Introduction to Forest Bathing

This session is a gentle introduction to Forest Bathing for those with limited or no experience of mindfulness and meditation. We hope our new 2-hour session will open the benefits of Forest Bathing up to a wider audience.

Gary and Olga have previously run trials for universities, wildlife charities, such as the RSPB and Woodland Trust and academic institutions as well as the NHS. These trials have led to a University of Essex study into their work. They are also regularly featured in the media, including the BBC.

ABOUT FOREST BATHING:

In Japan, a forest bathing trip is called Shinrin-yoku.

“A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in (wood essential oils). Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_bathing

Some of the scientifically proven benefits of spending time in nature include reduced stress levels, stronger immune system response, and a stabilised cortisol cycle. We have teamed up with US and UK-based universities and will begin field trials later in 2018.

In December 2017 a group of staff members from Lexden Hospital Health in Mind joined one of our Forest Bathing sessions. Sample reviews below.

Liz Harrington (Deputy Clinical Lead) “Their knowledge about the forest and the trees was amazing and a bonus, a walk and science lesson in one session. I felt really uplifted and reflected on this on the drive home, I truly could not believe the impact it had on me. If I had not been and experienced it for myself I would not have believed how transforming it was. Thank you.”

Simon Brown (Psychological Therapist) “The forest bathing was fantastic. Slept really well that night and will be trying to do this on a monthly basis eg 2-3hrs.”

Kate Goodge (Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) “I realised how out of touch we are with nature from the walk and I want to be able to carry on experiencing a part of myself which is just present when I am going out for walks in nature and appreciating the natural beauty/ecosystem around me.”

Our Youtube channel

You can find various short videos of our Forest Bathing here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDb27FXYvnNPol3Yn0o-PXRdFKvbfn8Uf

GETTING THERE:

LOCATION: There are on-site toilets and free parking available.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

The nearest train station is Gomshall which is 1.7 miles away. We will do our best to help facilitate pickups from the station if required.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE– please, ensure you RSVP and pay to secure a place.

PRICE:

Single Ticket: £14 for 2 hours – you can pay by Paypal on Meetup (with £1 surcharge per ticket), or by bank transfer – please contact us for more information.

Concessions (students, pensioners, benefit recipients). PLEASE, CONTACT US FOR PAYMENT DETAILS. We will ask for evidence of concession eligibility.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Please, be aware that by clicking “RSVP YES” and paying for your ticket, as well as coming to the event and paying there, you confirm you have read and agreed to our TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Minors: Please, be aware our walks are aimed at adults due to the profound nature of Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy. We ask that 16 and 17 years olds are accompanied by adults (guardians or parents). We can not admit anyone younger than 16 years old (sorry!).

Medical conditions/prescribed medications/pregnancy: if you are pregnant, please, inform us before the event. If you have any medical conditions, are on a prescribed medication, are pregnant, or have any concerns, please, see your GP and inform him/her about attending our Nature Therapy sessions, this will allow your GP to give appropriate advice. If you currently experience or have a history of serious health issues (including mental health issues, operations, medical procedures, seizures, implants, special needs), please, inform us before the walk.