Why?

To enrich your personal life.

  • Because you need time for yourself, too

    If your work involves giving a lot to others, enjoy some time as a participant yourself. Discover new ways to slow down, awaken your senses and focus on yourself. Even a familiar path still has plenty to reveal.

  • Meet people with similar interests

    Exchange experiences, try out ideas and discover different perspectives on connecting with nature. A conversation may bring just the inspiration or fresh insight you need.

  • For new opportunities in your area 

    Explore what a nearby park, garden or woodland path has to offer. Find ideas for spending time in the places where you already live, work or welcome guests. Discover your own way of inviting others to share experiences that matter to you.

  • When you want to share your love of nature

    Discover ways to share your love of nature with others. Invite family or friends to explore together. Let time in nature become an opportunity for conversation, play and shared discoveries.

To bring added value to your work.

  • More for the people you work with

    Offer experiences tailored to their needs, abilities and interests. Help them discover how to make contact with nature part of their everyday lives.

  • Bring your work closer to your values

    If nature and a caring approach to people matter to you, give them more space in your work.

  • A distinctive personal approach

    Shape what you offer around your experience, interests and the character of the place. Let people recognise your own way of working in your activities.

  • Bring something fresh to what you offer

    Add nature connection to walks, workshops or individual sessions. Choose activities that complement what you already do well.

  • Put your idea into practice

    Perhaps you’ve been thinking about an activity in nature for a long time. Give it some time, try it out and, with your trainer’s support, shape a practical first step.

  • More confidence in leading

    Put ideas you haven’t tried before into practice. With support from your trainer and the group, find a way of leading that feels right for you.

What will you receive?

  • 16 hours of theoretical foundations and practical work in a group. In-person delivery allows participants to learn from one another, try out activities, and promptly clarify dilemmas with a coach trained by FTHub.

  • Knowledge for planning and leading nature connection activities (NCA). From choosing a location and sending invitations to adapting to the group and ensuring safe participation.

  • Plan your first activity. Have a clear idea of who it is for, how it will work, and what you need for it.

  • Slovenian and English educational materials for further work. Participants receive professionally translated and original Forest Therapy Hub educational materials for nature connection specialists.

  • 60 nature connection activities, which you can adapt to your environment and preferences.

  • Access to the NCS online course. Learning content, materials, and interactive activities (in English only) on the FTHub platform complement the live experience.

  • Certificate FTHub Certified Nature Connection Specialist (upon completion of the course and fulfillment of the program requirements).

  • A one-month Hub Seedlings Pro membership, giving you additional support in connecting with nature.

Syllabus

  • 1. Promoting Nature Connection

    We’ll explore the research foundations, the specialist’s role and the FTHub approach. We’ll reflect on our own relationship with nature and ways to invite others to take part.

  • 2. Building a Foundation for Nature Connection

    We’ll explore biophilia and the five pathways to nature connection. Through observation and mindful presence, we’ll discover how we develop a sense of connection with a place.

  • 3. Nature Connection for Groups

    We’ll learn to design activities and clear invitations, understand group dynamics and create a safe, supportive environment. We’ll also practise leading activities.

  • 4. Integrating Nature Connection into Other Disciplines

    We’ll explore ways to bring nature connection activities into other fields, with examples from yoga, environmental education and Nordic walking. You’ll prepare a plan for an activity you would like to offer.

Who?

The course welcomes people exploring nature connection for themselves, as well as those who want to bring it into their existing work with people. An FTHub-trained trainer will guide and encourage you throughout the learning process, helping you develop and adapt nature connection activities.

Matija Samec, BA.pth

An FTHub-accredited Nature Connection Specialist trainer in Slovenia, a certified Forest Bathing Guide and Forest Therapy Practitioner, with a professional background in psychotherapy and integrative therapy.

About the coach

When?

Choose the date that suits you best and discover what each season brings to the experience. Our open courses run over a weekend, with eight hours of training each day. Secure your place today, take advantage of the early bird discount and save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to lead a group?

No. You’ll learn to lead activities step by step and practise within the training group. Your experiences, questions and willingness to try something new are all welcome.

Do all the activities take place in a forest?

We’ll also learn outdoors, in natural settings. When applying what you’ve learnt, you can think more broadly: a park, garden, orchard or a suitable place by the water. Choosing a setting is part of planning an activity.

How do you accommodate accessibility needs and plan for bad weather?

Before the course, we’ll discuss participants’ needs and choose suitable locations. We’ll also agree on adjustments for poor weather and share guidance on how to prepare.

Can I guide forest bathing after the course?

Only if you were already qualified to do so before taking it. The Nature Connection Specialist course provides an introduction to leading basic nature connection activities. The in-person and online courses follow the same programme and lead to the same certificate. You use these skills within your existing professional scope. The course provides a first step that makes it easier to build on your skills through further training as a Forest Bathing Guide or Forest Therapy Practitioner.

How can I train as a guide?

Training as a Forest Bathing Guide or Forest Therapy Practitioner covers the broader knowledge needed to lead these activities safely and professionally. You can gain these qualifications through separate programmes. Forest Therapy Hub currently also offers Nature Connection Specialists a discount when enrolling in further training as a Forest Bathing Guide.

Is any support available after the course?

The course includes one month of Hub Seedlings Pro membership, allowing you to connect with the professional community and use its resources during your membership. You can also turn to your trainer for support, through a short consultation or several months of mentoring as you develop your practice.

Would a different course format suit you better?

Perhaps you have activities for your guests in mind, a gathering for a group or simply more time for yourself in nature. Perhaps you’d like to join the course but find it difficult to be away for two full days, or would like to organize it at a different location. Get in touch, and together we’ll find a suitable way to work with you.