I’m over the moon to see my first article for The Professional Mountaineer in print! “Nature Connection versus Nature Contact: From Recreation and Knowledge to Deeper Connection” is in the Autumn 2025 edition of The Professional Mountaineer. It gives some insights into what nature connection is (and isn’t), why it’s important, and how outdoor professionals can help the people they work with connect more deeply with nature. These are themes I cover in my hands-on, practical CPD course, Bringing Nature Connection into Outdoor Leadership.
To get a taste of what the article is about, have a look at my previous blog post on “Hiking and nature connection: Are they the same thing?“. The article isnt’ in the public domain, but if you’re a member of If you’re a member of one of the following organisations, look out for it on page 20!
- Mountain Training Association
- British Association of International Mountain Leaders
- Association of Mountaineering Instructors
- British Association of Mountain Guides (BMG)
More about The Professional Mountaineer magazine
The Professional Mountaineer is a quarterly magazine written by and for members of the UK and Ireland’s four mountaineering associations: British Association of Mountain Guides, British Association of International Mountain Leaders, Association of Mountaineering Instructors and Mountain Training Association. It’s a hugely useful resource for members, with educational and informative content covering a variety of topics. These range from skills and guidance to sharing good practise and industry updates. The Autumn 2025 edition of The Professional Mountaineer features – in addition to my article about nature connection – topics ranging from mental health awareness for outdoor leaders to keeping clients safe on abseils.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Mike and Belinda on the editorial team for the guidance and encouragement – you’re amazing to work with, diolch o galon 
More about the Bringing Nature Connection into Outdoor Leadership course
This is a 1-day continuing professional development (CPD) course for outdoor leaders and practitioners who provide recreational or knowledge-based activities to diverse client groups. It’s designed to help you understand how nature connection can support your clients’ wellbeing and their overall enjoyment of the day. The course is rooted in an evidence-based approach, which will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to bring accessible elements of nature connection into a range of adventure and outdoor education activities.
The course includes simple experiential nature connection activities, supported by theory and research. You’ll get to experience these activities on the day, and then we’ll explore how to include such activities into your work. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently create more opportunity for nature connection as a part of a guided activity.
This course is worth 1 CPD credit for Mountain Training Association (MTA) and Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) members and 1 Peripheral CPD credit for British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML) members. However, all outdoor leaders are welcome!
What you’ll learn when you attend Bringing Nature Connection into Outdoor Leadership
By the end of the day, you will:
- Understand what nature connection means, and how it is grounded in eco-psychology and positive psychology
- Know the difference between recreational activities outdoors and nature connection activities
- Appreciate the theory and evidence that underpins nature connection activities
- Describe how nature connection supports personal wellbeing
- Understand when it is appropriate to bring intentional nature connection into recreational activities
- Develop the skills and knowledge to engage people in simple nature connection activities as part of a outdoor recreation or education
- Understand how nature connectedness promotes pro-environmental behaviour
- Know where to find further resources and training
What to expect from the day
We’ll begin the day with a short theory session to lay the foundations. We then move outside to things out and share insights. Most of our time is spent in and with nature!
We first examine the evidence base for nature connection. We’ll discuss relevant concepts from eco-psychology and positive psychology, and their relation to nature connection. Then, we explore what nature connection is – and isn’t. We also consider how the experience varies. Finally, we examine the Five Pathways model and how each fosters a deeper level of connection.
Then, we move outside for the practical part of the day. We start with a Nature-Based Mindfulness activity, which you’ll experience first and practice in small groups. We’ll take a deep dive into each of the Five Pathways. We discuss each pathway’s foundation and examine activities to put it into practice. You’ll have ample opportunity to experience and lead various activities, giving you the confidence to use them in your work.
The day winds up gently with a round table discussion. We’ll look at when and how to integrate intentional nature connection into the recreational or educational activities. We’ll discuss how to tailor the techniques to the activities you lead, so you can implement what you’ve learned right away.
We’ll take plenty of short breaks to help you feel relaxed and present throughout the day.
Interested?
Click here for upcoming dates!
