As the planet is poised at the tipping point of irreversible climate change and facing a host of other environmental problems, we struggle to imagine this potential catastrophe and its consequences.

 Believing, perhaps, that we are individually helpless to impact on this terrifying escalation, this helplessness is often felt as despair, anxiety, depression and moral confusion. Our mental health and well being is interconnected with and dependent on the more than human world.

As technology advances, it may seem hard to imagine that the next step in human evolution could be a return to more natural, sustainable living environments. Urban living has helped created a split between mind, body and soul, leaving many to question where their instinctive sense of purpose has gone.

We understand that the human relationship with the natural world is in a state of collapse. This alienation from the Earth compounds our pain. Within a sanitised, numb, climate controlled urban life, many people sense something is horribly wrong, something is missing.

Outings and extended trips into wild places can help reverse our tragic and growing isolation from nature. Whether the practice is termed as adventure therapy, ecotherapy, or wilderness therapy, it has many forms which can include anything from regular walks in woodland, gardening, camping or strenuous multiday backpacking treks, the goal is to immerse participants in an environment in which the human mind was genetically predisposed to function.

Ecotherapy or as we prefer to call it wilderness practice, is an approach that allows us to explore our relationship with the natural world and to creatively harness that awareness of our affiliation with nature. It's a contemplative, mindful, experiential process that helps us to discover and understand the significance and importance of our relationship with the natural world. 

Here at Strider we know that reconnecting with the more than human world can help develop a fresh understanding of our relationship with nature, its animals, plants, landscapes and weather systems. It helps us to understand that we can relate to nature as a subject to be nurtured and replenished, rather than an object to be exploited and despoiled.

Strider guides know and understand the value of our relationship with the land and the importance of place. Along with our Llamas we'll take you there, where you can walk with it, breath it, dream it and sleep on it. It's just a case of your willingness coupled with our expertise.

This outdoor experience takes you directly to the source, meeting nature on its terms. No conquering, or contrived activities, no detached observing of nature. Just simple mindful being, enjoying  and rediscovering a space to breath and set your spirit free. This is an invitation to set in motion a process of engagement and discovery that could change your life!

The Llamas green credentials are impressive, the ultimate minimum impact trail animal, user friendly and brilliant at spotting wildlife. Llamas are the calm, contemplative pack animal of choice for those of us who want to travel a little more lightly on the Earth. Strider Llamas are the perfect animal companions to accompany you on your journey, there and back again.

For bookings please phone 01769 579517 or email mail@striderllamas.com 

Credits- Photo by Ariane Johnston Breen, 2009, Cotton Grass, Exmoor, UK