WHAT IS Forest BATHING
Mindful Walks with Nature
Forest Bathing, a rejuvenating wellbeing practice rooted in nature, is the perfect tonic for those seeking respite from the fast-paced modern world. It stems from the evidence-based, Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku that goes beyond a regular walk in the woods with the dog. Rather, it refers to taking mindful walks with nature and absorbing the forest atmosphere to relieve stress and realign your energies. There's so much proven science that Shinrin Yoku has been fully integrated into the Japanese healthcare system for over forty years and NHS GPs are now writing green social prescriptions for the practice here in the UK, too.
What other People Say
"What I learned and discovered in the Forest Bathing session a couple of years ago has stayed with me, and will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Lizzy, London
"Thank you for helping me find the key to inner peace and harmony. I find beauty in almost everything and take time out to acknowledge the gift I have been given. This makes me happy and I find myself smiling rather smuggly at myself. It’s as if I’ve discovered a secret."
Karen, Hampshire
Meet Sonya
Sonya Dibbin
NATURE THERAPY TRAINER AND GUIDE, WINCHESTER, UK
Following the birth of her son, Sonya regularly went for slow countryside walks and realised she felt better than she had in years, despite the 'New Mum' struggles.
Fuelled by her ignited curiosity, a couple of years later she pulled on her big girl pants and swapped the corporate hustle for an 18-month journey of transformation, retraining as a guide in Forest Therapy, EcoNIDRA, and Mindfulness.
She has walked away from Seasonal Affective Disorder and now loves winter & she's here to guide you towards embracing the magic of nature for your own rejuvenation and growth.
What other People Say
"I cannot remember the last time I felt so still inside, calm & joyful - such a simple concept, but beautifully executed in a safe, supportive environment."
Lizzie, Berkshire
"The experience of lying on the forest floor under the trees listening to birdsong and being gently guided in meditation was bliss. The next few hours flew by".
Julia, Hampshire
What happens in a Forest Bathing experience?
🌳Small group of like-hearted folk
🌳3 hour experience covering less than a mile
🌳Introduction and Sensory Awakening (often enjoyed sitting or lying down)
🌳Slow walk partnering with the elements on the day
🌳Seasonal practices and celebrations
🌳Land art
🌳Mindful photography
🌳Sit spot reflection
🌳Foraged tea and snacks
There's a balance of solitude and companionship - I call it connected solitude - as we move quietly through the different activities with optional sharing circles woven into the experience. The key thing is it's all optional and activities are open to interpretation, to ensure everyone gets the best experience for them.
Ready TO BOOK YOUR SPOT?
Standard price £40-£45pp. Use code HILMEM if you're attending Hillier's and you're a member to save £5. View the schedule and reserve your spot using the BOOK NOW button below.
See below if you're buying for someone else and would prefer to purchase a gift voucher.
From £40.00pp
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Great news✨ You can now buy a gift voucher if you want to buy someone else a Forest Bathing🌳 experience. The one-page guide you receive after purchase can be shared with the lucky recipient. Their guide includes a description of the experience so they can get excited and steps to reserve their spot.
If you'd prefer to try Forest Bathing alone, my little box of Forest Bathing cards will guide you all the way.
Forest Bathing FAQs
What is Forest Bathing?
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (immersing your senses in the atmosphere of the forest) is based on a simple premise: you can greatly influence your health by immersing yourself in the forest, absorbing its sights, sounds and smells, watching for movement and exploring textures. And perhaps, develop a kinship with the natural world. Think guided mindfulness and meditation in nature.
Because of the confusion with wild swimming, I often use the terms Nature Immersion and Nature Connection.
It's simple to do, easy to learn, and very hard to forget.
There are very few quiet places left, and our minds are full. We are often so busy. We have forgotten we are human beings and not human doings.
Face to face sessions are 2-4 hours and you don’t move far or fast (that’s why it’s great for those with CFS, ME and Long Covid). Virtual sessions are 1.5 hours and held on zoom. Various activities encourage you into a state of deep relaxation to reduce stress, pain and clear the mind. After each one, you have the opportunity to share your experience, so you gently move between solitude and companionship. Tea and light snacks (fruit and nuts) will be provided at the end. Please advise about allergies.
By slowing down in this way, you notice more than ever before, and begin to develop or deepen your connection to the natural world. It is this connection, this kinship, that has been proven to boost human health and wellbeing.
