Forest bathing

WELL-BEING FORESTS IN

Jean Nairn, certified forest therapy guide at Woodlands Breathing, explains the concept of forest bathing and the opportunity it might present for landowners looking to diversify.

Despite the challenges of recent months, new opportunities have arisen. Living through the pandemic has encouraged many people to explore their local surroundings and to be curious about the natural environment around them. For some, as a way to protect and improve their mental health, and to slow down, they have sought refuge in local woods and parks. This may have rekindled a renewed connection with nature from childhood, or perhaps they have been introduced for the first time.

The past year has brought changes in our lives and work, and for some, particularly key workers, life has become very stressful, caring for others or participating in a constant stream of video calls. Perhaps this scenario might give opportunities to woodland owners and managers to diversify into the natural capital of forests and trees through social and health benefits?

What is ‘forest bathing’?

Forest bathing or therapy, as practiced by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT), is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku which was the term coined by the Japanese Forestry Agency in 1982. Forest bathing is a practice of nature immersion to boost well-being and support health. At that time, there was a public health crisis in Japan with an increasingly urbanised population suffering from stress, pollution and ill health. In response and following research into solutions, shinrin yoku was developed and now there are many designated trails across the country. In Japan, some health measurements are recorded before and after a session to check for physiological changes such as blood pressure or cortisol levels. Research demonstrates evidence of the benefits of phytoncides, the natural aerosols of trees in boosting well-being and immunity. These organic compounds are used by trees to protect themselves from attack, for example by bacteria or fungus. As humans have spent most of our existence outdoors and in nature, the healing properties of phytoncides are known to be beneficial. In the UK, Professor Miles Richardson, at University of Derby, is studying the effects of forest bathing and mental health.

The ANFT way uses a ‘standard sequence’ of ‘invitations’ to guide participants on a gentle walk. The guide works in partnership with the forest (as the therapist) so each session will be unique though some elements will be similar. Part of the ANFT ethos is reciprocity with the land, and this can be done in many ways; it could be encouraging people to change their perception of nature if they respect and appreciate it more. The hope is that people will be more keen to protect nature and trees, or it could be changing elements of our lives such as shopping habits or litter picking in our local area or planting trees.

A full forest therapy session usually lasts around three hours but attendees are not expected to travel a great distance during the session but are encouraged to slow down, connect with their senses and be present. Sometimes, with being used to our busy lives and always being connected to technology, the challenge is to slow down, to put notifications and ‘pings’ to the side and decelerate for a while, even for forestry professionals!

How landowners can get involved

After many years in the forest industry including a few working with Confor, I have found a new path in the woods. I am now a Forest Therapy Guide, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) which has a global network of over 850 guides in 55 countries. Currently, there are some ANFT guides practicing in the UK, with a select few based in Scotland. We have undergone a six-month training and mentoring period so that we can welcome and support participants on our walks.

Some Confor members may like to offer a corporate well-being sessions of forest therapy to employees or other guests, as a bespoke group. As an example, a team of colleagues who had not seen each other in person for 18 months were recently brought together for an introduction to forest bathing - the forest received the group with a sunny afternoon of calm and dappled light. A session can be ‘in-per-

son’ or since lockdown, ’remote’, as along as everyone has suffcient phone reception and headphones. In this case, everyone walks where they, are across the world (or they participate from home if unable to get outside), usually over a shorter duration.

Land managers may wish to consider offering forest bathing sessions as part of their activity programme as a wellness practice. Woodlands Breathing can facilitate these walks in partnership with the landowner. Alternatively, a designated trail could be established for guided walks, or people to self-guide a route, and I can assist with assessing what would make a suitable trail for such walks.

In addition, I am currently seeking suitable trails for use, for group and remotely guided walks mostly around central ScotA FULL FOREST THERAPY SESSION USUALLY LASTS AROUND THREE HOURS BUT ATTENDEES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO TRAVEL A GREAT DISTANCE DURING THE SESSION BUT ARE ENCOURAGED TO SLOW DOWN, CONNECT WITH THEIR SENSES AND BE PRESENT.

land, though other locations can be considered for occasional walks, or other guides in members’ localities can suggested.

As ‘social’ or ‘green’ prescribing becomes more popular across the UK, with the benefits of time spent outdoors in nature evidenced by research, forest therapy can support greater connections and relationships with trees. In turn, this should enable more people to understand why it is important for the planet, to look after our forests and plant more trees, or why using timber as a substitute for construction materials is worthwhile.

More information

woodlandsbreathing@gmail.com Instagram: @woodlandsbreathing Twitter: @HazelGenie