During our busy lives it can be hard to find time to get outdoors, but evidence is mounting that time in nature can make us feel happier and healthier, and has benefits for both our physical and mental health. Nature experiences can help us feel relaxed and recharged, improving our mood and reducing our stress levels. They can even help us start to see things from a new perspective, and help to boost our energy, creativity and concentration levels.

We recently ran a Wild Wellbeing Day at Ramsey Heights, in Cambridgeshire with a corporate team. The sight was chosen because it is steeped in nature, but also has some facilities for staff within walking distance. These abandoned clay pits have developed into ponds and pools rich with aquatic plant and insect life. A variety of species call this place home with nationally protected great crested newts breeding in the ponds, many of which are enclosed by the picturesque seed heads of common Reed mace.

Our Wild Wellbeing Day offered our Corporate Partner Ewing associates staff the opportunity to spend the day surrounded by nature, whilst discovering ways to look after their health and wellbeing. The day in question gave plenty of chances for colleagues to connect with each other outside of the work place, strengthening their relationships. 

Participants were introduced to the nature reserve and provided with an insight into mindfulness, given some challenges for their own inward contemplation and a few experiences of nature, all in a safe environment. Having a professional Wellbeing Practitioner to run the day provided fantastic support to help boost mental health, team-building, stimulate creativity, positive mind set and even productivity as individuals - and as a team.

Here are a few feedback quotes from the Ewing Associates staff:

"Great Experience - Very Relaxing - Excellent Day - Loved it - Must be repeated regularly! - Loved the barefoot walk and drawing session - Great fun - Thanks!"

"Thank you, we all really enjoyed the Wellbeing Day, the atmosphere was calm, and a few members said how well they slept that night, which is amazing, we all loved the activities of collecting the different items that make you smile and letting your inner child out."

"We would like to thank Nathan and Nicola for having us and sorting a lovely first experience, you were brilliant."