Training

The Natural Coaching Course^TM

Training in Nature Based Coaching Skills

About the course

This new online programme is for coaches who want to partner with Nature in their work. Coaches who share a vision for a profession which works for the planet, as well as the person.

It is the first such course led by a Chartered Environmentalist and Professional Certified Coach.

The course will cover the major frameworks, theories and models that a Nature Based Coach needs to understand; and a working knowledge of the imperatives behind working with Nature, and the benefits for your practice.

Through live teaching online, self-study and co-coaching, the course will give you the opportunity to enhance your coaching skills, apply your learnings and accelerate your growth.

Places are limited. Contact us now to be the first on the list, and benefit from discounted rates.

“The obvious emotional connection to nature is backed up by science, but we do need to think about it properly to respect and protect it.”

Training participant

Course aims and objectives

The course aims to develop nature based coaching skills, through experiential, evidence-based learning.

By attending this course you will:

• Understand ethics and safety when working outdoors
• Be able to use scales to measure benefit and impact
• Understand how to apply the ‘Five pathways to nature connectedness’ in your work
• Experience Nature Based Coaching practice, reflective learning, action learning sets, group discussions and plenaries – including working with metaphor, seasons and systems
• Learn personal practices to build connection with Nature.

All participants will also receive:

• 6 live 2 hour modules
• 1 live 2 hour action learning session
• Course assignments and co-coaching with Nature
• 30 hours of CPD in total
• Face to face workshop at world famous Knepp Wildling project (Optional)
• A copy of the book ‘Being in Nature: 20 Practices to Help you Flourish in a Busy World’
• Ongoing community support and action learning
• Ongoing access to video recordings of each module as well as online coaching resources
• Discounts on retreats.

Why this course?

Interest in coaching in the outdoors, and working with Nature and climate change is growing fast. More clients are asking to work in this way. Others are finding out that when they do, they find unexpected benefits.

The course is underpinned throughout by a scientific and psychological evidence base, and informed by years of practice in the art and craft of Nature Based Coaching. It is focused around the competencies of the International Coaching Federation, but will work for coaches from any professional body.

The course distills this experience for you – an offer akin to whisky, rather than water. Material and knowledge for you to sip, savour and enjoy in the company of likeminded souls. Roots for you to trust and grow from as you adapt in your own learning journey, with the confidence that you understand the key frameworks, models and evidence behind your work.

Who is it for?

The Natural Coaching Course^TM Nature Based Coaching Skills is for coaches who wish to develop or extend their practice. It is aimed at coaches working at, or above, the level of ICF Associate Certified Coach, EMCC Associate or Association for Coaching Coach. If you’re not sure, or if you have other experience, please ask.

You may be new to working outdoors with clients, or looking to enrich your existing practice. You may want to find out how to bring Nature and the planet into indoor coaching conversations, or you might just be curious about the benefits of a nature-connected life.

There is absolutely no requirement to have any special access to, or expert knowledge of, wild, green or blue spaces. Nature Based Coaching can take place anywhere – in city or country, from windows or the tops of mountains!

However, there will be a commitment to invest in your personal development and nature-connection every week, as well as participate fully in reflective practice and in co-coaching.

What is Nature Based Coaching?

For too long, coaching has been limited to indoor, inward-looking ‘self-discovery’. Coaching has been virtually silent on the climate crisis, the ecological emergency, and issues of health, social justice and equity. This needs to change.

We believe that coaching needs to support and enable a new relationship with the planet. A relationship based on worthwhile and sustainable life for all. This is what we call ‘Nature Based Coaching’.

Nature Based Coaching is more than a ‘walk and talk’. It is a philosophy and practice that starts with deepening our own relationship with Nature. Nature Based Coaching supports coaches and clients to transcend the self and include the planet in the frame.

5 key benefits of Nature Based Coaching are:

Course format and journey

The Natural Coaching Course^TM involves 30 hours of CPD time over 10 weeks. Including the Knepp workshop brings the CPD to 36 hours.

Teaching will be online, in 2 hourly sessions per fortnight. There will be self-study, coaching in pairs with fellow course participants, and a reflective journal to submit before course close.

