Hertfordshire Police wellbeing programme uses nature to help officers reconnect and recover 

A wellbeing programme helping Hertfordshire Police officers and staff spend time in nature away from workplace pressures has supported around 350 employees since launching last year.

The Wellbeing Outdoor Programme, run by the Force Wellbeing Team, offers guided walks, breathwork, outdoor activities and campfire discussions in a countryside setting, giving officers and staff an opportunity to step away from screens, phones and the demands of policing.  

The programme is now in its second year and has received positive feedback from participants, including members of the Hertfordshire Police Federation branch team, who recently attended a session. Participants have highlighted how the initiative has benefitted both individual wellbeing and team cohesion. 

James Stopford, a Federation representative, said the experience demonstrated the value of creating dedicated time for teams to reconnect away from operational pressures. He said: “It gave us a chance to see exactly what the programme offers and understand why it can be so effective. 

“There is absolutely no pressure to take part in anything you don’t want to do. You can join in with activities, go for a walk or just enjoy the space. It’s about getting out of it what you personally need.” 

Stopford said the programme also created valuable opportunities for team bonding. 

“As a team, we are so busy, and we can’t talk about our jobs because it’s personal to people. We are often working with members who are off sick, facing misconduct investigations, considering ill-health retirement or dealing with other difficult circumstances, so it was nice for us to be able to step away and spend time together in that setting. 

“It was also reassuring to see the investment the Force is making in officer wellbeing through initiatives like this.” 

He added that the programme could be particularly valuable for teams regularly exposed to traumatic incidents. 

Participants also highlighted the programme’s impact on reducing stress and encouraging colleagues to switch off from work. One attendee said: “Every team in the police should do this at least once. No rank, just a team spending time together.” 

Others said the natural environment helped them relax, with one officer commenting: “The setting was amazing and really enabled me to completely relax and switch off.” 

Joanne Healey, from the Force Wellbeing Team, said the programme had been shaped by her interest in using nature to support mental health. 

The programme reflects growing interest in nature-based approaches to workplace wellbeing, with employers increasingly exploring how time outdoors, social connection and opportunities to disconnect from digital devices can support mental health, resilience and recovery, particularly in high-pressure professions.