Forest Bathing Experience in the Forest of Dean

About Us

Discover forest bathing and increase your health and wellbeing with a session in the Forest of Dean. Your guide Carina is a licensed, certified guide (ANFT) and the experience is carried out in a peaceful forest, with slow walking and sensory invitations.

Shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing) means ‘bathing’ all the senses, whilst walking slowly in the forest. When taking in the forest atmosphere like this, the brain naturally switches off from the ‘sustained directed attention’ of life’s daily pressures. Shinrin-yoku is restorative, both mentally and physically, like a bath.

Regular forest bathing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, improves empathy and creativity, and boosts our immune systems!

Walking in the forest in this way is not like hiking in the woods, nor indeed does it involve collecting or recording information and images like a naturalist or for social media.

What to expect...

Your experience will be guided by trained forest therapy guide Carina Greenwood. Carina will offer four invitations; lasting between 10 and 20 minutes designed to connect you with the surroundings, to tune in your senses. There will then be a 'foraged tea' ceremony in the forest and some light, healthy snacks.

Where does Shinrin-yoku come from?

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) originated in Japan. As a term it was invented in 1982 by the then Director General of The Agency of Agriculture and Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, Tomohide Akiyama, who stated that people in Japan were in need of healing through nature.

About the location

This forest site is peaceful and nestled within a secluded mixed woodland setting, overlooking the tree canopy and the surrounding Forest of Dean. You will not go far from this single gently sloping forest track, ensuring easy navigation. Relax and be fanned by the low hanging branches of beech trees as you stroll between soft green carpets of moss. Here you can find stillness and calm.

Getting there:

• Car: Free parking.
• Train: Lydney Station is a twenty minute taxi ride away.
• By bike.

Facilities:

• Restaurant/Café at The Dean Heritage Centre.
• Toilets and accessible toilets (from the road) at The Dean Heritage Centre.

FAQs

Who is it for?

Unlike many other forest activities, it’s especially suitable for those who may not choose normally to go for a walk in the woods or exert themselves. It’s not necessary to be particularly fit. It’s gentle, inclusive, pleasurable and welcoming – perfect for those convalescing or taking time out from busy lives.

Children aged 8 or over are welcome. It’s a reflective experience. Group sizes are intentionally small and an experience could be booked by a couple, family or friends.

What to bring?

Forest bathing is slow. It’s not a physically exerting activity, but it is outside for the duration, so it’s very important to stay warm. More clothes are needed than for a normal walk in the woods.

• Layers of clothing which can go in a back pack, along with waterproof clothing, plus walking boots or trainers.
• A notepad or sketchbook (if you wish).

Can a forest bathing experience cater for my specific mental of physical health needs?

Please inform Carina if you think there is anything she should be aware of regarding your mental or physical health. 

Please see website for further details.