Wellbeing Get Together – Forest Bathing

October’s Wellbeing Get Together was held in the beautiful surroundings of Box Hill, where we enjoyed some forest bathing.

Forest bathing originated in Japan and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. So, what is it!? It has nothing to do with swimming or water – well unless it is raining! The Japanese name Shinrin Yoku literally translates as “taking in the forest atmosphere” and it’s about slowing down, moving mindfully through the trees, being fully present and engaging all of your senses with the natural world around you.

It was a chilly but sunny autumn morning when we met our guide, Catherine. Whilst the weather had been kind to us, the traffic had not. So, some of our group had already had a stressful morning navigating delays and roadworks! We walked and wheeled a short way down the accessible path and gathered together in a clearing.

Catherine explained to us some of the health benefits of forest bathing and about some amazing chemicals called Phytoncides. These are natural antimicrobial compounds that trees release to protect themselves from germs and insects. When we breathe them in our levels of Cortisol (a stress hormone) drop, our immune function improves, our blood pressure drops, and our nervous systems shift from stressed-out mode to calm and balanced.

Guided by Catherine we started to focus on our breathing and noticing what we could see around us. The different colours of the leaves, tree trunks and the earth. The variety of shades of brown, green, yellow and orange. The patterns of the tree trunks and branches. We observed the light and shade and the sunlight diffusing through the branches. We noticed the sounds around us, the birdsong, the wind rustling through the leaves, the distant chatter and laughter of children and families, even the squeaky wheel of the mountain trike!

We moved slowly further down the trail, continuing to notice what we could see and hear. Then we were encouraged to start exploring what we could feel. The different textures of the bark, the contrast of rough with smooth, the softness of the moss. We moved gently on again, to another clearing and this time started to use our noses! First, taking in deep breaths of forest air and then Catherine encouraged us to explore the smell of the leaves and bark. We even grabbed a handful of the soil and leaf mulch on the forest floor and breathed in its scent. We finished with a short relaxation exercise, a cup of mint tea and the chance to share our thoughts about the experience if we wanted to. It was a wonderfully relaxing morning and lovely to connect with each other and nature in this beautiful setting.

If you want to give forest bathing a try you can attend a guided session or you can just get out and give it a go! There are many accessible sites in the Surrey Hills with trails suitable for wheelchairs or the opportunity to borrow an all-terrain trike. There’s no wrong way to forest bathe. Start with just 20 minutes in any green space with trees. Leave your phone behind (or switch it to airplane mode) and begin walking more slowly than usual. Focus on engaging your senses: What do you smell? What sounds can you hear? How does the air feel on your skin? As long as you are respectful to nature around you (and other site users) and avoiding contact with any plants you don’t recognise as safe, you can let your senses guide you.

Our Wellbeing Get Togethers are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

If you would like support to find a forest bathing session or advice on accessible forests near you, please contact Katy:

Email: katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk

Phone/SMS 07434865062