Social prescribing and community-based support enable GP’s, other health and care practitioners and local agencies to refer people to a link worker who provides people with time and focuses on what matters to the individual. For some people this will be green social prescribing, which links them to nature-based interventions and activities, such as local walking for health schemes, mindfulness in nature and nature connection sessions.
As a passionate nature-based activities provider we are proud to be able to accept referrals from Community Social Prescribers. These referrals fall under the paid for section of the Pilot scheme, but are no less effective than those that are funded through the NHS.
Examples of conditions that can be helped through Green Social Prescribing include (but are not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self esteem
- Arthritis
- Physical rehabilitation
- Weight loss
- Getting back into exercise
Patients with a Personal Budget are able to use this funding to access our sessions. For more information about Personal Budgets, please speak with your local authority.
As a provider in the heart of The National Forest, we are able to provide support to people from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. The benefits of using nature to support other medical treatments is proven and we are examples of how it can help with improving mental health, which in turn enables you to take steps to improve your physical health.
What we offer
Our sessions and activities are varied with something for all ages offered throughout the year. Please find below a list of some of the sessions we offer:
- Meditation
- T’ai Chi (indoors and outdoors)
- Forest Bathing
- Strength & Balance (falls prevention)
- 1-2-1 Support (indoors and outdoors)
- Walk & Talk sessions
- Yoga
Current Programmes
The below programmes are run in in partnership with Forestry England as part of their Feel Good in the Forest project. To register for any of these, please send an email to info@wildmindsnature.co.uk.
2026 Dates
Forest Bathing @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of immersive connection with nature and yourself. Through a series of different invitations and activities, you will learn the skills involved in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku and how nature can help heal the mind and body. Along with connecting with other people in the group, you will enhance your long-term connection with nature for continued benefits to both your physical and mental health & wellbeing.
These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. Sessions are suitable for all!
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays, weekly 9am, 7th January to 4th March (gap for Feb half term), 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th January
- Wednesday 4th, 11th & 25th February
- Wednesday 4th March
T’ai-Ga @ Hicks Lodge
Join us for a 10 week programme of gentle mindful movement in the woodland at Hicks Lodge.
Participants will be lead through a programme of movement based on T’ai-Chi, Qigong & Yoga. All exercises will be accessible to all, no matter the level of experience and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals. The purpose of these sessions is to allow participants to have some time connected with nature, themselves and others; and to practice gentle exercise that will benefit mind and body.
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays weekly at 09.30am, 22nd April to 8th July, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 22nd April
- Wednesday 6th, 13th, and 20th May
- Wednesday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th June
- Wednesday 1st and 8th July
This programme will run for 3 blocks over the next year. The start dates for each block will be:
* Wednesday 22nd April 2026
* Wednesday 2nd September 2026
* Wednesday 6th January 2026
Stroll & Stretch @ Hicks Lodge
Join us for an 8-week programme of accessible exercise for people just starting out on their fitness/exercise journey or who have a slower pace when walking. This is a perfect way to start to build an exercise in nature habit and learn some body weight strengthening and stretch exercises you can continue at home.
Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength, and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk and feel good in the forest at the same time. This programme is delivered by an experienced walk leader and can be tailored to suit the needs of those participating.
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Thursdays, weekly 9:15am, 15th January to 5th March, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Thursday 15th, 22nd & 29th January
- Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th February
- Thursday 5th March
Stride & Stretch @ Hicks Lodge
Join us for a 10 week programme of graduated, gentle walking exercise in the woodland at Hicks Lodge.
Participants will be lead through a programme of progressive exercise including walking, stretching and body weight strengthening. Over the 10 weeks, the distance covered in the 1-hour long sessions will be extended to culminate in approximately a 3 mile walk in the time.
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays weekly at 09.15am, 15th April to 17th June, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 15th, 22nd and 29th April
- Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May
- Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 17th June
This programme will run for 3 blocks over the next year. The start dates for each block will be:
* Wednesday 15th April 2026
* Wednesday 8th October 2026
* Wednesday 13th January 2026
Please see links below to our pre and post programme questionnaires:
Pre-programme questionnaire, please complete before the programme starts.
Post-programme questionnaire, please complete after the programme has finished.
For any of these programmes, please complete this booking form so we have your emergency contact information and details of any medical conditions you have. If you have previously completed it, please update your information for the current programme you are attending. Thank you.
Referrals
If you would like to make a referral please complete the below form:
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/LuuvYZVf8GljA9HQlTJy
If you would like more information about the sorts of things we offer, please email us.
