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. Our focus is drawn away from the constant stream of thoughts in our head to a more embodied presence of sensing and feeling. 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 and at Standen House, National Trust Woodlands, May to October. Make a day of it if you can. Both places make a wonderful day out, lots to see and do 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. Please note there is a parking charge for non members.


Saturday 7th September 10am - 12.30pm

Saturday 12th October 10am - 12.30pm

Saturday 9th November 10am -12.30pm

Saturday 21st December 10am - 12.30pm


Forest Bathing at Standen House and Gardens, National Trust (Rockinghill Woods) £38 price includes entry to house and gardens, with a hot drink in the cafe to close the session. Please book on events page link and scroll down for September and October dates.


Wednesday 4th September 10.30m - 1pm

Wednesday 2nd October 10.30am - 1pm


Winter Solstice at Dragons Green (private woodlands)

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


WOODLAND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE Emma Weaver and Tracy Jouhning @tracyannjouhning

Day Retreats at Oakwood West Estate near Chichester Friday 20th September 10.15am - 4.15pm £85

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).

Winter Wellbeing Walks, monthly near Henfield, starting Saturday 16th & Tuesday 26th November. A Mindful nature connection walk exploring the delights of the changing seasons, meandering along the hedgerows and footpaths overlooking the Downs and along the river Adur. This session includes a stops for relaxation and mindfulness practices. Please use contact form to request more information.


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