Join us for a unique and rejuvenating experience designed exclusively for women to come together in nature, unwind, and nurture your wellbeing. As we journey through the stages of life, it's essential to find supportive spaces that foster connection, self-care, knowledge sharing and nurturing.

One of the significant challenges of modern life is that our body spends a lot of time in 'sympathetic nervous system dominance' - basically we are stressed a lot of the time, by many things. This is not good for our body, our endocrine/hormonal system, digestion, mental health, or any part of us really! Stress is particularly unhelpful in peri-menopause or menopause.

As I've journeyed the menopause transition I've gone deep on learning more, both professionally and from other women. It is SO empowering and reassuring to have REAL conversations with women and hear the exclaims of 'oh my goodness, I had no idea that is to do with menopause'. Mood (especially anxiety), genito-urinary symptoms, intimacy issues, anger, musculoskeletal symptoms - so many things.

This day is predominantly about being curious, calm and connected. In nature. Nothing is required that isn't comfortable for you, including conversation.

I invite you to a serene day of forest bathing and shared experiences around menopause, held in a secluded, private natural setting. As an experienced occupational therapist and forest bathing guide, I am dedicated to creating a caring and supportive environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the calming experience of nature connection.

Forest Bathing—a practice evolved from in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku—is a gentle, sensory experience that encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and a deep connection with the natural world. During our time together, we will engage in guided forest bathing exercises that help calm your nervous system, provide solitude and promote overall wellbeing.

Following our time in nature, we will share a delicious, healthy lunch, thoughtfully prepared to nourish both body and soul. This will be an opportunity to connect with other women informally and in facilitated conversation, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating menopause.

Whether you're seeking stress relief, a deeper connection with nature, or simply a day of rest and rejuvenation, this event offers a safe and nurturing space for you to explore and 'be'.

Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and personalised experience, so I encourage you to secure your spot early. Let's come together to embrace the beauty of nature, the power of shared experiences, and the strength of community.

I look forward to welcoming you to this special day of connection and care.

Pricing - if you have private health insurance for Occupational Therapy in your extras cover (and it's worth checking) you may be eligible to claim a rebate. This would require additional consultations. Please contact Bronwyn to enquire. bronwyn@natureot.com.au

Where

Come and see (and smell!) the explosion of spring at The Sanctuary, Yundi, our private National Park Sanctuary. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).

This event is an opportunity to access this private, pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.

The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finniss River running through the property. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many many fairy (blue) wrens every time we are there, as well as wedge tail eagles, vulnerable yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.

Who runs this?

Nature OT is the passion of Bronwyn Paynter. I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. I am a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years I’ve been coaching occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

We purchased The Sanctuary, Yundi in 2018 and, as it’s current non-indigenous custodians, are dedicated to sharing this heritage protected nature with as many people as we can.

FAQs

Where will we meet?

When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi, with the full address and google map link. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.

Is there a toilet?

There is a ‘long drop loo’ at The Sanctuary. There will also be a hired porta-loo on trailer accessible by steps with hand rail.There are flushing (and wheelchair accessible) public toilets in nearby (5min drive) Mt Compass.

Physical ability

This event will require the ability to walk (slowly) up to 800m on sloping, uneven ground that is likely to include fallen wood, leaf and bark litter and natural obstacles. You will require a reasonable level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature. You are welcome to bring a hiking pole or grab a stick and we move slowly and carefully – we’re definitely not huffing and puffing.

Will I be safe?

I have a current first aid certificate and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.

Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be provided. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

What should I bring to the event?

We will go ahead regardless of the weather so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent shoes for this experience - boots are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes as we may get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. If sunny then suncream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

Questions about the food?

The lunch menu will be simple, fairly healthy and nature based. We'll have on offer a delicious spread of 'nature food' - salad ingredients with vegetables, carbs, proteins, healthy fats and tasty condiments. You can create your own combinations so all dietary needs are easily accommodated. There will be hot & cold drinks. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au com to advise at least 7 days prior to the event and we will do our best to accommodate you. You are also very welcome to bring your own food and we can provide refrigeration if required.

What's the cancellation policy?

The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register and your registration fee will be refunded (less any booking fees).

We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.

NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

e-mail Bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700