About Return to Wild
Return to Wild grew from a simple belief: we are not separate from nature, we are part of it.
In a world that can feel increasingly fast, busy and disconnected, I believe there is something powerful in returning to what is simple: our senses, our bodies, creativity, community and the living world around us.
Return to Wild creates spaces for that reconnection through nature therapy, forest bathing, nature-based creativity and holistic bodywork.
The intention isn't to achieve a particular state or to add another thing to your list of things to do.
It is an invitation to slow down, notice and reconnect.
About me
I'm Joanna, founder of Return to Wild, a qualified Forest Bathing Guide and Holistic Therapist, based in Widnes.
My relationship with nature deepened during a particularly busy period of my own life. I began volunteering at a local community garden, initially because I wanted to learn more about growing, gardening and permaculture.
What I hadn't expected was how important the garden itself would become.
Having somewhere to regularly step away from everyday demands, work with my hands, spend time outdoors and become part of a community gave me something I hadn't realised I needed.
The garden became somewhere to slow down.
That experience led me deeper into the relationship between nature, the body and wellbeing, and eventually to train as a Forest Bathing Guide.
Today, I facilitate forest bathing and nature-based wellbeing experiences for individuals, community groups and organisations. My work has included programmes with carers, cancer support services, community organisations and volunteers, alongside public sessions and creative nature-based workshops.
My approach
My sessions are gentle, invitational and grounded in experience rather than performance.
There is no expectation that you need to be good at meditation, creative, knowledgeable about nature or particularly outdoorsy.
During a forest bathing session you might be invited to notice sound, movement or texture. During a creative session you might work with clay, leaves or other natural materials.
Different practices, but a similar intention:
Slow down. Notice. Reconnect.
I also believe nature-based wellbeing should be accessible beyond traditional wellness spaces. A growing part of Inner Terra is therefore working alongside community, health and support organisations to create programmes that respond to the people they work with.
Looking forward
Return to Wild continues to grow.
Alongside my existing work in forest bathing and holistic therapy, I am currently completing my Forest School training, expanding the possibilities for nature connection, outdoor learning and creative experiences for children and families.
I'm particularly interested in developing longer-term nature-based programmes in partnership with community organisations, creating opportunities for people to build an ongoing relationship with nature rather than experiencing it only once.
At its heart, though, Return to Wild will remain simple.
A space to slow down, pay attention and remember that we are part of the living world around us.