Experience Forest Bathing + in Worcestershire

Your chance to simply switch off from the outside world - you deserve this break.

Forest bathing in Worcester

What You’ll Experience in Your 2-3 Hour Forest Bathing Session

  • A hugely positive feeling following an immersive nature connection
  • Deep relaxation and stress relief through mindful sense based techniques
  • Reduced anxiety and improved mental clarity using evidence-based nature connection practices
  • A unique wellness experience that goes far beyond a simple nature walk
  • Expert guidance combining my years of meditation and sound bath experience with cutting-edge training from The Forest Bathing Institute

Are you ready to discover the transformative power of Forest Bathing?

I’m Ian Kershaw, founder of The Tranquil Mind, and after over a decade of improving clients’ wellbeing through sound baths and meditation amongst other things, I’ve expanded my services to you to include the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) with the additional enhancements provided from the research and developments by The Forest Bathing Institute – termed Forest Bathing+ .

Public sessions at Worcester Country Park (Nunnery Wood) now available and Wyre Forest sessions are currently being organised – stay tuned for details .

Perfect For You If…

  • You’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed
  • You want to try something new for your mental wellbeing
  • You love nature but want to deepen your connection
  • You’re curious about Japanese wellness practices
  • You want to support local wellness innovation
 

What Makes This Different

This isn’t just a walk in the woods. You’ll experience the authentic Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku plus the enhancements offered by The Forest Bathing Institute, guided by someone with:

  • 10+ years of mindfulness, meditation and sound therapy experience
  • Professional training from The Forest Bathing Institute
  • Proven track record helping clients reduce stress and improve sleep
  • Full insurance coverage and first aid certification.
 
 
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FAQ Section - Please check for this some useful information about your session

What shall I wear?

  •  Plenty of layers of clothing - so you can adapt to change in temperatures.
  • Always wear sturdy footwear with good grip and ankle support (ideally waterproof).
  • Waterproof layers (top and bottom if you have them) – woodland is often damp this will help keep you warm and dry. (NB if rain is forecast you may also wish to bring an umbrella).
  • Always wear long trousers/leggings and long sleeve tops - to keep warm and protect from bites & stings etc. even in warmer months. Spring/Autumn/Winter: bring additional layers of clothing, and gloves, scarf and hat
  • Summer: also consider sunhat and sunscreen

As some of the exercises will involve the sense of smell, please do not wear strongly perfumed cosmetics/perfumes. These can prevent you and others from tuning in to the more subtle natural scents.

What shall I bring?

  • A picnic mat / groundsheet /yoga mat or similar for sitting on the ground (a large bin bag will do the job if needed) – alternatively a small folding chair if more appropriate for you.
  • In cooler temperatures (e.g. below 8 degrees) you may also wish to bring hand warmers, a small hot water bottle, and/or a blanket for our relaxation activity.
  • Any necessary medication, inhalers, epipens etc as well as hand sanitiser and tissues.
  • A filled water bottle and any snacks you may wish to consume during the session to stay hydrated and nourished.
  • Anything else you think you might need to feel comfortable for the session.
  • A rucksack or similar, to carry your belongings to leave your hands free to explore.

What if I can't walk far?

Our aim is to slow down and take our time in the woods. The routes are purposefully short and accessible. If there are likely to be any accessibility issues these will be flagged in the venue location information. We stop frequently for our activities and over the course of the 2-3 hour session we may cover between 1 and 2km - slowly.

What if it rains?

Consider yourself lucky! The session will still go ahead as the rain gives us much more opportunity to explore nature with our senses. 

Are there any situations where the session might be cancelled?

The common one is if it is too windy. Many of the dates are reserved well in advance and we will keep a close eye on the forecasted wind speeds as we get closer to the session. We will keep you informed if there is a chance the session might be rescheduled due to wind.

The other weather related reason would be the chance of lightning and again we will monitor the forecast accordingly.

What about the proof that forest bathing works?

The good news is that there is already a ton of scientific, peer reviewed evidence and more is being added every year.

Studies show it significantly reduces stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline), lowers blood pressure, boosts immune system function, enhances mood, and increases natural killer (NK) cells that fight infections and tumors.
Key Scientific Findings Supporting Forest Bathing:
  • Immune System Boost: Trees release antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides (essential oils like 𝛼-pinene and limonene) to protect themselves from germs. When inhaled by humans, these compounds increase the activity of Natural Killer (NK) lymphocytes, which detect and kill virus-infected cells and tumors. This effect can last for up to 30 days.
  • Reduced Physiological Stress: Research, demonstrates that, forest trips decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure when raised, reduce heart rate and lower levels of salivary cortisol (a primary stress hormone).
  • Improved Mental Health: Forest bathing reduces cortisol, which helps in treating anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and suppressing the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight).
  • Enhanced Well-being: The practice is associated with lower rates of rumination and increased feelings of self-compassion, vigor, and cognitive function.
  • Longevity and Wellness: Regular exposure to forests is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved sleep quality.

Isn't it all about tree hugging?

Not at all and this is a common misconception.

During an activity you might very well feel the urge to connect with a tree in this way but it is not compulsory or, ideed, the primary purpose of the session.

Booking Terms

We try to keep the small print as limited as possible. By booking and joining the session you agree with the following statement: "I am entirely responsible for my own personal safety, health, and mental, physical, emotional, and general well-being during the session and I release the organiser of any liability for any injuries or damages mentally or physically I might incur during or after the session. I understand that the session is in no way psychotherapeutic or medical in nature.

Forest Bathing sessions are for those aged 18 or above.

Payment is taken at the time of booking. To book, please use the booking link provided.

If we need to canel and reschedule a session you will be offered a place on this alternative event. If the date is not acceptable for you then a full refund will be given.

You may cancel for a full refund or transfer your booking to another date any time before, but no later than, 7 days before the session.

You may transfer your booking to another person up to, but no later than, the Tuesday before the start of the event. This person will also need to complete a registration form to confirm the transfer. Please advise us of any change of name on the booking.

Places for each session are limited. If you cancel your place with fewer than 7 days notice or fail to attend then your booking payment is forfeited.

Booking Section

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