Most of us know the feeling… You head out for a walk with a busy mind and come back feeling better and more settled.

Being outdoors gives us a break from the usual pace of the day. The movement helps, but so does having space to think, notice what is around us and talk without the usual distractions.

At Positive Steps Outdoors, we see this regularly on our Healthy Hikes and Green Therapy sessions. People often arrive feeling tired, anxious or unsure of what to expect. Once the walk gets going, the pace settles, and conversation tends to come more easily. There is time to pause, look around and enjoy being somewhere different for a while.

Benefits of spending time in nature

Research supports what many people already recognise from experience: people who spend at least two hours a week in nature are more likely to report good health and wellbeing. Reviews of guided nature-based activities also find positive effects on mood, stress and anxiety.

Green Therapy brings this into a practical outdoor setting. Our sessions combine guided walking with simple mindfulness exercises and time to take in the surroundings. Nothing is forced, and people can join in at a level that feels comfortable for them.

As one participant explained:

“The mindfulness was really good. The breathing techniques and taking in your surroundings grounded you. It wasn’t too airy fairy. There were lots of things that you could probably take into your day-to-day life.”

That last point is important: the benefits do not have to end when the walk does. A breathing exercise, a few quiet minutes outside or a regular walk can all become part of how someone looks after their wellbeing.

You do not need to be especially fit or experienced in the outdoors to take part. Our walks are planned around the group, with support from experienced leaders and time to enjoy the route without feeling rushed.

For Alan Elwood, Founder of Positive Steps Outdoors, the value of Green Therapy comes from his own experience of spending time outside:

“I’ve always found that a walk helps me clear my head and put things into perspective. Being outdoors gives me the space to slow down and reset. When I set up Positive Steps Outdoors, I wanted to give other people the chance to experience that too. I really enjoy seeing someone become more comfortable as the walk goes on and leave feeling better than when they arrived.”

Who we work with

PSO delivers Green Therapy in two main ways: we work with businesses that want to support employee wellbeing through guided outdoor events, and with community organisations helping people who may not otherwise have the confidence, equipment or opportunity to spend time in the hills.

The groups may be very different, but we often see a similar change during the day. As people settle into the walk, conversation becomes easier, and they begin to engage more closely with the landscape around them.

Whatever brings someone along, the hope is that they leave with something useful and a little more awareness of how time in nature can help.

Positive Steps Outdoors runs Healthy Hikes, Green Therapy sessions and outdoor wellbeing events for community groups, charities and workplaces. Find out more about joining a walk or arranging an event for your group.