Getting into Outdoor Coaching

I receive messages like this several times a week and I have been thinking about how I can support people more.

Over the past few years, I’ve been exploring ways to incorporate nature into my coaching practice. Personally, I love working with groups and teams, so this guide will focus mainly on that but the principles can also be applied to 1:1 coaching outdoors or even a blend of both, as Jonathan Passmore and I are doing on our Source to Sea walks along the River Thames in 2025/26.

It's been a continuous learning experience. I’m still refining my approach, but I’ve discovered a few things that have worked well for me, and I hope they’ll help you too.

Unlike many nature-based coaches, I didn’t grow up with a deep love of the outdoors. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I truly understood the power of nature for my own mental well-being.

After two decades in the corporate world, leading and developing teams, I launched my coaching business. However, I faced two major challenges:

• Balancing Time: Seeing clients, spending time with family, and making space for my own time in nature was tough.

• Networking: I had relocated to a new area and found it difficult to meet like-minded people or find networking opportunities that suited my schedule and comfort level.

That’s when I decided to bring the outdoors into my coaching practice.

Below, I’ll share a checklist of the most common questions I’m asked and the key considerations based on the lessons I’ve learned so you can avoid having to learn them the hard way, like I did.

Here’s a checklist of things you might like to consider:

🌿Scouting & Planning the Route

• How comfortable are you with the route you will take people on and the risks involved?

• Have you explored the terrain and considered potential challenges, or will it be an emergent walk?

• How accessible is the route for all participants, considering different fitness levels?

• Do you have alternative routes or emergency exits in mind if needed?

🌿Checking Insurance Coverage

• Does your insurance provider cover coaching in nature?

• Does your policy cover both group and individual coaching outdoors?

• Are there any specific activities or locations that may not be covered?

• Does your insurer understand the nuances of outdoor coaching?

🌿Incorporating Coaching into Walks

• How much coaching will there be in your walks?

• Will you structure the walk with specific coaching goals, or allow space for organic conversation?

• How will you balance walking with coaching time and personal reflection?

• How might you use nature to inspire coaching moments or insights?

🌿Maintaining Small, Safe Groups

• What size group feels manageable for the experience you want to create?

• How will you foster an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing and engaging?

• What individual needs might you need to consider when managing group dynamics?

🌿Embracing Nature as a Co-Coach

• How will you integrate nature into your sessions?

• Will nature play a subtle or central role in your coaching?

• How comfortable are you with taking others into nature?

🌿Respecting the Environment

• How will you ensure you leave the space in a better condition than you found it?

• What steps will you take to minimize environmental impact (e.g., reducing waste, carpooling)?

• Could you integrate environmental responsibility into your coaching approach?

🌿Understanding Land Ownership

• Who owns the land you plan to use?

• Have you checked for any restrictions or permissions required?

• How will you ensure compliance with local access laws?

🌿Risk Assessments & Safety

• How will you assess the level of risk and ensure participant safety?

• Do you have relevant first aid certification?

• Do you know if participants have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries?

🌿Tools & Enhancements

• What, if any, tools or props might enhance the experience?

• Will you use nature-inspired coaching aids like cards or natural objects?

• Will you follow a specific coaching theme, or allow more organic discussions?

🌿Giving Back to Nature

• How might you give back rather than just using the space?

• Could you promote or collaborate with local environmental initiatives?

• What simple sustainable practices could you adopt during sessions?

You can download a PDF of this checklist below 👇🏽

Bringing nature into your coaching practice is so rewarding for both you and your clients. Start with what feels manageable, trust the process, and let nature do its magic.

My biggest tip? If you truly believe in what you’re doing, keep going. Your passion will shine through and naturally attract people to join you.

If you want to experience an Elevate Netwalking event for yourself, book one in your area here or join me and Jonathan Passmore on one of our 22 Source to Sea walks across 2025–26.