About Us

Shaped by our experiences in nature, informed by global research, we bring understanding, passion, respect and commitment to our roles.

Our Story

We believe if more people have positive experiences in natural places the world will be in greater harmony

‘It’s Naturally You’ was founded by Rob and Emma, who first crossed paths working together at Rob’s company, Evidentiary. Here they undertook evidence-based research to help environmental organisations apply the findings to on-ground projects.

Excited by this, they had many spirited discussions on how the science was confirming their own personal experiences – that time spent in nature and amongst natural elements made them feel better too.

Wouldn’t it be great to work with others outdoors and use the knowledge learned from this research to help people to improve their health?

Emma and Rob undertook several research projects investigating the relationships between human health and well-being and time spent in the natural environment. The research found overwhelmingly that interaction with nature and natural elements (such as plants, fresh air and natural light) has a profoundly positive impact on human health and well-being.

As a scientist who has pioneered the use of evidence based environmental research in Australia, Rob knew the importance of global research findings and wanted to put this into practice while combining this with his deep experience of living and working in the bush.

Emma gained more experience leading groups of people outdoors, working as a Wildlife Guide in national parks and becoming a certified Forest Therapy Guide

Our Team

We are an exciting fusion of passion, fun, science and our team’s applied experience leading groups in the outdoors.

Emma Swann

Emma developed a strong love for nature at a young age, starting as a 3 year old in highland Papua New Guinea playing with bows and arrows and finding frogs. Growing up in Warrandyte saw many summer days swimming in the Yarra River. Every school holidays were spent in the Central Highlands of Victoria on 400 acres of bush, roaming through blue gum forests and feeling awed by granite boulders.

She has had a diverse career working as a Legal Practitioner at a Melbourne law firm, teaching English as a Second Language in Colombia and after completing a Master of Environmental Management, working as a Researcher in environmental evidence-based practice at Evidentiary.

Emma has worked as a Wildlife Guide taking tourists off the beaten track into some of Victoria’s most beautiful natural landscapes spotting wild animals and birds.

She has also studied and practiced Vipassana meditation, studied nature connection through the University of Derby and is an Accredited Forest Therapy Guide with INFTA. Emma is excited to bring her love of the outdoors, guiding, teaching and academic knowledge together in the programs that ‘It’s Naturally You’ have to offer.

Rob Richards

Rob has worked in the environmental sector for over 30 years since graduating from university (Bachelor of Natural Resources), working as an outback ecologist, educator and more recently running his own business (Evidentiary) undertaking evidence based research.

When growing up Rob’s family holidays were spent in National Parks exploring, hiking, nature watching and developing a deep appreciation of the unique nature of the Australian bush. As an ecologist Rob spent many months each year undertaking field work in isolated semi-arid and arid environments, often solo, during which time he developed bush craft skills including survival, navigation, bush cooking, animal tracking and “reading” the bush.

Regular contact with nature has always been a fundamental part of the maintenance of Rob’s physical and mental health for restoration, relaxation and re-engaging the sensors.

Raising young children of his own now, Rob is acutely aware of the
developmental and health and well-being benefits of spending time in natural environments and provides as many opportunities as possible for his children to follow their own natural curiosity and reach their full potential.

What people are saying

This is how people feel after a forest therapy walk.

"I feel lighter and stress-free."

JOHN SALUSTRI

"I noticed the beauty around me and feel relaxed and re-energised."

KARLIE GARTNER

"I feel more present and my senses are sharper."

ILAN ABERGEL

“I feel more in the land, more in my body, tuned into nature, happy. I feel more like me.”

RYTA KUNCIANAS

“I feel happier and more centred. I also have a greater sense of my place in nature, allowing me to shift perspective and be positive and relevant."

NAOMI GRAY

“An incredibly memorable experience”

RORY HAYES

Free Gift - nature sounds

We're recording the stunning soundscapes of our remote Gippsland property 'Bemm Bush Retreat.' Feel relaxed and inspired by the sounds of the natural world and bring some wildness into your day. Click below for the free track 'Bemm River Birdsong.'

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