Forest Bathing aka Shinrin-yoku

Popularity is increasing for this mindful practice first developed in Japan in the 1980s, following scientific studies conducted by the government.

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De-stress your kids with a forest bathing adventure

Explains the principles of forest bathing and how mindful time in nature can support wellbeing and reduce stress. Introduces the evidence and benefits associated with the practice, before offering a beginner's guide to help children and families get started. National Geographic Kids (no date).

BBC Sounds: the healing power of forests

Meet the people using the healing power of forests to help improve physical and mental health (podcast). January 2023.

Forest Bathing Institute: summary of research

Summary of British and international research into the benefits of Forest Bathing, including the original Japanese studies.

Forestryengland

Forestry England: your guide to forest bathing

Healing Forest: forest bathing guide

"... what is forest bathing, how to forest bathe, and where to practice it. You will also learn about forest bathing benefits for different age groups. Fascinating insights from Japan as a society show us why forest bathing has become specially relevant in today’s turbulent times and how we can apply it to improve our lives..."

National Trust: a beginner's guide to forest bathing

Background, tips & benefits.

Royal forestry society

Royal Forestry Society: Forest Bathing Benefits

Science & benefits to people and woodland.

See also

Woods & forests

Specialist organisations, projects and resources in the UK and internationally, dedicated to education, identification, conservation, management and reporting of trees, forests and woodlands.

Read More about Woods & forests

Why forests & woods?

Why Forest School? What is it about being around trees that is so important?

The ethos of Forest School can be applied to any outdoor environment: in a field at the back of your setting or on a beach – the emphasis of Forest School is the approach to the individual’s development and any outdoor space can provide many of the resources you need to do this.

But wooded areas do have a special quality - read on for some reflections on why...

Read More about Why forests & woods?

Benefits of Forest School

Forest School benefits children from Early Years & Primary right up to adulthood. But what actually is the impact of regular child-led outdoor play and learning & spending time in nature?

The benefits are many and far-reaching, but also difficult to measure. Below we list some, but by no means all, of the benefits of Forest School on various aspects of a person’s life or development.

Scroll down to find out more about evaluating work outdoors.

Read More about Benefits of Forest School

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