Branching Out: Connecting with Nature, Creativity, and Wellbeing
Branching Out takes place in local woodlands and green spaces across Fife, offering adults the chance to slow down, get creative, and feel the benefits of spending time outdoors. It’s designed for people experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, or simply anyone looking for a boost.
The sessions are small and welcoming (never more than 8 participants), and no experience or equipment is needed — just a willingness to give it a try. Activities range from bushcraft and conservation to mindfulness and creative workshops, often with a playful twist like photography or storytelling. The pace is gentle, and you can join in as much or as little as you feel comfortable with each week.
A recent Branching Out session: Forest spirits in the woods
Recently our group ventured into the woods with clay in hand and creativity in our heartsmind. Each participant sculpted a unique forest spirit face, pressing them gently into tree trunks and hiding them among the leaves and bark. These clay creations became guardians of the woodland — silent watchers with stories waiting to be told.
Once the spirits were in place, we gathered to weave a shared story around them. Through imaginative storytelling, participants gave voice to their creations, connecting each spirit to the land, to the group, and to their own personal journeys.
The result? More than just art. Working with clay grounded participants in the present moment, engaging the senses and creating calm. The storytelling sparked collaboration, emotional expression, and a sense of belonging. Together, the group discovered how nature, creativity, and wellbeing flow into one another.
Why Branching Out matters
Branching Out is about more than outdoor activities — it’s about connection:
🌿 Connection to yourself
🌿 Connection to others
🌿 Connection to the natural world around you
These small, weekly moments in the woods remind us that healing and resilience often begin in the simplest of ways: through shared stories, hands-on creativity, and the grounding power of nature.
If you or someone you know could benefit from joining Branching Out, you can be referred by a support worker, mental health professional, community organisation — or you can get in touch with us directly. It’s free to take part, and we’ll help you with everything you need to get started.
To get in touch about Branching Out email Branching Out Coordinator, Rich Webster, at richard.webster@fifecountryside.co.uk