Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy

Mindfulness in Nature and Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku - Spending Immersive Time Under The Canopy of Trees to Reduce Stress and Promote Wellbeing. It’s a nature connection practice that started to become popular in Japan during the 1980’s. Scientific research has been done to measure the healing benefits derived from simply being in a forest or woodland setting in a mindful way. It also gives us a chance to enjoy our forests and green spaces and encourages us to want to take more care of them.


These are some of the benefits reported after just 2 hours of Forest Therapy:

Can help reduce stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression

Improves and elevates mood

Reduces or normalises blood pressure

Boosts immune system, stimulates NK cells

Has an anti inflammatory effect

Decreases blood glucose levels

Stimulates creative energy

Helps you sleep better


“When we suffer the Earth embraces us, accepts us and restores our energy, making us strong and stable. The relief we seek is right under our feet and all around us”.

Thich Nhat Hanh

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing and Mindfulness in Nature is such a simple concept yet can be amazingly soothing and transformative. It helps us to slow down, come into the present moment and just enjoy the natural environment around us. It’s a slow walk around a woodland trail with invitations to explore the environment through mindfulness and relaxation. Forest Bathing is amazingly simple yet powerfully soothing and rejuvenating. Described by one of our participants as an Outdoor Spa for the Mind.


Forest Bathing includes some gentle breathing exercises which bring the additional benefit of inhaling the woodland aromatherapy, including the tree chemicals known as phytoncides which can help to boost our immune system. Monthly sessions are available at Leonardslee all year round. Make a day of it if you can, lots more to see after Forest Bathing. Ticket price includes entry for the whole day!

Forest Bathing at Leonardslee £35 (members 10% discount) Includes entry to gardens and hot drink in the cafe to close the session 12.30-1pm. Please note there is a parking charge for non members. Please see booking link on events page.

Saturday 9th November 10am -12.30/1pm

Saturday 21st December 10am - 12.30/1pm

(winter solstice, an opportunity to escape Christmas pressures and ground yourself in nature)

Saturday 25th January 10am - 12.30/1pm

Friday 28th February 10am - 12.30/1pm

Saturday 22nd March 10am - 12.30/1pm

Saturday 26th April 10am - 12.30/1pm

Saturday 21st June 10am - 12.30/1pm


Winter Solstice at Dragons Green, previous Forest Bathing experience recommended (private woodlands)

Friday 20th December 10.30am - 1pm £35 by bank transfer. Please contact me for more information.

Winter Wellbeing Walks, monthly starting Saturday 16th & Tuesday 26th November £20

These walks are one morning and one afternoon a month near Henfield. Designed to help boost wellbeing over the winter when it’s not always easy to motivate yourself to get out and walk alone. You’ll be walking in a small friendly group, gently meandering along the hedgerows and country paths. The walks are over a distance of about 5-6km, just enough to help boost our cardio/metabolic health and to keep us warm so that we can have regular stops to practice mindfulness and guided meditation. I supply lightweight folding stools for the seated exercises. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page if you would like to join me.

Saturday 16th November 10.00am - 12.00pm

Tuesday 26th November 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Saturday 7th December 10.00am - 12.00pm

Tuesday 17th December 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Saturday 11th January 10.00am - 12.00pm

Tuesday 21st January 1.30pm - 3.30pm


WOODLAND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE Emma Weaver and Tracy Jouhning @tracyannjouhning

Day Retreats at Oakwood West Estate near Chichester, dates coming soon for 2025.

These retreats focus on reconnecting individuals with nature, promoting harmony and healing. A unique blend of practices for self care and deeper spiritual connection with nature and the changing seasons.

Gentle Tai Chi Chih and Qigong, Mindfulness and Forest Bathing, Bach Flower Remedy Workshop (includes your own unique essence blend to take home for ongoing support) and Yoga Nidra Relaxation.

Small groups 10 max (indoor space for inclement weather and toilets on site).


Nature Therapy, Mindful walks and Forest Bathing for friends, occasions and celebrations

Please contact me to discuss how I can bespoke a special event for your group.

Private sessions available at Leonardslee

10 + or corporate please contact me for a quotation

Guided woodland walks and Shinrin Yoku for small groups/corporate/retreats

Time in nature is wonderful for relieving stress and re energising mind and body.

Contact Me

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the therapies I offer or to book a place on one of my events.

You can also call me or leave a message on 07748617867