I’m Elspeth—a passionate outdoor guide and founder of Joyful Outdoors, here to help you explore foraging, bushcraft, and laughter yoga as ways to reconnect with nature and rediscover a sense of balance and joy.
The outdoors is where I truly come alive. Whether I’m foraging for wild edibles in the hedgerows, singing around a campfire, relaxing in a hammock in the woods, or up to my neck in an icy river, the natural world is my sanctuary. For too long, this part of me was buried in the 'busyness' of corporate and family life—but now, it’s set free!
There was a time when I deferred to others for their practical outdoor skills, but I realised I wanted to embrace those abilities myself. In recent years, I've embarked on a personal journey of learning, inspired by incredible people I've met along the way. Each step has awakened my senses, deepened my connection to nature, and widened my horizons.
Now, I’m on a mission to share what I’ve discovered about the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature. Through Joyful Outdoors, I offer unique experiences that help you step away from the digital world, find joy, and reconnect with the lost knowledge of the land.
Whether you’re learning to forage for edible plants, practicing bushcraft, or honing your map-reading skills, my sessions are designed to slow you down, help you be present, and engage meaningfully with the outdoors.
I’ve also embraced laughter yoga, an unexpected but life-changing path that’s reminded me of the value of staying open to new experiences. Combining the therapeutic benefits of nature and the joy of shared laughter, my work is all about reconnecting with yourself and the world around you.
I hold the following qualifications/ memberships & maintain £5m public liability insurance:
Relevant qualifications:
Other courses attended:
Voluntary work:
With thanks to all those who've helped me on my journey...
John Rhyder at the Woodcraft School
All at The Old Way
Andy Sullivan at ELST
07780 608016
Joyful Outdoors is based in Godalming, Surrey.
Outdoor workshops, nature activities & laughter yoga in Surrey, West Sussex, Hampshire and London.