transform
reimagine your organisation’s response to the climate and ecological emergency
“A beautiful opportunity to connect with the deeper questions of our time ”
space to reflect & repurpose
School climate strikes. Greta. Extinction Rebellion. The UK Parliament declaring a climate emergency. Heat waves. Forest fires. The world is changing fast. We know that the time for incremental change is now over - it is longer commensurate with the challenge we face. We are being called upon to step up. To seed bold and profound transformation across all sectors and all levels of society.
For many organisations and businesses, this is truly overwhelming. It is clear that business-as-usual is no longer an option, yet it’s hard to find the dedicated time and know-how reimagine your role.
That is where Change in Nature can help. Our Transform programme will help you to deepen your understanding, shift your culture and reimagine your strategy. We take you out of the office and into nurturing natural environments - providing the time and space for deep, creative thinking.
“I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is.”
transform
This programme is an opportunity to develop your personal and organisational response to the climate and ecological emergency.
Led by the Change in Nature team (Andy Raingold and Chloe Revill), this programme draws on their 25 years of combined experience in driving environmental, economic and social change. Over 200 people have been on our programmes, from CEOs to senior sustainability professionals and each programme is carefully tailored to the organisation.
We combine a carefully curated set of deep discussions, workshops and personal reflection time, all in a pristine natural setting that will help you to:
Increase awareness and understanding of what the climate and ecological emergency means for your organisation
Inform your strategy so that it is fit for this time
Increase personal and organisational resilience
Shift perspectives, think differently and find new, creative solutions
Develop leadership qualities that are required in these volatile, uncertain and complex times
Develop systems level thinking inspired by nature
Create culture change within your organisation and team
“I would highly recommend Change in Nature to anyone wanting to find meaning and humanity within their organisation. Being out in nature made it an experience to treasure and remember.”
Why in nature?
Research suggests that people with a greater connection to nature are more likely to behave positively towards the environment, wildlife and habitats. Indeed, the disconnect between our decisions and their (often distant and unseen) environmental impacts is a key cause of the current climate and ecological emergency.
Our nature-based programme is the perfect setting to help shift mindsets beyond narrow self-interested concerns to wider perspectives that includes broader human communities, future generations and entire ecosystems. Indeed, research has suggested that deep and lasting change is best catalysed by a shift away from individual motivations to those which involve a larger, interconnected perspective - and that experiences in nature are one of the most effective ways to help with this shift.
“Essential. Taking time out from a hectic office and being led through powerful activities in nature allowed us to connect with our core values and get to the heart of what can make our organisation a success.”
why now?
In 2019, we saw an explosion of social movements calling for bold action to address climate change. An estimated 1.6 million students in 300 cities (and growing) have joined school strikes for climate, while Extinction Rebellion have launched a campaign of non-direct action around the world. The current focus is on politicians, but attention is rapidly shifting to other actors – including business – in a call for solutions and leadership towards a greener and fairer economy. A number of business leaders have already demonstrated their intention to join the UK Parliament, Scotland, Wales, local councils and cultural organisations to declare a climate emergency - but what will this mean in practice and will it be enough?
Paul Polman recently cited an article in the Harvard Business School which suggests that no organisation can avoid the current shift in values. While many executives increasingly seem to be moving toward action on climate change or plastics, it’s not clear whether those actions are enough to satisfy this next generation of customers and employees. As expectations of business rise, it feels like a new level of change may be required. With the social contract in flux, businesses need to be more active and vocal on the environment, or risk becoming out of step during a crucial decade for the planet.
New research (Kin&Co Acting on the Climate Emergency) shows that over two thirds of UK adults think the climate crisis is an urgent issue for business, with 60% saying the responsibility sits with CEOs. In addition, a third of employees say they want their employer to do more about climate change. Yet 90% of businesses don’t have a clear plan.
“You are equipping and inspiring so many people to go forward in strength and purpose in the world. Please don’t stop.”
“Something we should all be doing more of in order to create a more emotionally-intelligent, balanced world!”
optional: courageous conversations
Part of the programme can include courageous conversations with young climate activists that can further help to shift perspectives and build empathy and understanding with those who are part of leading the social movement for change. We are currently running an Intergenerational Climate Emergency Leadership Programme to build personal connections of deep compassion, understanding and mutual trust from which inspiration and fierce collaboration can spring.
“The intergenerational gathering facilitated by Change in Nature was a highlight of the year for me and opened up a deep, intense and powerful intergenerational conversation with heartfelt reflections on the world and the role of business. I was inspired.”
“The event facilitated by Change in Nature was equal parts wake-up call and inspiration. Wake-up because we have so far to go. Inspiration because the youth movement really cares and can clearly carry forward what we cannot achieve alone. It encouraged me to think differently.”
if it works for them…
Individuals from a wide range of well known institutions have benefitted from our professional programmes:
location
From spending the day at a hidden nature gem not far from a big city to glamping in secluded woodland areas of outstanding natural beauty, our programmes are held at carefully chosen venues across the UK. Many of these are not open to the public. Once we know a bit more about your team’s culture, we can find the right venue for you.
prices
We can offer our Transform programme as a day-long workshop, a 2 or 3 day immersive retreat, or as a longer change process (e.g. two 2-day retreats spaced over 6 months). It all depends on your organisation’s needs. Please get in touch with your requirements and we’ll be happy to provide a tailored quote.
What’s included?
Exclusive use of a carefully selected site // All accommodation (if required) // Facilitated discussions, workshops and experiential practices // Freshly prepared, healthy and delicious vegetarian meals.
the impact
In 2019 we ran Revive - a two-day retreat for change makers on the climate and ecological emergency. This is what they had to say:
100% felt more connected to their sense of purpose
100% felt a greater sense of general wellbeing
100% felt more inspired and creative
100% felt better resourced to meet challenges at home and/or work
94% felt the experience helped them to access fresh perspectives
94% felt more deeply connected to the natural world
You can also read the feedback from our workshops with companies and organisations on our Think Differently page.
“Thank you for this time to stop and think, and reflect deeply about the next steps in my transitioning organisation and my transitioning life.”
“I will keep coming back to this place and community as a source of inspiration.”
“A timely reminder to mix mission and purpose with a healthy dose of joy, wonder and personal connection.”
who we are
Change in Nature was created by two senior sustainability professionals who after many years of working to influence business and policy in Westminster, went on personal journeys in nature to renew their sense of purpose and drive. They set up Change in Nature to support other professionals to reenergise, reconnect and create change in their spheres of influence.
chloe revill
Chloe helps professionals to build deep mutual understanding, and rekindle their energy and drive. She is an international climate change diplomat and public policy strategist, who has worked closely with Government Ministers and senior negotiators from a wide range of developed and developing countries. She consultants for leading think tanks such as E3G, the European Climate Foundation and Mission2020
Andy Raingold
Andy is a coach, speaker, mindfulness practitioner, environmental campaigner and social entrepreneur with a wealth of experience leading people through transformation. As Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group for over seven years, he worked in the corridors of power with CEOs, Government Ministers and thought leaders to drive UK and EU policy change.
“I just love the way that Change in Nature have designed a range of different experiences, adventures and challenges in the natural world for all-comers.”
Contact us
Please get in touch to find out more. We would love to hear from you.