Research into nature walking groups for people experiencing mental illness reveals consistent themes: participants feel calmer, experience improved mood, and feel less alone. Green walking groups are viewed as legitimate interventions with strong potential as non-clinical pathways to recovery. (Olcoń et al., 2023).

With this evidence base in mind, Cygnet Hospital Wyke PICU established a green walking group exploring nature trails within the local area. Each route offers varied terrain, natural beauty, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. The group is supervised by Occupational Therapist Seb, with pre-planned routes ensuring safety while preserving exploration. The walks target multiple dimensions of wellbeing: physical health, social connection, mood regulation, and restoration of occupational identity.

The reality has exceeded expectations. Birds overhead and horses in adjacent fields provide natural prompts for interaction. Patients photograph landscapes, stroke dogs, and engage with the world in ways impossible on the ward. Patients help staff navigate tricky trail sections, reversing the typical care relationship and reinforcing capability.

"It gives me a sense of belonging with both staff and patients."

Patients who appeared introverted on the ward have opened up, revealing dimensions of themselves hidden in clinical settings.

"It frees me up, frees my mind."

One walk concluded in a pub garden with drinks and a view, profound in its ordinariness for individuals whose lives are often restricted.

"I achieved something even though I'm unwell, which helps my recovery immensely."

Public interactions have shifted self-perception. Greeting fellow walkers and exchanging smiles fosters belonging.

"It made me feel accepted in the community."

Patients reported feeling energised, releasing endorphins, and experiencing mood shifts "from negative to calm serenity."

For some, these walks plant seeds for future occupation. One patient recalled a local park café: "I'll definitely go there when I get back." The benefit extends beyond the moment, helping build habits that support recovery after discharge.

“There is a soothing constancy to nature... the cycle of life can be a reminder that time passes and things heal." (Jones, 2021).

For patients, this constancy instils hope. In a setting where ones identity can narrow to their diagnosis, this group offers an alternative narrative: patients become simply people existing in nature, and that matters greatly.

 

 

References:

Jones L. (2021). Losing Eden. [London], UK: Penguin Books.

Katarzyna Olcoń, Peter Destry, Thomas Astell-Burt, Julaine Allan (2023) “I can get to a happy place by visiting nature”: The benefits of implementing nature walking groups within mental health services, Environmental Advances, Volume 13,