Getting into Outdoor Coaching
If you’re a coach who feels drawn to working with groups outdoors but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’re not alone.
Outdoor coaching is a growing field, but it can feel unclear where to begin - from safety and logistics to designing experiences that genuinely use the environment rather than just taking a conversation outside.
Over the past few years I’ve been experimenting, learning (often the hard way), and building approaches that work in real-world settings.
On this page you’ll find resources, training, and a community to support you wherever you are on that journey.
The map below may be a useful way to guide you through the page's content but you can start from wherever you are.
1. Start Exploring
Download free printable taster Coaching Cards, designed to facilitate more connection with yourself and nature. Inspired by the landscape in the UK. Click the title to download now.
Available to buy Spring 2026.
One of the most common questions about leading groups outdoors is "What do I need to do?" This free checklist helps you with things you might like to consider before you start. Click the title to download now.
2. Learn the Foundations
Coaching Outdoors: A Practical Guide
Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide was born out of the lessons from the Source to Sea project Jonathan Passmore and I have been running since January 2025 and includes all the things you might want to know as a coach who is curious about how to bring your practice to work with nature 🌿
Filled with science, research, how-to guidance, case studies and practical appendices, it breaks down how you can get started and key points to consider.
Podcast Conversations
I've appeared on a number of podcasts to talk about my journey into Outdoor Coaching and other topics that interest me. I have put together a Spotify Playlist you can access to listen to them.
Nature Connected Coaching Episode
Upcoming Appearances
Here are some of the upcoming appearances to hear me talk about my approach in 2026:
19th March: ICF Team Coaching in Action Webinar
26th March: BCC Community Outdoor Coaching Conference Online
14th April: EMCC Conversations with Authors
8-11th May: Nature Therapy Conference, North Wales
17-19th June: Nature Connected Coaching Live, Henley Business School
Published Articles
Vox Magazine: VOX Magazine - Issue 16 by Essentials MAG - Issuu
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber Magazine: WCNW March 25 by Benham Publishing Limited - Issuu
3. Connect With Others
A community of practitioners wanting to bring nature into their practice, but want to be in a community while they do it.
Join one of our free coaching walks along the river Thames to meet other nature based practitioners and experience Outdoor
4. Practice with Support
My Coaching in Motion programme is a 10-week course for coaches who feel drawn to leading outdoor coaching walks and would value a bit of structure and shared learning as they begin experimenting with coaching walks in nature.
While there are many ways to start exploring outdoor coaching, taking those first steps can feel easier when you’re learning alongside others who are curious about the same thing. Coaching in Motion provides a supportive space to do exactly that.
Across the programme we explore everything from designing a coaching walk and working with the environment, to managing group dynamics, safety, logistics and marketing. The aim is to help you move from thinking about outdoor coaching to actually trying it for yourself.
You’ll find the course brochure and FAQ below, which explain how the programme works and what to expect.
May 2026 Cohort
Start date: 3rd May
Pay in Full: £600
May 2026 Cohort
Start Date: 3rd May
Payment Plan: 3 x £215
September 2026 Cohort
Start date: 6th September
Pay in Full: £600
September 2026 Cohort
Start Date: 6th September
Payment Plan: 3 x £215
Testimonials from January 2026 Cohort
Ellie is a knowledgeable and experienced guide to outdoor coaching, and I really valued being able to draw on that experience throughout the programme. The course is well structured, and the group element created a helpful sense of accountability. It encouraged me to run my own group walk, which is something I didn’t think I would be ready to do so soon. You can work at your own pace, and the course covers the full picture, from different approaches to outdoor coaching through to the practicalities such as organising sessions, marketing, and health and safety.
Michelle Pratt
Ellie has curated a wonderful space - she has a wonderful way of being that made me feel safe to say what I was noticing, learning and feeling. It was a real joy to be on the journey with her and fellow coaches keen to bring nature and walking into their coaching practice. The community, group calls, the wide range of very helpful and generous resources, and the safe and supportive space to ask questions has helped me not only start to consider how my group outdoor coaching offer will look and feel - but actually how my whole coaching offer will look and feel.
Paula Furmedge
5. Build Your Outdoor Coaching
If you’ve been exploring how to bring coaching outdoors, you’ll find the ideas and practical guidance on this site will help you design and run your own walks. Some coaches prefer to experiment and build their own approach from scratch, while others value having a shared structure, support and a wider network around them. For those who would like that additional support, the Elevate Netwalking Ambassador programme offers a way to run walks using the Elevate framework and resources, while being part of a small community of facilitators doing similar work in different locations. If you’re curious about what’s involved, you can read the full ambassador overview here.
I was inspired by Ellie’s passion and work and decided to join her Netwalking Ambassador program. The package is not only impressive, but it also continues to evolve as the cohort grows. Ellie’s attention to detail and her ability to create systems that support ambassadors now and into the future are remarkable.
There is a strong and kind team culture within the team, and I genuinely look forward to our regular team meetings. I’m currently launching my own netwalking events in Australia whilst working through the local requirements and logistics, and I feel well supported every step of the way.
Diana Barnett - Australian Partner
Scrolling LinkedIn, I came across the inspiring work of Ellie and her company, Elevate Netwalking. My interest grew and I eventually approached Ellie to see if I could gain a Licence for her brand and approach and to facilitate Elevate Netwalking in Cambridge. I am delighted that she agreed. I still go to many other Networking events, but Elevate is my favourite, although I am biased!
Her support in helping me set it all up in Cambridge, to develop the brand and approach is inspirational.
Mike Mair - Cambridge Ambassador