Community engagement matters to me, so I recently invested time in becoming a Forestry England Champion. As a proud Champion, I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned and supporting others to ‘feel good in the forest’ by experiencing the many health and wellbeing benefits that time in nature can offer.
Forests are a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and take a moment for yourself. The training deepened my appreciation of how time in nature supports our health and wellbeing and how simple, everyday connection can make a meaningful difference.
A key part of the training explored the University of Derby’s nature connection pathways, practical ways to build a deeper relationship with the natural world.
These pathways offer simple, accessible ways to reconnect; no expertise required, just curiosity.
This training also complements my guided forest bathing volunteer work with Kent Wildlife Trust. It’s encouraging to see the wider impact of nature‑based approaches, including the 15.4%–23.6% reduction in A&E attendances among 5,908 patients who accessed social prescribing in Kent.
Against the backdrop of over a quarter of adults in England currently inactive, I hope this insight might, in some small way, plant a seed or spark a conversation about creating space to connect with nature and enjoy the quiet joy of being in the forest.
If you’re curious about nature‑based wellbeing, want to move more, or feel ready to build healthier habits through coaching, I’d love to hear from you. Together we can explore simple, sustainable ways to bring more calm, clarity and connection into everyday life.
Get in touch if you’re curious about nature connection on your doorstep. One small change really can make a meaningful difference.
Author: Maria Callow, founder of alexandrapatrick, marketing consultant, accredited coach.