Sessions will run in most weather, except high winds, storms or continuous rain.
Is this supported by science?
Yes. Forest bathing is now prescribed on the NHS in Surrey and Scotland, with plans to roll it out further. The scientifically proven benefits are based on 2 hours spent mindfully immersed in nature.
Note: the same results were not seen in people walking the dog, trying to get their 10,000 steps in, or chatting to friends/on the phone. This slowing down can be difficult for some.
You will experience these benefits immediately after your session:
lowered stress levels
lowered heart rate
reduced anxiety
boosted white blood cell count (immune system)
feeling energized yet very calm.
Like any wellbeing technique, you get maximum benefits with regular practice.
The University of Derby, UK has done lots of research into the benefits of nature connection - meaning the relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world. You are connected to nature when you feel compassion for the natural world and see it as more than something to use, control or identify.
The latest evidence from the UK including Forest Bathing being prescribed as a 'green prescription' in Surrey, UK
Can Forest Bathing reduce stress?
'Forest Bathing' Really May Be Good For Health
Forest Bathing: a green prescription for a healthy mind
Nature: A New Paradigm for Workplace Wellbeing
Effects of Short Forest Bathing Programme
How much does it cost?
I offer a variety of forest bathing experiences in dedicated forests across Hampshire and Berkshire:
2 hour general public sessions: from £25pp
3 hour general public sessions: from £35pp
Visit the team building page if you'd like to book an event for your team.
Private bookings for in-person experiences:
1 hour one-to-one: £40
2 hour one-to-one: £80
3 hour one-to-one: £100
2.5 hour group of 2-3: £50pp
3 hour group of 5+: £40pp
I also run virtual forest bathing / nature immersion events. Participants join me on zoom from any outdoor space in which they feel safe, such as their garden or familiar local woodland.
60-90 minute general public sessions (adults only): £20-£25pp
For organisations, there are a couple of options. Choose from a 60 minute 'lunch and learn' or a more immersive 90 minute remote experience.
Do I have to do anything I don't want to do?
No. Absolutely everything is optional. I am the bridge between you and nature - I guide you gently to a place where you and nature can 'work together'. It's completely normal to be anxious going into a new experience - and I suffer with anxiety myself, so I completely understand.
You'll rarely see anyone else as we tend to be in quiet, less frequented areas of the woods.
Your group will be made up of like-minded people who usually come by themselves and who want to get the most from their experience.
Can I bring the dog?
Because we move so slowly and quietly, it's best to leave the pooch at home.
Can I go forest bathing alone?
It is possible to do the solo activities by yourself, and I teach you those techniques during our classes. I also sell a little box of forest bathing cards to help guide you when you are out alone, if you'd appreciate a prompt.
But, when was the last time you felt truly free from all your responsibilities? Being guided allows you to experience a more immersive, and therefore beneficial, journey. It’s also a way to prioritise and schedule in your nature-time, similar to scheduling your yoga class.
What do I wear/bring?
As we move at such a slow pace, it is always chillier than you think. Please wrap up warm and:
Wear:
Long sleeves and trousers (even in summer)
Good, sturdy footwear such as walking shoes/boots/wellies
Big coat, hat, gloves, scarf and double socks in winter
Sun hat in summer
Bring:
A spare layer (2 in winter)
Waterproofs - consider them your superpower :)
Sun lotion
Medication
A drink and a snack
A yoga or waterproof mat (or camping chair if getting to ground level is difficult).
A note about mobile phones:
This might be a horrifying thought, but I invite you to turn your phone to airplane mode and leave it in your bag. Even checking the time really does jolt you back into reality and before you know it, you're back to square one.
Where can I do it?
I operate in Newbury, Basingstoke, Winchester, Romsey, Eastleigh and on the Winchester/Fareham border.
See the locations page for more information about each specific site. Some have facilities such as toilets and cafes, but some do not. All have adequate parking.
It might be possible for me to lead a forest bathing experience at a location of your choice (if we have permission from the landowner). I need an area of woodland roughly the size of a football pitch, ideally with some ancient trees.
You can join virtual forest bathing events from any outdoor space in which you feel safe, such as a garden or familiar woodland.
How do I book?
You can visit this calendar to see the full listing of scheduled face-to-face events, and this calendar to see the online events. To book a private session or team building, contact me.
