Skip to main content

Branching Out - An Ecotherapy Project Guide

Last updated :14 Aug 2025

This guide helps mental health teams run Branching Out therapy sessions in woodlands using proven activities and clear steps.

 

Summary

Branching Out is a project offering ecotherapy for people experiencing mental health problems. 

This guide supports mental health staff who want to use nature to help people feel better. It explains how to set up and run woodland-based therapy sessions for adults. These sessions include activities like walking, bushcraft, conservation, and art - all designed to boost wellbeing.

It covers everything you need: 

  • how to plan the programme
  • what equipment to bring
  • how to train staff
  • how to refer participants 

It also shows how to measure success and celebrate achievements. The programme started in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and has helped many people reconnect with nature and improve their mental health.

By following this guide, teams can safely and confidently offer ecotherapy that makes a real difference.

Branching Out - An Ecotherapy Project Guide

PDF | (3.21 MB )

This file might not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Please contact us to request an alternative format.

Share this page with others

Was this page helpful?

Feedback buttons

Rate your experience

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.

Rate your experience

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.