Forest Bathing: Mindful Nature Therapy
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a mindful and sensory experience in forests and woodlands that helps you relax, recharge and reconnect with nature. Developed in Japan in the 1980s, it involves slowing down, opening your senses, and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Sessions are guided by qualified instructors and are accessible to most people, including children and neurodiverse groups. Forest bathing is also increasingly recognised as part of social prescribing, offering a natural way to support mental and physical wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Forest Bathing?
It is a mindful nature experience where participants engage their senses in a forest or woodland. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress and improves overall wellbeing.
2. Is it suitable for everyone?
Yes, anyone who can safely enter the woods can participate. Sessions can be adapted for children, schools, neurodiverse groups and adults.
3. Do I need to get wet or remove clothing?
No. Despite the name, no water immersion is involved. Dress in layers suitable for the weather and bring a mat or water if you like.
4. How long are the sessions?
Most sessions last around two to three hours, but shorter sessions are available for children or private groups.
5. Can Forest Bathing really improve health?
Yes. Research shows it can reduce anxiety, improve mood, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and enhance focus, creativity and sleep.
The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover the Magic of Nature
The Forest’s Secret is a delightful children’s picture book that blends storytelling, mindfulness and outdoor play to nurture curiosity, calm and wellbeing. Designed for children, families and educators, it introduces the joys of forest bathing, sensory mindfulness and nature connection in a fun and accessible way. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, children learn to slow down, explore their surroundings and build emotional resilience - all while enjoying time outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is The Forest’s Secret about?
It’s a children’s book that combines a story with practical activities to help kids discover the calming, joyful and health benefits of spending time in nature.
2. Who is the book suitable for?
The book is perfect for children aged 3–10, families, educators and children’s groups looking to encourage outdoor exploration and mindfulness.
3. What activities are included in the book?
It includes nature games, mindful exercises, sensory activities and creative tasks such as sound scavenger hunts, texture trails, mindful movement and tree community circles.
4. How does it help children?
Children benefit from reduced stress, improved focus, enhanced emotional resilience, strengthened immune systems and a deeper connection with nature.
5. Where can I buy the book?
The Forest’s Secret is available in Paperback, Hardback, and Signed Copies via this website, Waterstones, Blackwells, Amazon and Barnes and Noble (USA).
Upcoming Events
“We recently booked a Forest Bathing activity for our interns with autism and/or learning disabilities, and it turned out to be a great success. Nigel provided a truly unique journey amidst the natural beauty of Wimbledon Common, which was both calming and informative.
During this experience, we discovered the therapeutic benefits of Forest Bathing, and the whole team felt a profound sense of self-awareness and growth. Additionally, the activity provided a wonderful opportunity for the team to socialise and learn more about each other, enhancing their social skills in a relaxed setting.
I highly recommend this activity to education providers who wish to empower their neurodiverse students with the incredible gifts of nature and personal growth. It's a fantastic outdoor activity.” Oscar
Forest Bathing as part of Social Prescribing
The term ‘Social Prescribing’ involves a recognition that health can be affected by a wide range of factors, including employment, housing, debt, social isolation and culture. An estimated one in five patients consult their GP for what is primarily a social problem.
Traditional medical interventions and treatments do not help, so doctors and other professionals are increasingly interested in suggesting, or prescribing, non-clinical activities and services to improve wellbeing, such as gardening, cookery and art classes.
Forest Bathing fits nicely into the mix of activities for social prescribing and that is why it is growing in popularity amongst the medical and mental health professions. It is like having a complementary or alternative NHS…Nature’s Health Service ®