11:34, 10 April 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
A campaign launched by GoodGym and WWF invites everyone to join free fitness and environmental activities.
In a unique push for environmental action and better mental health, WWF has joined forces with community fitness charity GoodGym to launch Workout for Nature – a month-long nationwide initiative that blends exercise with hands-on volunteer projects across the UK.
Kicking off from the 7th April, the campaign invites people of all fitness levels to join free, 90-minute sessions that combine group walks or runs with practical conservation activities, from tree planting and litter-picking to gardening and community clean-ups. Taking place in over 50 towns and cities, the initiative aims to engage 1,000 new participants ahead of Earth Day on 22nd April.
Each session offers a “Workout for Nature”, where participants contribute to local green spaces or support charities while getting active and connecting with others. It’s part of WWF’s wider Prescription for Nature campaign, which promotes the mental health benefits of spending just 20 minutes a day in nature.
To launch the initiative, mountaineer and founder of Muslim Hikers, Haroon Mota, joined volunteers for a walk and gardening session at Horsenden Farm.
“What’s uniquely powerful about Workout for Nature is that it brings people from all walks of life together to restore nature and, in doing so, restore ourselves,” he said.
The timing is urgent. The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries globally, with nearly 1,500 species at risk. At the same time, mental health issues remain widespread, with one in six people in England experiencing common mental health challenges weekly. Yet, studies show that combining physical activity with community volunteering can significantly reduce stress, loneliness and mental distress – while boosting a sense of purpose and belonging.
Emma Collacott, Head of Public Engagement Campaigns at WWF UK, said: “Workout for Nature is about more than steps or personal bests. It’s about reconnecting – with nature, our communities, and ourselves.”
Whether you’re a runner, a rambler, or simply curious to make a difference, the message is clear: move your body, nurture your mind, and give back to the planet.
👉 Find your nearest session and sign up here: Workout for Nature – GoodGym
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
WWF. This UK charity is a leading environmental charity working to restore nature, combat climate change, and promote sustainable living to protect the planet for future generations.e. Find out more.
GoodGym. This charity is a community of runners and walkers who combine getting fit with doing good, supporting local projects and vulnerable people through physical volunteering tasks. Learn more here.
Ramblers. This organisation advocates for accessible walking routes and their Wellbeing Walks programme supports gentle exercise outdoors, while tying in with the movement and mindfulness themes of the campaign. Support them here.
