Forest Bathing - Free Taster
Join a small guided group to explore and connect with the joys that abound in nature. Experience the release of tensions whilst walking and a peaceful mind from woodland wonders.
Forest Bathing
Step into stillness and awaken your senses with a gentle guided walk through the woods. Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and absorb the calming atmosphere of the forest. Let the rustle of leaves, birdsong, and scent of pine ease stress and restore your sense of peace.
Connecting in Nature - Course
Join a small, supportive group for four sessions designed to deepen your connection with both nature and self. Through guided walks and Forest Bathing with gentle reflection you’ll experience the joy of being awed in nature and take home the long-lasting benefits. This course offers space and a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the New Forest and the positive impacts on your body and your mood.
Forest Bathing - Free Taster
Forest Bathing is the (translated) name given to the Japanese activity called Shinrin-Yoku. This taster session is an experience - it is all about immersing yourself in nature - probably loosing track of time, in the beautiful woodland and landscape where you join your session.
Sue is your guide. She will lead a gentle walk through peaceful woodland surroundings, where you’ll be invited (not instructed) to slow down, breathe deeply, notice what there is to notice and connect fully with your senses and the natural world all around you.
The Taster session lasts up to 90 minutes and is available on a first come first served basis, to a small group of individuals. There's no pressure, no commitment, just space to experience something new. The theme of the session is 'Connecting in Nature' and the guiding principles are to join the group respectfully and safely.
Logistics
Meeting point and parking: Parc Pale car park, Near Boltons Bench, Lyndhurst. (please note the nearest toilet facilities are at Lyndhurst car park).
Meet at least 5 minutes before the session starts. We leave promptly at 10 am.
Please note - sorry, no dogs.
The next sessions available for booking are:
Tuesday 8th July starting 10 am.
Tuesday 5th August starting 10am.
Tuesday 12th August starting 10am.
Whether you're local or just visiting the New Forest, you're warmly welcome to come along.
Other information:
The distance we walk is approximately 2 miles at a gentle pace.
👕 Wear:
Comfortable, warm clothing suitable for being outdoors for two hours and sitting in cool woodlands. No open-toe shoes: Old trainers or walking shoes/boots are recommended.
🎒 Bring:
A small bag/rucksack with any necessary medication, water, a snack, an extra warm layer and waterproofs if rain is possible.
It is essential you also bring something to sit on such as a robust bag-for-life, a sit mat or even a small cushion.
Please remember any medications that may be required.
Forest Bathing Session
- What you can expect and look forward to...
These calming two-hour sessions offer a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and into the quiet, nurturing presence of the New Forest landscape and nearby woodlands.
Guided by Sue, you'll take a slow, mindful walk, pausing regularly for gentle invitations that help you tune into your senses, connect with your surroundings, and settle into experiencing stillness.
There's no rush and no pressure - just the opportunity to be present, breathe deeply, and soak up the natural world.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, has been shown to ease stress, boost mood, support focus, and enhance sleep.
By walking gently, noticing the details around you, and simply allowing yourself to be guided in nature connection, you’ll begin to feel its subtle but powerful restorative effects.
Sessions start at 10 am, and last around two hours. The session starts and ends at the same place, please note the parking and meeting points for each session.
All are welcome, joining in with the guiding principles of respect and safety that will be set out by Sue as your guide from the start. These sessions each have a common theme which is 'Finding your connection with nature' and enjoying the peace and quiet camaraderie as you do so.
Book and pay for a single session using the button below.
The cost is £15.00.
Dates available for booking:
📅 Tuesday 15th July 10am. Meet and park at the Woodlands Hotel
📍 Woodlands Hotel - https://what3words.com/coasters.variances.reap
📅 Thursday 24th July from 10am. Meet and park at Parc Pale car park
📍 Parc Pale - https://what3words.com/amber.submerge.happen
📅 Tuesday 29th July from 10am. Meet outside the Happy Cheese Pub (Parking options include Ashurst train station. Please allow 5 -10 minutes for parking then meeting outside the pub)
📍 Aston Train Station - https://what3words.com/straws.digested.lipstick
Walking distances are around 2 miles. Please remember any medication required, thank you.
👕 Wear:
Comfortable, warm clothing suitable for being outdoors for two hours and sitting in cool woodlands. No open-toe shoes: Old trainers or walking shoes/boots are recommended.
🎒 Bring:
A small bag/rucksack with any necessary medication, water, a snack, an extra warm layer and waterproofs if rain is possible.
It is essential you also bring something to sit on such as a robust bag-for-life, a sit mat or even a small cushion.
Please remember any personal emergency medication.
What to Expect from the Connecting in Nature Course
This is a four-session course. It's an invitation to explore and develop personal growth and nature-connection at a gentle pace - outdoors, in nature and in good company.
- If you can't make one week, it doesn't affect the experience of the next session, however you will forfeit your session.
Course Outline - Themes of the sessions.
Session 1 - Arriving - The art of transition and slowing down in nature
Session 2 - Belonging - The art of re-connecting in nature
Session 3 - Seasonal wisdom - The art of embracing change and letting go
Session 4 - Integration - The art of blending with nature's wisdom for life's joys and challenges.
We will meet twice a month from 1-3 pm on the following dates at easy-to find different locations: Please note specific parking details and availability of facilities vary and are clarified as needed.
Dates and details
📅 Tuesday 8th July - Churchplace enclosure, Ashurst. Park at Ashurst station or free parking in the village. Toilets are kindly available at the Happy Cheese pub.
📍 Church Place - https://what3words.com/kinder.domain.dinosaur
📅 Tuesday 22nd July - Pond Head enclosure, Lyndhurst. Park at Parc Pale car park, Lyndhurst. Nearest toilet Lyndhurst car park.
📍 Parc Pale - https://what3words.com/amber.submerge.happen
📅 Tuesday 5th August - Park and meet in the Denny Wood car park, off the Beaulieu Road. No toilet facilities.
📍 Denny Wood - https://what3words.com/weds.adjusting.travel
📅 Tuesday 19th August - Park and meet at Matley Wood, off the Beaulieu Road.
No toilet facilities.
📍 Matley Wood - to follow
You'll join a small group for a series of guided sessions designed to nurture yourself, deepen self-awareness, spark clarity and support meaningful change.
Each session weaves together mindful walking and reflective prompts and invitations, including optional shared reflections and observation - all set against the ever-changing seasonal backdrop of the New Forest.
There are four different locations that rotate each session, all within a 10-minute drive of Lyndhurst. I'll be offering you new landscapes and features to explore and fresh perspectives to take in.
Whether you're looking to deepen or encounter your relationship with nature, this unique course offers a grounding, safe and inspiring space to do just that.
Please use the booking link below.
The total cost for all four sessions is £50.00.
It is recommended you experience a taster session first, however this is not essential.
With sessions running every two weeks it's ideal for locals who would like to invest in their well-being and enjoy meaningful time in nature, especially the dappled shady woodlands through the summer months of July and August.
You are welcome to contact Sue directly for more information if required.
Places are limited with a maximum group size of six participants.
Details about what to wear and bring, as well as the specific parking location and meeting point for each session are on the booking page.