• 12 hours live training online
• 2 hours live action learning online
• 6 hours reflective self-study
• 6 hours co-coaching
• 4 hours memory supportive testing and coaching journal
• 6 hour face to face workshop (optional)

The course will cover the major frameworks, theories and models that a Nature Based Coach needs to understand. It will equip you to understand the imperatives behind working with Nature, and the opportunities that arise from a more nature-connected life and practice.

• Module 1 – Orientation. Contracting. The imperative 
and key models
• Module 2 – Root finding. Benefits, the 5 Pathways
 and co-coaching safety
• Module 3 – Branching out. Working with emotion
 and the senses
• Module 4 – Growing together. Working with beauty
 and meaning
• Module 5 – Protecting what we love. Compassion and ethical, pro-nature
 and environmental business.
• Module 6 – Blossoming. Learning presentations, 
gratitude and feedback
• Option – Nature coaching masterclass. Face to face, Knepp Wildling Project, UK

What longer term benefits can I anticipate?

Through increasing maturity as Nature Based Coaches, we aim for the following benefits:

• Deepen and strengthen our coaching mindset. Learn to embody a more nature-connected mindset and way of being that benefits us personally, and as coaches. Enhance what is unique about our own coaching philosophies and practices in a way which is authentic to each of us. Work ethically and responsibly in partnership with Nature.

• Enhance our coaching practice. Apply relevant theories and frameworks more effectively in terms of client outcomes. Open up our clients to a richer palette of awareness and possibilities. Boost happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction.
• Become more ‘eco’ and ‘we-go’. Strengthen our bonds with our communities. Reduce our impact on the planet. Ignite action that is good for the environment, people and Nature.

“A profession that invites nature to be co-coach, and contributes to a regenerative and sustainable way to live on this planet that we share.”

James Farrell & Diana Tedoldi International Coaching Federation Conference, 2021

What will the Knepp workshop involve?

We are offering an additional option of a face to face masterclass after course close.

It will take place at Knepp, an estate is West Sussex which is inspiring a new approach to managing land in harmony with Nature called ‘rewilding’. Rewilding is an approach that focuses less on targets and deterministic thinking, and more on enabling the living processes that create rich and fulfilling landscapes for people and Nature. Nature Based Coaching is a similar process.

The day will be a masterclass in nature coaching and connection. It will include:

• Nature Based Coaching in a wild landscape, with its ancient oak trees, nightingales, butterflies and Knepp’s ‘Big Five’ – white storks, roe deer, Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs and Longhorn cattle
• Being in community with course graduates
• Mindful, science-based practices
• Savouring and planning ahead as Nature Based Coaches
• Organic lunch, tea, coffee and cake.

There is an additional fee for this workshop.

Who is the course leader?

The Natural Coaching Course^TM will be led by James Farrell, Chartered Environmentalist and Professional Certified Coach.

James is passionate about the relationship between human and planetary health and wellbeing.

He developed the first professional training on nature and health for the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM), and has led workshops, webinars and conferences on Nature Based Coaching for the International Coaching Federation and Climate Change Alliance, and for Government departments. He has developed and delivered a range of other relevant training for staff and senior leaders on subjects including coaching, collaborative working, positive psychology, equity diversity & inclusion and urban greening.

James is an experienced leader, and brings over 30 years of learning from creating change in the environment and sustainability sectors.

As a coach, he specialises in leadership transitions, ADHD coaching and supporting mental health.

He has lived a life full of Nature – from managing remote Scottish islands, to busy inner city wildlife sites. He is author of ‘Being in Nature – 20 Practices to Help you Flourish in a Busy World‘, TEDx speaker ‘Let Nature be your coach’. You can read more about James here.

When will it begin?

Courses begin in late April 2025. Registration begins late January 2025. There will be timing options to suit you wherever you abide.

How much does it cost?

£999 inc VAT for the full online programme. As with all our work, 2% of profits will go towards certified global sustainable development and climate mitigation projects. A discount may be available for early birds and subscribers to The Natural Coaching Community, or for those with lower incomes.

What action do I need to take now?

Places are limited, so get in touch to express interest in a place, and ask any questions you have.

We hope to hear from you soon.