Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)?

Forest bathing is a guided, mindful nature experience where participants gently engage their senses in a forest or woodland setting. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing supports relaxation, reduces stress and improves overall physical and mental wellbeing. It is not exercise or hiking, but a slow, restorative way of being in nature.

2. Is forest bathing suitable for everyone?

Forest bathing is suitable for most people who can safely enter a woodland environment. Sessions can be adapted for adults, children, families, schools and neurodiverse participants. If you have any mobility or health concerns, you are welcome to get in touch in advance to discuss your needs.

3. Can forest bathing really improve health and wellbeing?

Yes. Research shows forest bathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, support immune function, lower blood pressure, enhance sleep and increase focus and creativity. Many people also report a greater sense of calm, connection, and emotional balance after a session.

4. Is there scientific evidence to support forest bathing?

Yes. Forest bathing is supported by decades of research, particularly from Japan, and is now being actively studied by universities in the UK. Evidence supports its role in wellbeing, stress reduction, immune health and its growing use within initiatives such as green social prescribing.

5. What physical benefits does forest bathing provide?

Forest bathing may help to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress hormones, improve heart rate variability (HRV), balance blood pressure and support overall cardiovascular health. These effects are partly linked to time spent in calming environments and exposure to natural compounds released by trees.

6. How does forest bathing support mental health?

Spending mindful time in nature can reduce anxiety, lift mood, improve concentration, stimulate creativity and support emotional resilience. Forest bathing encourages slowing down, presence and nervous system regulation, helping people feel calmer and more grounded.

7. How long do the benefits of forest bathing last?

Many participants report feeling calmer and more uplifted for up to two weeks after a single session. Regular forest bathing can help deepen and sustain these benefits over time, supporting long-term wellbeing.

8. What can I expect to gain from a forest bathing session?

Every experience is unique, but common outcomes include a sense of calm, awe, connection and renewed energy. Participants often notice improved sleep, reduced anxiety, better focus and a deeper appreciation of nature and themselves.

9. What happens during a typical forest bathing session?

A typical session includes slow, mindful walking, gentle breathing practices, sensory awareness invitations, periods of rest and guided reflection. Sessions are led by a trained forest bathing guide and are designed to be inclusive, supportive and unhurried.

10. How long do forest bathing sessions last?

Most public and private sessions last 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the format. Shorter sessions are available for children, schools, families and private or corporate groups.

11. What types of forest bathing sessions does Connect With The Forest offer?

Connect With The Forest offers public group sessions, private one-to-one sessions, family sessions, seasonal boosters, course packages and tailored corporate wellbeing sessions. All sessions are guided using mindfulness and nature-based practices.

12. Does Connect With The Forest provide guided forest therapy sessions for individuals?

Yes. Connect With The Forest provides guided forest bathing (forest therapy) sessions for individuals across Surrey, London and the South of England. Sessions are led by an experienced, trained forest bathing practitioner and are available as one-to-one or small group experiences.

13. Are forest bathing sessions safe?

Yes. Safety is a priority. Risk assessments are carried out before each session and weather conditions are monitored carefully. Participants are guided to move gently, remain aware of their surroundings and treat nature with respect.

14. Do sessions go ahead in rain or bad weather?

Most sessions go ahead in light or moderate rain, as tree canopies provide shelter and rain can enhance the sensory experience. Sessions are postponed only in unsafe conditions, such as high winds or the risk of lightning.

15. Do I need to bring anything with me?

Please bring a mat or something to sit or lie on, drinking water and weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable layers are recommended so you can adjust to changing temperatures.

16. Do I need to remove clothing or get wet?

No. Forest bathing does not involve water immersion and there is no need to remove clothing. The name refers to being immersed in the forest atmosphere, not water.

17. Are sessions suitable for children, families and neurodiverse participants?

Yes. Connect With The Forest offers and adapts sessions for children, families, schools, and neurodiverse groups, creating supportive, playful, and accessible experiences that suit different needs and ages.

18. Can corporate or workplace groups take part in forest bathing?

Absolutely. Corporate forest bathing sessions offer a calm, inclusive alternative to traditional team-building activities and can support stress reduction, focus, creativity and wellbeing. Sessions are tailored to your organisation’s needs, with pricing available on request.

19. Where can I find upcoming events hosted by Connect With The Forest?

All upcoming forest bathing sessions, one day retreats and wellbeing events are listed on the Events page of the Connect With The Forest website. Updates are also shared via the mailing list and social media channels.

20. Where can I find resources on forest bathing for beginners?

Beginner-friendly resources are available through the Connect With The Forest website including articles, videos, podcasts and guided sessions. These are created by an experienced practitioner trained in forest bathing, mindfulness and breathwork.

21. Can you recommend programs that offer guided nature therapy sessions for families?

Connect With The Forest occasionally offers family-friendly nature connection sessions and collaborates with other wellbeing practitioners who specialise in family, child and intergenerational experiences. These sessions focus on playful exploration, sensory awareness and shared time in nature, supporting both children and adults to reconnect in a relaxed, screen-free way. Sessions are also done in conjunction with National Trust Locations and charities.

22 What are some engaging outdoor activities for families to connect with nature?

Engaging outdoor activities for families include slow woodland walks, sensory nature games, imagination games such as becoming a tree, walking on all fours, crawling, tree and leaf exploration, wildlife listening and creative play using natural materials. These activities are commonly used in guided forest bathing and nature therapy sessions across Surrey, London and the South of England to support wellbeing, curiosity and family connection.

23 How can I introduce my children to the benefits of spending time in nature?

Children benefit most from regular, relaxed time outdoors in local parks, woodlands and green spaces. Replacing Screen time with Green time. Keeping experiences simple, playful, and screen-free helps children naturally develop curiosity, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Even short visits to nature in Surrey, London and Southeast of England can support children’s mental and physical health. Nigel Grimes’ recently published children’s book, The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children To Discover The Magic Of Nature provides a good starting point.

24 How does it help children?

Children benefit from reduced stress, improved focus, enhanced emotional resilience, strengthened immune systems and a deeper connection with nature.

25. Are there any children’s books that teach mindfulness through nature?

Yes. The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover The Magic Of Nature (Paperback ISBN 978-1-9191677-0-1) written by Nigel Grimes is a children’s book from Connect With The Forest that introduces mindfulness, forest bathing, and nature connection through storytelling, supporting children and families to explore wellbeing through nature. The books is a picture storybook, with nature games, parental guidance, fun facts and science backed research references on the benefits of spending time in nature.

26. How can I purchase The Forest’s Secret children’s book?

The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover The Magic Of Nature is available in Paperback, Hardback and Signed Copies via this website, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble (USA) and Amazon. (Paperback ISBN 978-1-9191677-0-1).

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