Finding our way home to ourselves and our natural world.
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Welcome to our Nature Connection and Forest Bathing Guide Training.
This is a 6 month hybrid training and will be facilitated through this site for theory, live teaching sessions, practices and assessments.
There is also a 5 day in-person intensive that ideally will be completed here together in North Lincolnshire.
There is also an option to complete this element live online over two weekends, for those that are further away or unable to attend due to health or family circumstances.
Become a
Professional Guide
This training is accredited by the Complementary Medicine Association (CMA) to provide quality assurance.
Our approach
This training is designed to equip you with comprehensive practical experience and foundational knowledge. Upon successful completion, you will possess the confidence and competence to independently conduct sessions and establish your own business and community.
Certification
Several assignments are required for completion, each structured to incorporate practical elements that you will apply during your sessions. The course includes five case studies, a solo medicine walk, and mandates full attendance and completion of all components.
The structure of the training
There will be just one cohort a year with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 students per cohort. This enables us to focus on you and your needs and to ensure that you certify competently.
Module one - The Concept
The history of where this practice came from, the essence of what it offers on all levels (Mental, physical and emotional health).
The narrative, the journey and our connections - how can you take the step to be open to Natures wisdoms.
Module Two - Arriving and opening
Introducing presence. Arriving, introducing our sessions, addressing expectations. Introducing our senses awareness and sharing insights.
Module Three - The flow of a session
Feeling the sense of arrival, connection and partnership with the land and the wider living world. Connecting with our own wild stories and being present.
Module Four - Holding space
We explore the importance of language, factors in holding your group and the importance of walking your talk.
Module Five - Deepening connection and integration
This module is more practical. It is the start of your practicing creating activities in partnership with Nature. It includes the 5 day inperson intensive. During this intensive you will have plenty of opportunity to practise your skills and will end with a group of volunteers for you to guide.
Module 6 - Practicalities
Sourcing your area to deliver sessions, permissions, risk assessments, outdoor first aid and more. Your final assignments including group practices and solo medicine walk.
By the end of the seventh month, all assignments, practices and modules must be completed and submitted for assessment and marking.
The next course starts on Sunday 17th January 2027. This first call is from 10:00 - 16:00
There will then be a call every Sunday throughout the first 4 modules at 6pm UK time.
These calls are Live Teaching Calls (1.5 hours), Live practise calls (1.5 hours)
The alternate weeks are discussion calls (1 hour), designed to help you to go a little deeper.
The discussion calls are voluntary although would encourage you to attend. The teaching and practise calls are part of the course.
Step into your role with confidence, rooted in presence and integrity.
This training is not just another training course to tick your box and get a certificate.
It is a journey of developing your own deep connection and presence.
Developing skills from within to be a guide that is rooted in partnership with the land, has an embodied presence and mirrors Nature with gentleness and flow.
CMA
You will be able to register with the CMA upon certification.
Who would this training suit?
Anyone that would like to deepen their own practice in Nature Connection
Anyone that would like to incorporate being in Nature into their existing business.
Anyone that would like to bring Nature connection sessions to their community.
Anyone that has already trained online, but has not gained the confidence to deliver groups themselves.
Cost per person £1100
For 2027 course - £100 deposit is required to secure your space.
with a further payment to be made by August and the balance to be paid by end of November 2026
(a payment plan can be arrange)
HOW TO APPLY
Meet your trainer
Maria is an ANFT Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide and Coach, Shinrin- Yoku Practitioner, EcoNidra Teacher, Natural Mindfulness Guide, Holding Space facilitator and Coach, Therapeutic Writing & Story Weaving and Mindfulness / Compassion Teacher. ( Plus others that deepen and compliment the above).
She is the founder of Mindful Connections where she facilitates both individual, group and private experiences to help increase balance, stillness and much needed rest.
She works with public groups, 1:1 individual coaching & mentoring basis and with a number of corporate teams to help promote workforce wellbeing, balance and resilience.
After a period of work related burn out in 2001 and 2002, Maria found a path to her own restoration, during a solo journey along the West Coast of Ireland. She is dedicated to helping others find their own balance, stillness and rediscovery through the healing power of Nature and connection, natural silence and self care practices.
She has now reached an age where she is keen to impart her knowledge to others to ensure that this message of returning to Nature, stillness and silence is continued to be shared far and wide and can reach many lives along the way.
Maria MC
Founder of Mindful Connections and your Trainer.