Healing Through Nature: Burnout to Bushcraft
In today's feature, Sam Gravestock of The Forest Path takes us on a journey through their lifelong love for the outdoors deeply influenced by family and formative experiences in scouting. It was a return to these roots after facing personal challenges that reignited their passion for bushcraft.
We hope that you find the inspiration to spend time outdoors again after reading this post!
What inspired you to focus on bushcraft and get into therapeutic wilderness?
I’ve always been outdoorsy, my grandfather was a keen outdoorsman and my father was a farmer so roaming the countryside and spending time in nature was just what I did. I was a member of the scout movement which built on the lessons learnt from my family. This was in the 80’s and 90’s and I had many opportunities to spend time camping with the scouts. I was fortunate that my scout leaders encouraged the “backwoods badge” approach to scouts with a focus on the outdoors, campcraft skills, over the fire cooking and such.
In my early twenties, I had some mental health challenges and after six weeks in a psychiatric hospital I was discharged. This gave me immense amounts of free time with nothing to do so I returned to roaming the woods of my childhood. As I got more comfortable being outside again, I wanted to stay longer and began working on my bushcraft skills once more. The walk became wanting a “brew” so I invested in a small cook set and it went from there.
From using bushcraft as a personal refuge to building a career around it, Sam highlights how time spent in nature became a healing practice—one they’re now passionate about sharing with others.
It's funny how things can fall into place even though not right away and despite the hardships and challenges that we have to go through.
In my professional life, I worked with individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mental health issues and such. Whilst I was doing this, bushcraft was my personal refuge for wellbeing and resetting from these stresses. More and more I realized that time spent in nature was beneficial for me and if it's beneficial for me then it is beneficial for others. This led me to study numerous skills and wilderness therapeutic intervention training.
I am incredibly fortunate that my wife recognises my need to be outside, actively encourages me to develop my skills, and tolerates the constant stream of projects, mushrooms, bark and plant pieces, as well as dead animals and hides in different stages of being tanned stored in the freezer.
What did your first setup look like?
My first set up was long, long ago when I joined the scout movement. However, I remember more the first set up I was using when I returned to the outdoors after my mental health crisis. I was running a British Army surplus poncho as my shelter, a Swedish army trangia cook set, a British army 58 pattern sleeping bag, and an old British army surplus NI pack to carry it in.
My clothing was a combination of army surplus clothing and whatever “day to day” clothing that was suitable.
What is your favorite accessory and why?
Can't beat a well used and stained enamel mug. Just pouring a coffee into it instantly makes me feel good. I have to retire them after a few years as they get beaten up and develop their own character so they are also mementos of the time spent out in the woods.
Alternatively, my tobacco pipe is my other favourite accessory although the pipe varies as the mood takes me. I always have one with me. Whilst smoking is bad for you, to me, a pipe with a coffee and a journal is one of the most peaceful ways to relax.
Although it seemed just a past time, sometimes, certain realizations can take us both back and forward. In Sam's case, feeling burnt out and disconnected in a management job, he eventually took a leap and found himself fully embracing his calling which has been part of his journey since the beginning.
Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life?
When I hit burnout in management, I realized I had got sick of being cooped up in offices staring at a laptop and being expected to treat people as nothing more than hours to invoice for and money that would go to the coffers of the company whilst the staff on the ground in direct contact with the individuals were working long hours for a small wage. I realized that my skills are with people, not being a traditional office worker or manager.
I also felt that a lot of companies will make a statement of valuing people or being client-focused right up until this placed the profits or the reputation of the company.at risk and then they changed their tune which didn't sit well with me.
I always feel better when I am outside and when I am interacting with people.
After I resigned from my management job I began working with Manse Ahmad of Wilderness Pioneers as a bushcraft instructor and youth mentor, where we utilize traditional bushcraft skills to mentor young people who need positive support and reinforcement of their value as individuals.
Do you have another day job, and if so, what is it?
Funnily, I recently resigned from my day job to fully focus my energies on developing The Forest Path. I am a firm believer that you should work to live not live to work. I also believe that you should be able to feel the work you do is in alignment with your own personal code of values, ethics, and morals. This has resulted in me developing a perspective that I want to work with people, not for companies.
Moving into running The Forest Path allows me to ensure the work I do aligns with these values.
How has your journey related to therapeutic wilderness evolved over time?
