Forest Bathing and Nature Connection in the York area

What is Shinrin-Yoku - Forest Bathing - and how can it help you?

Put simply, forest bathing is the act of being slow, quiet and intentional in nature. The practice was first developed in the 1980s in Japan as a result of scientific research. Studies show a number of mental and physical benefits to being mindful in nature, :

• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced anxiety symptoms
• Reduced pain symptoms
• Support for the parasympathetic nervous system
• Better sleep
• Better ability to concentrate.

In Japan, Shinrin-Yoku is taken so seriously it’s an established part of public health provision. In the UK, we are lagging behind somewhat, but, increasingly, forest bathing and nature connection activities are offered to patients through Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programmes.

What happens in a guided forest bathing session?

Unlike going for a hike, forest bathing doesn’t involve covering a lot of distance or working up a sweat. You don’t need to feel physically fit to attend a forest bathing session or worry about not keeping up. We move slowly, and sit or stand quietly, immersed in what nature has to offer.

I am a FB+ guide, certified with The Forest Bathing Institute. As a guide I slowly take you on a prepared route, with an invitation to engage with nature through all your senses. We might listen out for birdsong, engage our sense of smell and touch, and optionally hug a tree! We often incorporate a mindful tea break too, to engage our senses of taste and smell more fully.

Forest Bathing sessions are quiet and tech-free (no chatting or taking photos as we take part!), with opportunities to share what you notice at specific points. As with Circles, it’s not unusual for emotions to arise: all are welcome, and you are never under pressure to share.

A Forest Bathing session typically lasts 2-3 hours, though it’s wonderful to have longer! It’s also possible to do mini ‘nature connection’ sessions, which might not give you the full forest bathing immersive experience, but can still invite the calm and sense of release time under the trees can bring.

Sounds great, book me in!

I will list upcoming Forest Bathing sessions here. In the meantime, join the mailing list to make sure you hear about the next events.

 Resources list

If you’d like to read more about the importance of connecting with nature for our health, and our planet, these are some of my favourite books (secondhand where possible, and no affiliate links!):

Losing Eden: Why our minds need the wild  Lucy Jones

Finding the Mother Tree  Suzanne Simard

Shinrin-Yoku The art and Science of Forest Bathing Dr Qing Li

Wild service: Why Nature Needs You Nick Hayes and Jon Moses (editors)

Any Questions?

Feel free to ask any questions about Forest Bathing and the sessions I run