In a digitised world, getting your team back into nature is crucial in any organisation that cares about its culture. Team building helps foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration amongst team members helping them get to know each other better, build trust, and improve communication. With increased remote working, the need to engage your team members in new and unique ways has never been as important.

At Nomadic, were have no interest in formulaic team-building activities. Instead, we look for fun and unusual ways for your team to engage with each other and the world around them. Below are just some of the experiences we can offer your team.

1. No-dig Gardening

Recommended as a team-building activity for green-fingered groups.

No-dig gardening is a method of growing plants without disturbing the soil. Instead of tilling or digging the soil, this method involves layering organic matter on top of the soil to create a nutrient-rich growing environment for plants.

No-dig gardening is a simple, sustainable, and effective way to grow plants. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, this method can benefit your garden in many ways.

At Nomadic, we work with husband and wife team Simon and Kay, aka Badger’s Garden, to grow our no-dig vegetable patch layering our soil with a mix of mycelium compost, manure, spent hops from the local brewery and wood chipping, which helped us feed over 4,000 hungry guests in 2022.

Following an introduction from our gardeners, your team can try their hand at no-dig gardening planting new seedlings, tasting many of the fresh ingredients we grow and harvesting raw vegetables to be cooked over fire for your feast later on.

2. Forest Bathing

Recommended as a team-building activity for teams in stressful roles.

Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s. It involves immersing oneself in nature and taking in the atmosphere using all five senses. The practice involves mindful and meditative walks through forests, aiming to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost overall well-being.

The idea behind forest bathing is that spending time in nature can positively impact our physical and mental health. Research has shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function. Additionally, it can increase feelings of happiness, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function.

While forest bathing is often associated with walking or hiking, it is important to note that the practice is not about exercise or fitness. Rather, it is about taking the time to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world.

At Nomadic, we practice forest bathing in a quiet and peaceful natural environment, under the dappled shade of ancient oak, beech and birch trees as we take your team on a leisurely journey through the woods while paying attention to the natural surroundings. We work with leading practitioners who guide your team throughout the process, helping them take deep breaths, feel the ground beneath their feet, listen to the sounds of the forest, and observe the colours and patterns of nature.

3. Sourdough and over-fire cooking workshops

Recommended as a team building activity for teams who like to get stuck in.

Sourdough bread has become increasingly popular in recent years, not just as a trendy food but also because of its health benefits. Sourdough bread is a type of bread made from fermented dough that contains naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast. This makes it easier to digest and provides a host of health benefits. As a result, sourdough workshops have become popular, allowing people to learn how to make their own sourdough bread. It’s also the perfect team-building activity for groups of hungry guests.

Nomadic sourdough workshops are led by experienced bakers who are passionate about the art of bread-making. They are conducted in a stunning woodland glade and provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the history and science behind sourdough and the techniques and ingredients necessary to create delicious over-fire flatbreads.

Each workshop begins with an introduction to sourdough and its benefits, followed by a demonstration of the bread-making process. Participants are then given the opportunity to try their hand at making their own sourdough starter, which is the base for the dough. This involves mixing flour and water and allowing it to ferment for a few days. Once the starter is ready, the participants learn how to make, shape, and bake the dough.

The workshops are a great way to learn about sourdough bread-making in a hands-on and interactive environment. They offer a chance to connect with others who share a passion for baking and to learn from experienced bakers. Participants come away with a deeper understanding of the process and the knowledge and confidence to make their own sourdough bread at home.

Sourdough workshops are not just about learning how to make bread; they are also about the experience of creating something from scratch and the satisfaction that comes from producing a delicious and healthy loaf of bread.

Nomadic over-fire cooking workshops are a great way for your team to learn about fire building and maintenance and cover some of the essential techniques to produce our signature dishes to impress your friends and family.

4. Foraging

Recommended as a team-building activity for food and nature lovers.

Foraging is the act of gathering wild food and other resources from the natural environment. This can include picking wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs, as well as fishing, hunting, and gathering shellfish. Foraging has been a part of human survival for thousands of years, and many cultures around the world still rely on foraging for their food and resources.

Foraging has become increasingly popular in recent years due to a growing interest in sustainable and local food sources. It is seen as a way to connect with nature, reduce one’s ecological footprint, and enjoy the benefits of fresh, wild foods.

Foraging is not just about food; it can also include gathering materials for crafting, such as bark, roots, and flowers. These materials can be used for basket weaving, dyeing, and other forms of traditional crafts.

Foraging is a way to connect with nature and appreciate the abundance of resources that the natural world has to offer. It encourages a deeper understanding and respect for the environment and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.

At Nomadic, our foraging tours take your team across the edible landscape, discovering the bounty of wild ingredients that will later find their way from our woodland onto our plate during your feast. What is available varies considerably depending on the time of year.

5. Floristry and Design

Recommended as a team-building activity for teams interested in design.

Work alongside our resident florist to create a series of stunning tablescapes using wildflowers, flora and fauna gathered from our surroundings. Each workshop draws inspiration from the seasons and begins with a guide to sustainable floristry, followed by a tour where we pick out wild plants from the surroundings. At the end of the day, your team will have the skills and confidence to go home and decorate their own tables as well as a beautiful table to dine around.

Team building activities at Nomadic are all about reconnecting your team with the world around them and with each other in a beautiful natural setting. Listed above are just a few of the ways we can help your team reconnect.

To find out more, you can get in touch using this form.