My journey has evolved over time as when I first began going outside. I was working on healing myself and rebuilding myself after my mental health issues, [and] I was more focused on myself and my own wellbeing.
As my understanding has developed my journey has evolved into sharing the healing merits of nature and time outside. I am more focused on sharing these benefits with a wider range of people than when I was working with young people or adults with learning disabilities. The therapeutic benefits of time in nature and the wilderness are beneficial for all and not for a small select group or those who have a clear diagnosis which indicates they are in need of support.
Sam's journey is both personal and inspiring: starting from their own healing journey in the wilderness, now he's venturing into something much bigger—a way to help others experience the same benefits that nature can offer.
What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?
I have been incredibly fortunate with my social media and [it has] made me so many genuine and close friendships. [This is] social media as it should be: encouraging connection and discussion about passions and shared interests. Having messages come through saying they enjoy my content or saying they’ve been inspired by my posts is incredibly rewarding.
Another is when people reach out as they are feeling bleak or low and need someone to talk to. Whilst I can't share these details, knowing I can be there and present when they need someone to speak with is a reward beyond words.
I say it in various posts but it isn't lip service: I would much rather someone reach out to me when they are struggling or going through experiences they feel they are unable to handle than they feel trapped or unable to keep moving through life. No one is an island and we are all in this life together so if I can help by listening, I will.
How has being part of the bushcraft/outdoor community you’re in influenced you?
Seeing how so many people benefit and use nature or the outdoors always influences me, it makes me keen to continue to share.
What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?
I will never ever turn down a jaffa cake. If I turn down a jaffa cake, I have probably been kidnapped and am trying to signal to you [that] I need rescue.
Can you share a memorable story or experience related to your journey?
I like to find memories in the simple, the quiet moments in the morning or evening by the campfire cooking or making a brew, appreciating the changes in seasons. Sharing these with my family and friends are my favourite experiences.
Before we get distracted by jaffa cakes, let's focus on Sam: social media has become a space where he's fostered meaningful connections and supported others. This is proof that we can find community and passion not just outdoors but, if we find the right group of people, online too!
In itself, this part of his story gets to the heart of what they do and isn't limited to just the people he encounter in real life. Talk about staying true to his vision!
How did you discover Lochby?
I found Lochby through instagram although I cannot remember where I first saw it. I was drawn to the products as they were in waxed canvas which I like aesthetically as well as for its practical uses.
What is your favorite Lochby product and why?
I have two favourites: the Field Journal and the pocket notebook cover (Pocket Journal). I carry both daily.
The Field Journal houses my bullet journal allowing me to track and maintain my life [and] the pocket notebook is used for making notes when I am running sessions, scrawling down inspirations and ideas I have.
How does Lochby help you with your creative or productive pursuits?
Keeping my journal and notebook well protected yet easily carried everywhere allows me to write down inspiration and ideas whenever the mood strikes me. I can also coordinate projects using the bujo with my Field Journal to plan larger or more involved projects.
Often, I will draft in bullet point form my substack articles whilst out, either in the evening around the fire or when out for a walk sat beneath a tree.
As someone constantly on the move, both physically and creatively, we're glad Sam found Lochby and our rugged and practical gear that can keep up with the demands of his outdoor lifestyle.
What role does creativity play in your life, and how do you nurture it?
Spending time in nature always nurtures my creativity, as well as reading widely. Creativity allows me to express my thoughts, views and perspective and share them with others.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?
To paraphrase Hemingway: The first draft is always shit.
It encourages me to remember that even the great writers had to edit and re-edit their creative writings. It's the practice and the doing that brings you to the end result and this takes time and effort.
What are your future plans or goals related to your passion?
I want to continue to spend time outdoors all through the year for many years to come. I would [also] like to spend more time in the mountains/hills of the UK. I’d like to fish more. I’d also like to go abroad and spend time in a boreal forest as this has yet to happen.
Plans for The Forest Path involve developing more fellowship by the fire groups, offering longer and deeper retreats, as well as more collaborations with like minded people.
As Sam continues his journey of healing, mentorship, and exploration, he reminds us that the path to personal growth often lies in reconnecting with the natural world. Whether through quiet moments by the fire or sharing bushcraft skills with others, his dedication to the outdoors is a testament to the power of nature to heal and inspire.
If you're looking for motivation to step outside, learn new skills, or simply reconnect with yourself, this is the perfect place to start!
Follow his journey on Instagram and visit The Forest Path website here.
