Guest writer Mark Darcy from New Forest Wellbeing CIC on how his guided walks in the New Forest can help connect nature, community and mind.

There are lots of people who would love to get out and explore the New Forest, but walking alone is not always easy.

Sometimes confidence has taken a knock. Sometimes people are struggling with their mental wellbeing. And sometimes they are simply looking for some human connection – because loneliness can affect anyone, at any age and from any walk of life.

That is why we created New Forest Wellbeing CIC.

We wanted to bring people together in a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Somewhere you can come exactly as you are, not what the world expects you to be.

Our community walks are gentle and relaxed. Nobody is left behind and there is no pressure to explain yourself, be outgoing or fit in.

You can talk as much or as little as you like. Conversations tend to happen naturally as we walk through the trees, beside the rivers or across the beautiful open spaces of the New Forest.

Being outside helps people step away from the noise of everyday life. It gives us space to breathe, notice what is around us and become more present. But we have found that sharing that experience with other people can make an even bigger difference.

We have people join us of all ages, from all walks of life and facing all sorts of different challenges. Some are dealing with grief, anxiety or loneliness. Some have experienced major changes in their lives. Others simply want to meet new people and spend more time outside.

New Forest Wellbeing is about much more than walking. As a community, we also enjoy canoeing, bushcraft, archery, camping, creative sessions, wildlife sanctuary days and many other experiences that give people a reason to come together.

The activity may be what brings someone along for the first time, but the community is what makes them want to return.

We often see people arrive feeling nervous and unsure, only to leave smiling, swapping numbers and already looking forward to the next event. Sometimes friendships are formed during that very first visit.

Everyone arrives with a different story, but there is one thing they nearly always have in common when they leave. They feel happier, less stressed and far more present than when they arrived.

That presence brings more awareness to our lives. It helps us create new experiences, new stories and sometimes completely new beliefs about ourselves and what might be possible.

Please take a look at our Facebook page and New Forest Wellbeing CIC website to see more of what we do.

But rather than only reading what we say, have a look at the heartfelt comments from the people who have joined us. That is where you will see what this community is truly about and what people genuinely get from being part of it.