The World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) and community-driven fitness organisation GoodGym are inviting people to workout for the planet ahead of Earth Day on 22nd April, with hundreds of free, nature-enriched fitness sessions across the UK.
Launching today, people across the UK can get out and get moving for a good cause, with a variety of activities combining exercise, social connection, and environmental action taking place in 50 UK towns and cities.
The four-week initiative will engage 1000 new participants in GoodGym sessions as an extension of WWF’s Prescription for Nature campaign. Encouraging the UK to get their ‘daily dose of nature’, the campaign highlights the wellbeing benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood, when spending just 20 minutes a day in nature, emphasising the necessity of protecting natural spaces to safeguard public health [2, 3].
Mountaineer, marathon runner and founder of the Active Inclusion Network, Haroon Mota, has kickstarted the initiative with a walk and an afternoon of gardening tasks with volunteers at Horsenden Farm.
Each 90-minute GoodGym session features a Workout for Nature – a physical volunteering activity that supports local green spaces, from tree planting to park clean-ups and habitat restoration, while also promoting mental wellbeing. In addition to a community project, participants are encouraged to join an easy-paced group run or walk to and from the task, maximising the fitness benefits of the experience. GoodGym is inclusive of all fitness levels – whether you’re running or rambling, no one gets left behind.
Projects include activities such as creating flower beds, organising nature-friendly festivals, participating in litter-pick parades, and planting or pruning trees. GoodGym initiatives also support schools and charities, including the Vauxhall Food Bank and the Notre Dame Refugee Centre, which provide essential support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Exercise to restore nature, and restore mind
Whilst home to incredible species such as white-tailed eagles, turtle doves, beavers and basking sharks, the UK is also one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, sitting in the bottom 10% of countries for biodiversity [1]. Almost 1,500 species are now at risk from being lost from England, Wales, and Scotland, whilst close to three hundred species are under threat from being lost in Northern Ireland [1].
Just as nature is suffering, so too is mental health across the UK, with one in six people reporting a common mental health problem in any given week in England [2]. However, recent WWF polling [3] found 9 in 10 (89%) of UK public say that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental health.
Studies also show engaging in nature beyond physical activity alone enhances wellbeing benefits. Exercising in urban green spaces, such as parks, has been linked to improved emotional regulation, reduced fatigue, greater social engagement and community building [4].
A two-year study conducted by London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in partnership with GoodGym found “extraordinary” benefits to mental health when combining physical exercise with volunteering [5].
Key findings include:
- 21% increase in life satisfaction (comparable to the boost seen when someone moves from unemployment to six months of employment).
- 17% increase in the feeling of life being worthwhile.
- 21% decrease in mental distress.
- 12% decrease in loneliness.
- 27% increase in belonging.
- 16% increase in connectedness.
“GoodGym is a wonderful initiative. It combines three of the most powerful ways of uplifting your own wellbeing – exercising, socialising, and, above all, doing good for others” – Professor Lord Richard, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
The Workout for Nature event offers more than the traditional benefits of physical activity: it allows participants to engage in exercise whilst making a tangible difference in the lives of others, creating a sense of purpose and connection that can be transformative for a racing mind.
Together, WWF and GoodGym are integrating physical activity with volunteer-driven outdoor projects to reconnect people with nature. Whether it’s restoring green spaces in primary schools, planting shared fruit and vegetables or weeding around blooming spring bushes, Workout for Nature provides a therapeutic escape and tools for overall better well-being.
Emma Collacott, Head of Public Engagement Campaigns at WWF UK, said: “Our research at WWF has shown us that when we restore nature, nature restores us. We’re excited to partner with GoodGym as it offers people the chance to connect to nature and give back to the planet while improving their mental and physical health.
“Workout for Nature’ is not about metrics – it’s not about chasing personal bests or step counts. It’s about moving your body, supporting your community, bettering your mind, and improving the world we move through.” By engaging in hands-on environmental projects, participants not only improve their own well-being but make a tangible difference to the natural world around them.”
Mountaineer, marathon runner and founder of Muslim Hikers, Haroon Mota, said: “What’s uniquely powerful about the ‘Workout for Nature’ initiative is that it brings people from all walks of life together for a common purpose: to restore nature, restore our neighbourhoods and by default – restore ourselves. Nature has a way of reminding us of what truly matters – connection, compassion, and community. What binds us is stronger than any difference we might have.
I’m really looking forward to joining WWF and GoodGym for a mixed session of walking and conservation work. These seemingly small acts can create lasting change, not just in our local spaces, but for the planet and the well-being of people.”
Find a Session Near You: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/campaigns/workout-for-nature
Spaces are limited – sign up today to ensure your spot in the Workout for Nature movement.
