Bathe in woodland wellbeing

“Thank you for such a lovely experience. There was something about today that made for pure happiness. The chiffcaff singing. The chatter of fieldfares on their migration. The smell of the wild garlic. The smokey fire. Sunshine unexpectedly. The pale yellow primroses. The company of kind, interested friendly people. Delicious food. What a special day”. 

Dedicate some time to your own well-being. Relax, learn new skills and enjoy some social time around a camp fire with other like-minded people. 

We provide opportunities for ‘me time’ in a tranquil ancient woodland setting, surrounded by fields and with no public access; a great place to feel at ease and foster feelings of personal ease. The only visitors to the woodland are those who are invited, together with the birds and animals who choose to make the woodland their home.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and mindfulness, our sessions provide ‘space’ to dedicate some time to your own wellbeing through guided and self-directed activities. An opportunity to simply be in nature and be guided to connect with it through the senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch. The aim of the sessions are to send you home feeling relaxed and at ease with yourself, having developed skills to be fascinated by nature. The whole experience is about engaging the senses through connection with nature, which in turn helps relax and soothe body and mind.

Scientific research has proved that reconnecting with nature can reduce stress, improve the immune system and accelerate recovery from physical illness and mental distress. 

During the retreat sessions we will guide you in how to deepen your connection with nature, using simple exercises you can continue to use at home.  Once you’ve developed insight into how you can effectively  tune into what’s going on around you in nature  you’ll be amazed by how much more you notice and the benefits to  body and mind delivered from the experience.

There is a wealth of data that proves that time spent connecting with nature can help you to: 

• De-stress and replenish energy levels
• Improve your mood
• Decrease anxiety
• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve your concentration, creativity, and memory
• Increase resilience levels
• Calm emotional states
• Improve your sense of life satisfaction

Sessions are led by Susan Collini, B.Ed (Hons), Small Woods OCN trainer for Social Forestry, a level 3 Mindfulness In The Woods practitioner, and Forest School leader.

Full day wellbeing retreat – NEXT Will Be IN AUTUMN 2019 

Our full day retreats (5 hours) cost £45 per person and includes activities from the following (depending on weather conditions)

• Welcome circle and discussion
• Guided nature connection meditation
• Guided nature mindfulness walk
• Nature immersion activities
• Vegetarian lunch cooked on the campfire
• Art/craftwork using natural materials
• Tea ceremony
• Barefoot walking
• Hapa Zome
• Sky gazing from hammocks
• Reflection time
• Closing circle and discussion