Facilitating Outdoors
The Fieldwork
Next Cohort - September to October 2026
Facilitating Outdoors - The Fieldwork
We are VentureField, we support individuals, teams, leaders and organisations to ignite and inspire transformation and discover their purpose through nature-based journeys.
We have developed Facilitating Outdoors – The Fieldwork, an experiential learning programme for facilitators, coaches and leaders embarking on their journey to confidently practice in outdoor and nature-based environments.
We invite you to experience our approach of hybrid learning and hands on practice, a structure for creating safe, meaningful and inspirational outdoor experiences.
Programme Overview
Facilitating Outside – The Fieldwork is an experiential learning programme for facilitators and coaches who wish to extend their practice into outdoor and nature-based environments.
This comprehensive programme pver 2 months develops the knowledge, skills, and presence required to safely, competently, and creatively facilitate and coach individuals, teams and organisations outdoors.
It combines practical training, activities, self development, scientific insights, theory, first aid training and field assessment on a progressive learning journey. The training takes place in and around Surrey in Southeast England.
Next cohort convenes 7th September 2026.
The investment: £1999.00 plus VAT.
Programme Aims
To inspire and develop confident and capable facilitators who can design, deliver and lead outdoor transformational experiences for groups and teams outside.
To enable participants to share the joy of nature, movement, and landscape as active partners in human learning and development.
To ensure a clear understanding of safety, risk, and environmental responsibility when working with groups and teams outdoors.
To equip participants with the skills and knowledge to combine facilitation, coaching, and environmental awareness.
Learning Outcomes
Facilitators, Coaches and Leaders who attend this programme will upon completion, be able to:
Build trust and a caring environment that creates a space of psychological and physical safety.
Facilitate your clients’ mental, physical and emotional connection with nature.
Design, plan and deliver outdoor learning experiences using new ways of facilitating.
Interpret and respond effectively to environmental conditions such as the terrain and weather.
Demonstrate responsible and ethical practice to access, conservation and sustainability, and “To Leave No Trace”.
Effectively lead groups in outdoor settings and become an accredited Outdoor First Aider.
Programme Structure
The Fieldwork is an integrated and experiential learning process that includes:
Module 1 - 1. Introduction & Orientation
Understanding the ethos, intentions and benefits of outdoor facilitation.
📍 Online Session
Module 2 - The Human–Nature Ecosystem
Exploring systems thinking, and the interconnection between nature and human development.
Online
Module 3 - Science of Outdoor Facilitation & Coaching
Understanding the physiological and psychological impact of outdoor environments on learning and performance.
📍 In person
Module 4 - Designing Outdoor Experiences
Methods, tools and techniques for designing and delivering outdoor facilitation programmes.
📍 In person
Module 5 - Outdoor First Aid
16-hour certified outdoor first aid course for facilitators.
📍 In person
Module 6 - Facilitator’s Presence & Practice
Developing your nature credentials, embodied awareness and presence in nature.
📍 Online
Module 7 - Working with Groups & Individuals in Nature
Group management, safety, and facilitation techniques in outdoor settings.
📍 In person
Module 8 - Facilitator’s Presence & Practice II
Applying your experience and credentials through embodiment and field application.
📍 In person
Module 9 - Integration, Mastery & Practice
Delivering facilitation activities linked to defined individual, team or organisational outcomes.
📍 In person
Module 10 - Sustainability & Stewardship
Understanding environmental impact, ethics and long-term sustainability in outdoor work.
📍 Online
About Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Banfield, Founder of VentureField and your lead facilitator on The Facilitating Outdoors Programmes.
I have led VentureField for over the 17 years, a consultancy working with board leaders and teams from across the world to drive the commercial performance of their businesses. Throughout this time I have seen that people are looking for a new type of leadership, a leadership based on building trust and an environment of care.
When training to be an International Mountain Leader I saw how this leadership, coupled with the power of nature connection can help people be more. From this first hand insight I have created experiences to develop and elevate the performance of leaders, teams and organisations in the outdoors.
My experience deepened further as I have delved into the science of the power of nature as I continue to deliver transformational experiences for leaders, groups and teams across the world.
In my work I bring my enthusiasm and unique combination of experience and knowledge as a Business Leader, Consultant, Geologist, Mountain Leader, Expedition Leader, Wilderness Facilitator, North Downs Ambassador and Business and Life Coach to create unique outdoor experiences that transform performance.
I have developed a host of insights into how to safely create safe, insightful and inspirational safe spaces that empower transformation in the outdoors, combining practical training, activities, self development, scientific insights, theory, and field assessment on a progressive learning journey.
My mission is to support people and organisations to be and achieve more.
I hope to see on you out on the trail!
Register Your Interest
If you want to develop your capacity as a transformational facilitator and coach, and to practice with new ways in The Great Outdoors we would love to connect with you.