Take a walk on the wild side

From gentle meanders through forests or bracing walks by the sea or simply gardening, ecotherapy is fast catching on as one of the best ways to heal mind, body and spirit.

Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is an holistic approach that recognises the profound impact of our connection to the natural world on our mental and emotional well-being. It goes beyond simply spending time outdoors; it involves actively engaging with nature to enhance our overall health.

One of the most remarkable benefits of ecotherapy is its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. Immersing yourself in green spaces and communing with nature has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while boosting the release of endorphins, or happy hormones. In addition, ecotherapy fosters creative expression and cognitive function. Time spent doing something outdoors has been shown to enhance creativity, attention span, and problem-solving skills.

Beyond the individual benefits, ecotherapy nurtures social connection and a sense of purpose. Group activities in natural settings encourage cooperation, communication, and empathy among participants. Whether it's hiking group, community garden project, or nature-based art therapy sessions or journaling, ecotherapy creates spaces where people can forge meaningful connections with both nature and each other.

There is a wide range of ecotherapy practices to explore and each therapist will offer something different to suit their skill set, for example Iceni Ecotherapy based in the east of England, includes forest or coastal walking alongside mindfulness, meditation and nature journaling. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a forest walk, the joy of gardening, or the challenge of adventure therapy, there's something for everyone. You don't need any special skills or equipment – just an open mind and a willingness to reconnect with the natural world.

If you're seeking a more structured approach to ecotherapy, there are retreats, workshops, and certified practitioners who can guide you on your journey. These programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the healing power of nature with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals, qualified in understanding the causes of stress, anxiety, depression and chronic illness.

By embracing ecotherapy, we can tap into a source of profound physical, mental, and emotional well-being. and best of all, anyone can enjoy this type of therapy. The medical profession is actively promoting lifestyle medicine and getting outdoors to soak up the pine scented air of a forest or the ozone rich air of the sea, is just one of their recommendations, ask your doctor if you're in doubt. At Iceni Ecotherapy we offer a variety of therapy options for all levels of fitness and some trails have been chosen to suit wheelchair users.

So, what are you waiting for, step outside, breathe in the fresh air, walk through lush green spaces, and let nature nurture you.

What does an ecotherapy walk include?

Whilst all ecotherapy therapists will have different itineraries to suit their own personal skill set, most walks include an element of mindfulness and meditation. Some, such as our own walks here in the east of England, will include mindfulness, breathing exercises and journaling. All ecotherapists will be qualified in stress management and mindfulness and/or meditation skills and will understand the causes of stress, anxiety and depression.

Who is suitable for ecotherapy?

Anyone is able to join an ecotherapy class, you do not need any special clothing or equipment other than suitable shoes or boots for walking and a small bag or rucksack. Beginner classes will be suitable for anyone who can walk on a level ground i.e. no steep hills, and can manage a gentle walk for one hour. owever, unless a walk is one to one, individual counselling does not take place on an ecotherapy walk, the walk itself is a therapy session.

What ecotherapy is not.

A group session does not include individual counselling and participants should embrace the idea of the walk itself as a therapy session. Unless a therapist specifies otherwise, ecotherapy does not include identifying flora and fauna or foraging. Groups are encouraged to walk mindfully and therefore take in the atmosphere around them, it is not a time for chat. Sharing personal issues with other members is discouraged.

What else is available on an ecotherapy session?

Iceni Ecotherapy offer a variety of activities and experiences for all levels of fitness starting from £15 for a one hour beginner's walk up to £495 for a two day all inclusive retreat. Activities can include walking in a forest or ocean setting, journaling, mindful meditation and healthy eating cooking classes. We also offer face to face and online, journaling classes. For a complete list of our services please click on the links below.

What is a typical Iceni Ecotherapy itinerary.

The group will meet at a central location typically with parking and facilities nearby. An Iceni Ecotherapy one hour beginner's walk might include:

Meet up, a short guide to mindful meditation, deep breathing exercise, handouts where appropriate.
Walk in silence for 15 minutes, absorb the scents and sounds around you.
Stop and meditate, deep breathing exercise.
Slow walk for 15 minutes. Quietly capture images digital or hand drawn.
Stop for 5 minutes, deep breathing exercise, journaling.
Walk in silence for 15 minutes.
Stop, deep breathing exercise. Quietly capture images. Reflection.
Walk last 10 minutes to finish at starting point for final deep breathing and meditation exercise.

Are you at home in the great outdoors?

Would you enjoy helping people overcome adversity and bring joy to their lives?

Have you always wanted a business of your own in which you can dictate your hours and income?

Find out how you could become a Certified Iceni Ecotherapy Practitioner by following the link.

Ecotherapy Treatments

Book on a hike, join an outdoor journaling class or find out about our retreats.

Book on a group hike

Iceni Ecotherapy hikes take place at various venues around Norfolk and Suffolk including Sheringham Park, Salthouse Beach, Brandon Country Park and Knettishall Heath.

Prices start at £15 for a one hour guided ecotherapy walk or £25 for two hours. Group sizes can be from 4 to 12 people.

Concessions available for anyone on low income.

Some trails are suitable for wheelchair users, please enquire which route would be best for you.

Participants must be over 18 years of age, sorry no dogs or young children to ensure that all participants can concentrate on the experience.

For further information and to book on a walk, please click here.

Book a Journaling Class

Iceni Ecotherapy outdoor journaling classes take place in person at venues throughout Norfolk, or, online for those that can't join us.

A typical class is one hour and costs £18 for in person or £12 for online.

Please click here to enquire about a venue close to you or to book an online class.

Our Retreats

Our retreats are currently only available in the U.K. in Norfolk or the Lake District. Groups are limited to no more than 10 participants and include daily:-

Mindfulness and meditation

Journaling

Ecotherapy Walking

Healthy Eating Cooking Class
Group Therapy

All retreats are inclusive and fully catered.

Our 2024 brochure will be published shortly, to receive a copy with an itinerary and pricing, please enquire here.