About Us
* Live well with trees * Discover shinrin-yoku – and increase your health and wellbeing with an all-day forest bathing session in beautiful open gardens in the Brecon Beacons.
Shinrin-yoku is the practice of bathing all the senses whilst taking in the forest atmosphere. It's a slow practice; this session involving walking no more than 2km. 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!
What to expect...
Your experience will be guided by trained forest therapy guide Carina Greenwood.
- Carina will offer invitations; lasting between 10 and 20 minutes designed to connect you with the surroundings, to tune in your senses.
- Price includes lunch in the garden/room.
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.
Nant-y-Bedd Forest Garden
This site, nestled in the Black Mountains, north of Abergavenny is truly a sanctuary; a place to restore your whole being and leave technology behind.
The small, private 3.5 acre conifer woodland close by to parking and facilities passes via a wild flower meadow and natural swimming pond. The gentle meandering paths are flat and soft with pine needles under foot- perfect for those unable to walk very far or recovering from injury. These lead you immediately, via a small number of steps to the edge of the Grwyne Fawr river which is SSSI - designated for salmon and otter amongst other things, as well as being a Special Area for Conservation (SAC). Here you can dip your toes and wander along its grassy bank. There is a bench to sit on along the way and when it has rained, marvel at the water fall on the opposite bank.
The secluded forest garden of Nant-y-Bedd; now in its eleventh year, is part of the National Garden Scheme and from 2019 also an RHS Partner. It contains unusual fruit trees and pergolas of heavily scented roses and an organic vegetable garden. It sits below a hazel copse, carpeted with bluebells and daffodils in Spring. A stream flows down through the garden.
The whole site, garden and woodland, is artfully contained and managed for biodiversity and sustainability. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Forest surrounds it; with its picturesque, old, timber forestry sheds still standing. This wider Forest contains broadleaved trees such as ash and beech, along with larch. The branches drip with lichen and the forest complements the garden and woodland area nestled below. NRW tracks lead away from the garden and take you up steeper mossy paths with views in to the surrounding canopy and gorges below – (for those keen to explore further, unguided).
Access, facilities and directions:
N.B: Please download the directions on the garden website www.nantybedd.com before leaving home and put the name of the garden in to your Sat Nav if using one.
Parking is available opposite the house by the wood sheds and is within easy walking distance to the woodland and river.
A Beautiful tea room and toilet is within easy reach of the woodland and garden.
There are a couple of steps up to the tea room but these can be avoided when the double garden doors are opened in the Summer.
FAQs
Is it a solo or group thing?
It’s a reflective experience. Group sizes are intentionally small, typically 4-8 people, making it a great gift for your partner, friend, or as a couple.
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.
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).
How can I contact the organiser?
You can contact Carina directly by emailing carina@forestbathe.co.uk. Carina will get in touch with you before the event via email.
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. You can do this by filling out the brief questionnaire you will receive by email shortly after booking. Please check your junk emails if it has not arrived or contact Carina.
She will make every effort to make sure that your needs are catered for and is happy to chat to you about this prior to booking if you have questions or concerns at carina@forestbathe.co.uk. Forest Bathe's Privacy Notice is available on the website.
Can I update my registration information?
Yes, please get in touch with Carina to do so.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please check your emails from Forestbathe prior to attending in case of cancellation (due to adverse weather conditions or other unlikely unforeseen circumstances), in these cases Carina will transfer your ticket to a new future date.
Can I buy Forest Bathe Experience as a gift?
Yes! If you’re buying the experience for someone else or indeed for yourself, please do not book later than 24hrs before the date so that Carina can provide for your individual needs having been in touch by email.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Ticket | £75.00 per adult |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for groups
Parking
- Free Parking