monday - promises to be really special. If you haven't come across Angharad Wynne from Dreaming the Land - Angharad Wynne before, you're in for a treat!

I can't find the words to share how much Angharad's courses and online salons have helped me develop as a thoughtful, grounded and innovative storyteller, a Cyfarwydd in the making.

If you love stories and nature connection, this is for you! To book, you need to go to the Animate Earth Collective website 👍

Only a few generations ago our ancestors listened to the trees, took counsel of rivers, sat vigil with fire and sought guidance from mountains – it was as commonplace as breaking bread. This bone knowing still sings in our blood, though it’s often suppressed or kept secret for fear of seeming weird or out of step with our modern world. And yet, reclaiming our birthright – that of deep connection and inter-being with all life is becoming increasingly vital as we battle the burn out, disconnect, anxiety and a dragging sense of separation served up to us by our modern modes of living.

Reclaiming our wild, falling in love with our instinctive, imaginative animal selves and attuning to our place as a keystone species in the web of life is a crucial personal step in building a future in which all beings can thrive on this beautiful Earth.

Angharad Wynne, lead tutor on Feather, Fire, Stone and Bone explores the territory of what it means and what it takes to deepen into conversation with all creation. She will be joined by programme alumni for reflections on the process and the abiding impacts of their journey.

Another wonderful free offering from us that can be booked on https://animate-earth.org/events/the-old-song-singing-in-our-bones/

12/11/2025

It's been an unforgettably stunning autumn here in North Wales - Gogledd Cymru - and I'm grateful for the many opportunities I've had to get out and enjoy it. I hope you have too!

Here are a few of my favourite nature appreciation moments from the past few weeks. Have you got a favourite to share too?

In heartfelt gratitude to Earth, nature, family, friends and to all of you 💚

11/11/2025

Breaking news! My next CPD course, Bringing Nature Connection into Outdoor Leadership, will now take place at the Tyn-y-Coed Hotel in Capel Curig. This lovely venue gives us quick access to lovely woodland areas and a meadow for our lunch break, and I'm so excited that we'll be meeting there 🤩

If you're attending, you'll get an email from me shortly with full details 👍

If you're not signed up yet - there are only 3 places left so now's the time: https://fb.me/e/bGF6W0EOJ

08/11/2025

Brilliant CPD day learning about the Carneddau from neolithic times to the recent past. Diolch Mike and Sean!

07/11/2025

Talk about timing - as of this week, my office is now in the Cydweithfa co-working space. And it's amazing! The photos do it justice but what's really great is the incredible sense of community here, not to mention the vegan lunch club 😍