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.
Stride & Stretch @ Hicks Lodge
Join us for an 8-week programme of accessible exercise for people who are already on their fitness/exercise journey and have a faster pace when walking. This is a perfect way to build on a habit you’ve already created and learn some 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 at 9:30am, 15th May to 3rd July, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Thursday 15th, 22nd & 29th May
- Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th June
- Thursday 3rd July
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 11:30am, 15th May to 3rd July, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Thursday 15th, 22nd & 29th May
- Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th June
- Thursday 3rd July
Forest Bathing @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of mindful connection with nature. Learning the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), you will be guided through contemporary and traditional invitations which will aid the reduction of stress hormones and the increase in feel good hormones. 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 9:00am, 7th May to 2nd July 2025, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wed 7th, 14th & 21st May
- Wed 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th June
- Wed 2nd July
Taste of Nature Connection @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of immersive nature connection. From T’ai-Ga to Meditation, we will guide you through a range of ways you can use nature and nature connection to improve your physical and mental health.
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: Saturdays, bi-weekly starting Saturday 1st March and running until Saturday 12th July at 11:00am, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Saturday 1st March – Introduction
- Saturday 15th March – Forest Bathing
- Saturday 5th April – Meditation
- Saturday 3rd May – Nature Journaling
- Saturday 17th May – T’ai-Qi for Wellbeing
- Saturday 7th June – Natural Art
- Saturday 14th June – Introduction to Foraging
- Saturday 12th July – Completion & feedback
T’ai-Ga @Hicks Lodge
Join us for an 8-week programme of gentle, mindful movement in nature. T’ai-Ga is our own combinations of T’ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga; and gives participants a range of exercises and movements that can be practiced at home for improved strength, balance and mobility. Taking this practice outdoors, enhances the benefits by including the healing breath of nature while we move. Combining mindful movement and sensory immersion in nature will ensure that the benefits are felt in mind & body.
These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs of those participating. Sessions are suitable for all!!
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays weekly at 12:00pm 7th May to 2nd July, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wed 7th, 14th & 21st May
- Wed 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th June
- Wed 2nd July
Please see links below to our pre and post programme questionnaires:
Please complete before the programme starts: https://forms.gle/cwNYNYmYbzG5UDmu8
Please complete after the programme has finished: https://forms.gle/o6mvhRTSX8rXtLJS8
If you are new to these programmes, please complete this booking form so we have your emergency contact information.
Referrals
If you would like to make a referral please complete the below form:
If you would like more information about the sorts of things we offer, please email us.
