🌿 Roots Nature Therapy: Nature on Prescription Sessions FAQ 🌿

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🌿Your questions answered

 

Spending time outdoors with a volunteer can be a chance to slow down, explore, notice what’s around you and enjoy being outside. You don’t need to know anything about nature, and there’s no right or wrong way to take part.

 

🌿What is a nature connection session?

It’s a relaxed session outdoors where you’ll spend time noticing, exploring and connecting with nature. You might walk, sit, listen to birds, look at plants, notice wildlife, make something, or simply enjoy being outside.

Every session can be a little different, depending on what you’re interested in and what’s happening outdoors that day.

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🌿Who will I be with?

You’ll be with a trained volunteer who is there to support you and help you feel comfortable.

They aren’t there to judge you or test your knowledge. You can ask questions, share what you notice, or just enjoy the experience together.

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🌿Do I need to know anything about nature?

No!

You don’t need to know the names of plants, birds or animals. Being curious is enough.

If you see something you don’t recognise, you can ask the volunteer — and it’s completely fine if neither of you knows the answer.

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🌿 What if I don’t feel like talking?

That’s okay. You don’t have to talk all the time.

You can spend some of the session quietly walking, sitting or noticing things around you. Let your volunteer know what feels comfortable for you.

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🌿What if I feel nervous?

It’s normal to feel nervous when trying something new.

Your volunteer will help you settle in and you can let them know if you’re worried about anything. You can also ask to take things slowly or take a break.

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🌿What should I wear?

Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for being outdoors.

Depending on the weather, you might want:

• A waterproof coat

• Warm layers

• Comfortable trousers

• Sturdy or waterproof shoes

• A hat, gloves or sun protection

Getting a little muddy is sometimes part of the fun!

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🌿What if it rains?

We’ll consider the weather when planning the session. Some activities can still happen in light rain, while other conditions may mean the session needs to change or be postponed.

Your safety and comfort come first and your volunteer will be in touch if there are any changes.

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🌿Will I have to touch plants, insects or animals?

No. You will never feel pressured to touch anything; you can choose how you want to take part, and your volunteer can suggest ways to explore nature without touching things if you prefer.

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🌿What if I’m scared of something outdoors?

Tell your volunteer. Whether it’s dogs, insects, heights, mud, being in a particular place, or something else, it’s useful for them to know.

You can work together to find activities that feel comfortable and safe.

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🌿Can I use my phone?

It’s a good idea to have it on Airplane mode during your session so you can really focus without distractions.

 

You can chat through with your volunteer; sometimes your phone can be useful for taking photographs or looking something up but most of the time you might want to put it away so you can concentrate on what’s around you.

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🌿What if I need a break?

Just let your volunteer know.

You can stop, sit down, have a drink, or take some quiet time. You don’t have to push yourself.

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🌿What if I don’t enjoy the activity?

That’s okay. You won’t be expected to enjoy everything.

Tell your volunteer what you would prefer to do instead. The session should be shaped around you as much as possible.

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🌿What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can talk to your volunteer or to Roots Nature Therapy if you don’t want to continue. You have signed up for the whole 6 weeks, and it’s always worth trying to find a way of continuing if you can, but we do understand that things can change. 

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🌿Will the volunteer keep me safe?

Your volunteer should follow the organisation’s safeguarding and safety procedures.

They will also talk with you about staying safe outdoors, including things like where you can go, what to do around roads or water, and what to do if something unexpected happens.

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🌿Can I tell my volunteer something personal?

You can talk to your volunteer about things that are affecting how you feel during the session.

Volunteers have responsibilities around safeguarding. This means that if you tell them something that makes them seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, they may need to share it with the appropriate person to help keep you safe. They should explain this to you.

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🌿Do I have to be “good at nature”?

Definitely not!

There are no tests, competitions or grades. You can be interested in birds, trees, insects, clouds, sounds, photography, walking — or nothing in particular.

The important thing is that the session works for you.

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🌿What if I have additional needs or accessibility requirements?

Please let someone know before the session about anything that would help you take part comfortably and safely.

This could include mobility needs, sensory preferences, communication needs, allergies, anxiety, or anything else you think your volunteer should know.

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🌿What can I get out of the sessions?

You might discover new places, learn about local wildlife, try something you've never done before, or simply have some time away from screens and everyday pressures.

You don't need to achieve anything. Spending time outdoors and noticing what’s around you is enough.

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🌱 Most importantly…

Be yourself. Be curious. Take your time.

There’s no right way to connect with nature.

You can ask questions, say no to activities, take breaks, get muddy, be quiet, laugh, explore and change your mind.

Your volunteer is there to support you, not to judge you, and only wants the best for you.