Branching out – a very Heavenly trip to Forest School
Luisa Bosco, March 2025
‘What started as a one-off outing has since become a quarterly tradition.’
Our first Out of Office team day took place in August 2021 – a much-needed chance to reconnect after months of working from home. What started as a one-off outing has since become a quarterly tradition, giving the team opportunities to reconnect with each other, learn, give back and try something new together.
From sustainable cooking to volunteering at Brompton Road Cemetery with Royal Parks, restoring a canal lock with Canal River Trust, and dining at B Corp certified restaurants, each outing offers a unique experience. So, when a colleague mentioned they were training to become a Forest School Leader, curiosity led us to explore the idea further.
That’s how, on a scorching 38-degree day in September 2023, the Heavenly team found refuge beneath the lush canopy of trees, escaping the heat in a hidden oasis along the River Thames. Led by Maria Sprostranova, founder of GreenWise People, she led us deep into the woods, sharing fascinating insights about the local flora and fauna, transforming a simple walk into a journey of discovery.
Maria is a certified Forest School Trainer passionate about reconnecting people with nature. With a background in business and education, she now designs outdoor experiences that inspire team building, leadership and well-being. Her energy and expertise made the day both insightful and a chance for us to forget about time and have fun.
Our first Forest School Day out was a “back-to-school” experience – a chance to reconnect and re-energise after the summer break. Once we were in the woods, the activities ranged from wood-whittling, clove-hitching and forest-bathing with a touch of strategic goal setting for the company thrown in. The team loved it so much, that we returned the following year – this time, on a much cooler day – to explore Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and gain fresh perspective on different generations in the workforce.
‘A simple day in the woods is the refreshing break everyone needs.’
A rich and restorative day in the woods is the refreshing break everyone needs to reconnect with each other, find our inner child and fully immerse ourselves in nature.
You can view a short video of our day here.
And if you or your company want to follow suit, please visit: greenwisepeople.co.uk