ABOUT US
“We saw first-hand the benefits of spending even a short time outdoors, and the effects it has on both children and adults.”
Fleur & Pete began ‘Nature Escapes’ back in 2018 when their joint love of Nature gave them an idea. Fleur was already working as a nature based counsellor and as Scout leaders they saw first-hand the benefits of spending even a short time outdoors, and the effects it has on both children and adults.
Fleur says ‘we are human beings, not doings! When we put down the tech and leave the task orientated demands behind, in Nature our central nervous systems reset as we naturally slow down, finding our equilibrium.’
Keen to understand and know more, both Fleur and Pete set off on a journey of educating themselves about ‘Shin-Rin Yoku’ or the Japanese practice of ‘Forest Bathing.’ Being the geek of the pair Pete immersed himself in all of many scientific studies affirming that Nature can help and heal us and he picked up a Hill and Moorland Walking Leader qualification with the British Mountaineering council. Fleur focused on the holistic benefits of establishing a Nature connection and she trained as a Nature and Forest Bathing Guide with the ANFT and as a Eco Nidra™ meditation teacher.
Since ‘Nature Escapes’ conception the pair have run many weekends and day retreats in Nature. Combining all of their joint skills and expertise they are passionate about helping their guests reconnect with the natural world and in doing so, with themselves. Their customers say that being guided by Fleur and Pete is truly an amazing experience, their dedication for and love of all things wild is infectious and they feel calmer and less stressed as a result of attending. ‘Nature Escapes’ events are also a social affair with the opportunity to make new friends with like minded people and have lots of fun!
If you’re in need of some time out from the challenges of modern life and are wanting some peace and calm then allow Pete and Fleur to guide you for a full weekend, or Fleur for a full day or 3 hour session; for our weekend retreats think slow walks in the forest, babbling brooks, hammocks, kite flying, home cooked food, fabulous accommodation, like minded people, new friends.
Nature Escapes excels at reawakening our customer’s relationship with nature. It’s no secret that nature is the real star here, we just guide you to see it differently. Our small team of Fleur and Pete plan, prepare and deliver all of our events ensuring consistently high standards are maintained.
At Nature Escapes we strive to help people live calmer, happier and healthier lives by immersing themselves in and reawakening a love of nature and the great outdoors; wide open spaces, changing scenery, vast landscapes, open sky, nature at its very best. We are passionate about what we do and feel immense gratitude to be able to live out our dream.
We believe that there is something for everyone at Nature Escapes regardless of age or ability. We are dedicated to our clients enjoyment of all aspects of our events; finding inner peace, making new friendships, sharing in good conversation, having fun with time to relax and rejuvenate.
Fleur
Hi, I’m Fleur and I’m passionate about helping people connect to nature and their own inner nature - in this busy task driven world we live, it’s more important than ever to take time away from the tech, step off the treadmill, slow down, rest and reconnect!
I have always loved nature and the great outdoors, growing up on the edge of the Peak District National Park. As a kid I l was brought up on family caravanning holidays in the UK, I was an enthusiastic Brownie and Guide and having outdoor adventures - I always felt at ‘home’ in Nature.
I began my work life as a secondary school teacher then re-trained as a therapeutic counsellor after discovering my passion in supporting kids and colleagues in a pastoral role. In 2015 I started my own private counselling practice - Kite Counselling supporting both young people and adults therapeutically.
As a volunteer Scout leader I have witnessed the positive changes being outdoors can have on a person's emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health. After accidentally working with a young person on their school field one day when our usual classroom was unavailable, I realised there was something powerful about counselling without walls! This led me to complete a nature based therapy course, allowing me to take clients into nature, promoting positive change for my clients and for the planet - win win!
My curiosity led me to train as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the ANFT and I learned more about the powerful Japanese practice of ‘Shin-rin-yoku’ or ‘Forest Bathing.’ I then trained as an Eco-Nidra™ meditation teacher.
Pete
Hello there, I’m Pete. I have a background in engineering and whilst Fleur is the hippie chick I am the science part of our duo! I have worked in engineering since leaving school and have a degree in Business. I have always been fascinated by nature and grew up in an outdoorsy family, weekends were spent hiking in The Lakes, North Wales and the Peak District. As a young Scout I climbed my first mountain, Snowdon at 12 years old and remember being amazed and moved by the experience. As an adult I rejoined the Scouts as a scout leader more than 10 years ago and I enjoy sharing my love of the great outdoors with young people. Since taking on the role I hold instructor qualifications for water skiing, archery, navigation and kayaking. Part of my role involves planning, preparing and delivering camps in the UK and abroad. As well as organising trips to Denmark I have taken Scouts to Japan and have now climbed Mount Fuji twice! I have been likened to ‘Bear Grylls’ in that I love all that is outdoors, flora and fauna, the different environments, geology and the changing weather. There’s something very special about waking up with a natural view, listening to rain under canvas and watching the calming effects of a camp fire.
In addition to the above I have an outdoors rescue first aid qualification, I am a Hill and Moorland Leader with the Mountain Training Association and a member of the British Mountaineering Council.
