A mindful nature connection for when you feel disconnected
Other Ways to Walk
Underpinned by science and rooted in creativity, Other Ways to Walk helps people to build their nature connection for mental and physical wellbeing.
Led by Rachel Howfield Massey, Other Ways to Walk teaches you how to intentionally connect with nature through creative mindfulness resources, organisational training and Nature Fix, an online membership.
It's about so much more than walking — Other Ways to Walk is about being curious, opening up to creativity, and finding the joy and magic in connecting with nature.
Rachel’s Story
Rachel has spent over twenty years developing evidence-based resources and teachings to boost wellbeing, reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost the immune system. Her unique skillset as a qualified artist and mindfulness instructor combine with her training in nature field craft, making her one of the most original and respected leaders in Nature Connection in the UK.
Other Ways to Walk and Nature Fix
By 2020, Rachel was established as a leader in the field of Green Prescribing and Nature Connection.
With Other Ways to Walk, she regularly took groups out into nature for wellbeing and creative activities as well as leading in-person training for organisations.
But, like so many things, that came to an abrupt end with the pandemic and lockdowns. Then in 2021, Rachel developed a neurological condition that made it hard to walk or travel – a devastating blow for someone who lives and thrives outside.
Once again, she felt disconnected from nature.
Rachel found a way to digitally connect with nature from her bed or sofa. She founded Nature Fix as an online membership to bring that digital nature connection to anyone who needs it — alongside encouraging small doses of nature outdoors.
Values
Connection
Connection is at the heart of Other Ways to Walk.
Meaningful connections with nature, with other people and with yourself are essential for mental and emotional wellbeing.
Sharing nature experiences creates the sense of community and belonging we all need.
Care
We believe in the power of empathy to provoke change.
A connection with nature is good for people and the planet, giving us the courage and kindness to demand climate justice.
You are part of the natural world, so caring for nature starts with caring for yourself.
Rest
We value the importance of rest and relaxation.
Rest is a radical act of rebellion in a world that prioritises productivity and we sometimes need help to disengage.
Through creative and mindful nature connections, we can find our own sense of peace.
Skills, qualifications and training
Creative Approaches to Health
Rachel led the Arts and Wellbeing programme at Yorkshire Sculpture Park for three years, followed by the Arts and Health programme at Arts Derbyshire, where she was the East Midlands Arts Champion on the Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance National Steering Group. She has also worked on a freelance basis with Compton Verney, Barnsley Museums, University of Sheffield, Woodland Trust, Kilnsey Park Estate, and more.
Mindfulness
Rachel trained as a Mindfulness Instructor with Kindmind in 2017 and developed mindfulness programmes at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, including Still Looking (a guided mindful looking at sculpture), Nightfall in the Woods (a twilight mindful walk in the grounds), and Dawn Yoga in the Chapel. She worked in partnership with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Slow Art Day and The National Gallery. Rachel also trained as a Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) Guide in 2019, learning techniques developed in Japan to guide people in using their senses to ‘bathe’ in nature.
Nature Connection theory
Rachel has given conference presentations and made links with researchers and academics specialising in the benefits of connecting to nature. This has led to various collaborations including with the University of Sheffield (Improving Wellbeing through Urban Nature) and the University of Derby (Nature Connectedness Research Group).
British nature and field craft skills
Alongside her active engagement with RSPB and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Rachel has taken part in nature and field craft training including animal tracking, forest immersion training, and permaculture farming.
Wellbeing, mental health, and social care
Rachel is Mental Health First Aid trained and worked for 6 months as a manager in Social Prescribing, where she was the lead for Suicide Prevention. As part of her work for Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Rachel contributed to various events and research, including The Asset Based Health Enquiry, London South Bank University (September 2019), NHS England Supporting Mental Health Through Social Prescribing (April 2019), All Party Parliamentary Groups, Arts and Health Creative Health Report (July 2017), and Health and Creativity World Café in partnership with Creative Minds and University of Huddersfield (October 2016). She now works with partners in health and social care which keeps her abreast of current best practice.
Arts
Rachel has a 1st Class BA Hons. in Creative Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University and spent over 20 years working with diverse communities on art and health projects.
“Rachel’s insights about the intersections between arts, nature and wellbeing have been really informative for our research and teaching.”
Selected Funders and Partners :
“Rachel is one of the most dependable, friendly and compassionate people I have ever worked with”
“Rachel is an open thoughtful practitioner full of kindness who has a gentle enthusiasm that radiates throughout the people she is with. Her knowledge of wellbeing and nature is extensive and her ability to share this with people in such a warm way is her super power. ”
Join Nature Fix to learn about the latest scientific research and the benefits of nature connectedness, get insights and encouragement to help you develop your own practice and ‘members only’ access to my sketchbooks, field notes, sound recordings of the woods and more.
Nature Fix is an online almanac, giving you everything you need to connect with nature and improve your wellbeing in sync with the changing seasons of the year.