Luonto Living
Guided landscape interpretation sessions across the South of Scotland, inspired by Finnish outdoor culture.
Philosophy
Luonto Living was created from the belief that landscapes are more than beautiful scenery.
Every landscape tells a story shaped by geology, ecology, climate, history and the people who have lived within it. By learning to understand these stories, people often develop a stronger sense of connection, curiosity and care for the natural world.
My approach has been strongly influenced by Finnish outdoor culture, where spending time in nature is regarded not simply as recreation but as an ordinary and valuable part of everyday life. Rather than separating education from wellbeing, Luonto Living brings the two together.
The aim is not simply to show people interesting places, but to help them notice things they might otherwise have walked past.
Through landscape interpretation, ecological understanding and quiet observation, I hope participants leave each session with a greater appreciation of the places around them and a deeper desire to care for them.
Experiences
From peaceful woodlands and quiet coastlines to open hills and hidden corners of the Scottish Borders, Luonto Living offers a range of guided landscape experiences inspired by the Finnish tradition of spending meaningful time outdoors. Each small-group session combines ecology, geography and history with gentle landscape interpretation, encouraging curiosity, conversation and a deeper connection with place. All experiences include outdoor coffee or tea and homemade Finnish pulla, because sharing food and conversation outdoors is just as much a part of the experience as the walk itself. No prior knowledge is needed—just a willingness to slow down, observe and discover the stories every landscape has to tell.
About Ina
My professional background combines environmental education, landscape interpretation and international guiding experience.
I hold a BSc in Sustainable Regional Management, a Finnish vocational qualification in Nature Guiding, and a PGCE in Geography from the University of Leicester.
Alongside my academic background, I spent several years leading horseback tours through rural Transylvania, where I developed a strong interest in helping people understand landscapes through ecology, history and culture rather than simply viewing them as scenery.
As a fluent speaker of English, German and Finnish, I bring an international perspective to landscape interpretation and outdoor education. I am able to deliver guided experiences in all three languages, allowing Luonto Living to appeal particularly to German-speaking visitors in southern Scotland and providing opportunities to work with international tourism partners in the future.In addition to public landscape interpretation sessions, Luonto Living is also developing educational collaborations and bespoke nature-based wellbeing sessions for schools, community groups and organisations. Drawing on a background geography education, outdoor guiding and working in different countries, these experiences can be tailored to different audiences and learning objectives - with the long-term goal of making landscape interpretation accessible to a wide range of people through education, wellbeing and cultural exchange.
