WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Julie, Participant
Thank you for reminding me of the peacefulness and tranquillity of ‘stopping’ and reconnecting with nature in the woods, I can feel a physical calmness following our session.
Sean, Participant
I saw everyday happenings from fresh perspectives. Laying underneath a tree watching the rain flick off tree parts then hit me, it brought me back to the innocent boy within, laughter! Seeing the underside of the fern through the eye glass was a whole new experience.
Margaret, Participant
Stress levels reduce before I arrive as I look forward to coming (4th session) and the rewards the session will bring. I felt calm all morning and productive knowing I have my time in the woods. I am really benefitting the repeat sessions, learning, connecting and discovering more each session.
The Forest Bathing Experience
It is time for the exhausted, overworked and overwhelmed to rediscover the simplicity of health and wellbeing. To give ourselves permission to wander aimlessly in the forest again, to fully engage our senses and realise that to live well is to find that elusive place of peace.
What happens on a guided Forest Bathing walk?
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On a Forest Bathing walk the guide will offer a series of 'invitations' for you to participate in activities that deepen your connection with nature.
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The walk presents an opportunity to step away from your busy schedule and take time to reawaken all of your senses. Activities are carefully selected for the group and interspersed with opportunities to share.
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Forest Bathing walks are open-ended, there are no expectations placed on the participant. The walks are between 2 and three hours and are intentionally slow. they are designed to be accessible to all.
Who is Forest Bathing for?
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Shinrin yoku is the Japanese term for ‘forest bathing,’ which is standard preventative medicine in Japan. The practice emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise for people who were overworked and overwhelmed by the stress of modern life.
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Many cultures have known for thousands of years that spending time in nature improves our health and wellbeing- forest bathing is for everybody.
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You don't need lots of experience of spending time in nature to enjoy forest bathing. It is for the complete nature novice and the nature expert.
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Forest Bathing can be experienced in a number of ways. private guided walks, group walks or family walks.
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Forest Bathing is for children too and is an excellent way to help children disconnect from digital technology and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
What is a Forest Bathing Guide?
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A certified Forest Bathing guide is an individual who has completed a training program by a recognised training provider.
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A guide will be skilled in leading individuals and groups on walks in the outdoors in a way that deepens their connection with nature and self.
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A guide is skilled in deep nature connection and experienced in holding space for people in nature from all backgrounds.
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A guide will have detailed knowledge and experience about the woodland environment.
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Your guide will be qualified in Outdoor First Aid
All Forest Bathing walks are guided by
Danny English
Danny is a qualified Nature Therapy Guide and has over 20 years experience working in the outdoors. He holds a first class honours degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education, is a Forest School Leader and Forest School Trainer and is also qualified in child and adolescent counselling. Danny has a deep affinity for nature and has carried the practice of deep nature connection with him throughout his professional career and personal life.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the session and would highly recommend. Very calming, grounding and humbling. Danny has an amazing energy, very knowledgeable and passionate about Forest Bathing and the incredible benefits. I feel a lot calmer, and centred after the session. There is a lot to be said for slowing down and getting back to nature, thank you."
ONE-TO-ONE
Forest Bathing can offer various psychological and physiological benefits that address chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stress, anxiety and depression. The benefits of Forest Bathing also include improved mood and better sleep. Nevertheless, some people facing challenges in their life may find it difficult to join a group walk and may prefer a more personal one-to-one walk. Danny is experienced working in groups and with clients on a one-to-one basis. An initial consultation will help us understand your needs and ensure your sessions are tailored personally for you.
CORPORATE
GROUP SESSIONS
Forest Bathing was initially developed in Japan under the name 'Shinrin Yoku' to help an overworked, overwhelmed and exhausted national workforce access the wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature. We have been 'Forest Bathing' for centuries; it is only in our over-digitalised world that people lose sight of the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature. Now, with a greater focus on health and wellbeing in the workplace, people are returning to nature to improve their relationships and mood. Heartwood runs a range of bespoke events to suit all groups; after an initial consultation, we tailor your very own personal wellbeing experience