Our Story
We are passionate about using nature to help you to feel more like your real self.
‘It’s Naturally You’ was founded by Rob and Emma, who first crossed paths working together at Rob’s company, Evidentiary. Here they helped environmental organisations to understand scientific research and apply its knowledge to their work.
In one project they read over 2000 research papers about the natural environment and human health. 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 wellbeing.
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?
As a scientist who has pioneered the use of evidence based environmental research in Australia, Rob explored and read every bit of research he could find on the topic, particularly to understand why and how being in natural environments improves human health.
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 sound science and our team’s applied experience leading groups in the outdoors.
Rob Richards
Rob has worked in the environmental sector for almost 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.
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. She spent her primary school years living in Warrandyte and spent many hot 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 and peppermint forests, feeling awed by granite boulders and drinking cool, clear water from a spring- fed creek.
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 also worked as a Wildlife Guide taking tourists off the beaten track into some of Victoria’s most beautiful natural landscapes, spotting wild animals and guiding bird-focused tours for keen overseas birdwatchers.
Having studied and practiced Vipassana meditation and recently completed Guide training in Forest Therapy, 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.