Natural Space is a series of meetings in wild places... where groups break through to a deeper level of understanding & commitment to action for sustainability.

It’s based on approaches used in the highly successful Natural Change Project that we designed and led for WWF-Scotland, which in turn was built on fifteen years of research and professional practice in ecopsychology  and outdoor education for sustainability.

Held in the midst of inspiring natural surroundings, through a mixture of ‘weather-safe’ outdoor and indoor sessions, Natural Space:

• Responds to your specific sustainability agenda and priorities;
• Creates the conditions for clarity and creativity;
• Allows a more personally authentic response to the formidable challenges of sustainability;
• Builds enthusiasm, commitment and insight to achieve real progress — even in difficult situations.

Why Natural Space?

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” - Albert Einstein

To rise to the challenges of sustainability we need to break out of the patterns of thinking that are embedded in our everyday working lives — the world of targets and outcomes, action plans and roadmaps, budgets and forecasts.

Research shows that the most effective way to do this is to physically break out from offices, meeting rooms and conference halls to reconnect with the natural world of which we are a part.

From extensive, direct experience we know that working with groups outdoors can create powerful, transformative, experiences that transcend the everyday ‘normal‘ — and catalyse new levels of understanding, engagement and inspiration.

Who is Natural Space for?

Natural Space is for any new or existing group or team aiming to breathe fresh air into a project — literally.

It’s for businesses, public bodies, community groups, NGOs, and network organisations wanting to work within their organisation to review their strategy; form a new team, or re-invigorate an existing one; or develop a new or existing project. Or to work with partners or stakeholders to explore new approaches; develop collaborative projects; or bring real life to loose networks.

What’s involved?

Natural Space is a flexible framework, adapted to the needs of each group.

The key elements are:

• A series of expertly facilitated meetings in natural surroundings;
• Time for personal reflection during and between meetings;
• Opportunities to share ideas, thoughts and feelings with the group;
• Activities that build trust, empathy, respect and leadership;
• Access to mentoring, during and after the programme;
• Access to tailored project support, during and after the programme.

Formats

There are three basic formats:

• Workshop: two half day sessions, with reflection time in between, at a wild spot near you;
• Residential: a three day residential programme, a bit further from home;
• Combined: a mixture of residential and workshop elements over a longer period.

Locations

We can work in a wide variety of locations throughout the UK. We are already familiar with some, while others we find specifically for your event - often in collaboration with you.

We also use venues in the French Alps, the Pyrenees and  the south of France.

Catering

We take great care with our catering using local, organic and fairly-traded produce wherever possible. We keep things simple but excellent and are very sensitive to any specific diets.

Travel

Travel is not included in any of our programmes although we are happy to help you find the best ways of getting to/from the programme location.

We strongly support surface public transport wherever possible to minimise the ecological impact of your event.

Ongoing Support

Any Natural Space programme can be expanded into longer-term project support. We can provide everything from additional facilitation back in your workplace, one-to-one mentoring for key team members, direction on reading and materials to help inform your project or full-service consultancy support.

Pricing

Each programme is designed to the client’s particular needs and includes facilitation, catering and venue hire - excluding travel.

All prices are based on a group of ten participants, as a guide only. We can work with smaller or larger groups.

A Natural Space workshop over two half-day sessions costs around £290 + VAT per person.

A three-day residential Natural Space costs around £850 + VAT per person.

A six-day combined programme consisting of a three-day residentials plus two half-day workshops, costs £1200 per person.