Module One – The history and science

·         The history and the aims of Forest bathing and Nature Connection

·         The science and benefits of nature connections – exploring studies

·         Relationship with Nature and how this can be developed.

·         Code of practice and ethics.

·         Explore their reasons for entering this course, their expectations and what

·         they hope to achieve from this.

·         Assignment: Essay on their relationship with Nature

·         Discussion: Benefits of Nature connection and the relations that we build.

Module Two – Starting a session

·         How to prepare for a session (including risk factors)

·         Starting a session and introductions and expectations

·         The characteristics of a guide for the start of the session (the importance of presence)

·         A senses meditation and delivery of this

·         Sharing insights within the group.  Holding this space

·         Assignment: Write your own sense awareness meditation

·         Discussion: focussing on ways to make your group feel inclusive and safe.

Module Three – The Flow

·         The flow of a session (full cycle)

·         The liminal journey – over the threshold

·         Connecting with our natural environment – your own journey

·         The importance of being present as a guide

·         Being led by our natural environment to offer activities.

·         Assignment:  Our own connection

·         Discussion:  Focussing on the importance of presence and what this offers as a guide

Module Four – Holding space

·         How to hold the container of the group

·         The importance of language and the impact on inclusivity

·         What are the attributes of a good nature connection guide

·         How does the student hold space for themselves

·         Where we fit into the natural world

·         Assignment: draw own web of interbeing

·         Discussion:  The characteristics of a good guide.

Module Five – deepening connection

·         Attend 5 days in-person, practising all elements of the session

·         Day one risk assessments, pre session preparations, introductions and sense awareness

·         Day two crafting invitations, practice and experience multiple invitations

·         Day three ending a session and tea ceremony – practice of all elements

·         Day four – practice full session, sit spot practice and solo walk

·         Day five – prepare and deliver a nature connection session to a small group of volunteers

·         Assignment: 7 days of sit spots to complete and write up experience and write up up 3 plants that can be sourced in local area, complete a write up including drawing of the plant, leaf and stem. Where it can be found, its benefits and how to make this tea.  To include at least 3 sources of information to back this up)

·         Discussion:  Q & A following the in-person week for any after thoughts and deeper questions. Discuss their own tea plant and deliver to group.

Module Six – the practicalities

·         Sourcing an area to offer nature connection and the necessary permissions

·         Writing your risk assessment for this area

·         Gaining outdoor first aid certification

·         Insurance needs

·         Discussion:  focussing on the legal and safety practicalities

·         Attend a 1-1 supervision session to assess their learning journey so far and discuss needs to complete this course.

·         Complete 5 group practices (group of friends and or family)

·         7 days of sit spot practices

·         Solo medicine walk

Module Seven – completing the course.

·         Attend supervision to assess write ups and discuss any improvements

·         Complete all coursework and submit for assessment and marking

·         Complete a final questionnaire to ensure understanding and ability to be a confident guide.