Forest Therapy – Devon Wanders for Wellbeing

Wanders for well-being are guided nature connection walks incorporating simple sensory invitations to enable you to relax and quieten your busy mind so you can receive the medicine and wisdom of the natural environment.

Founded on the practice of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing). A practice that started in Japan in the 1980s as a preventative health measure to reduce stress-related illnesses.

So often we lose connection to ourselves in our busy daily lives. This forest therapy experience will clear away the debris in our minds, connect with our bodies & discover deep symbology that can help bring deeper meaning to our life experiences. The walks are playful and reverent, offering you time to be and space to reconnect to your heart and your place in this world. The perfect digital detox for our modern lifestyles. 

• Deeply relaxing and immersive to help you slow down and be in the moment effortlessly.
• You'll learn techniques to release stress and anxiety. Paving the way to better health. 
• Forest bathing & forest therapy is scientifically proven to boost immune systems, as the atmosphere of the forest contains a multitude of natural essences which stimulate an increase in your body’s Natural Killer (NK) cells.
• Time spent in the forest on a wander has also been proven to stabilise blood pressure by reducing stress and soothing the nervous system. People experience an increased ability to focus and sleep better.
• These kinds of sessions have also been proven to accelerate recovery from surgery or illness, offering increased energy levels and uplifted moods.
• You'll experience the pure joy of being alive, feeling connected to the greater whole. Providing a new perspective on your life and a greater sense of belonging.
• These wanders inspire playfulness and creativity. Great for families and friends, young and old.
• Intuition - gain greater confidence in your inner knowing.

Emma is a Certified ANFT Nature and Forest therapy guide, artist, and craftswoman. Her practice has an evidence-based framework, established by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), for supporting and promoting wellness and building relationships with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human world through guided immersive walks in forests and other natural environments.

The approach has its roots in the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing), ecotherapy and the Way of Council.

Equipment needed: Wear clothes appropriate for the weather and a hat. Supportive shoes or boots. As the walks are all about slowing down you will need more layers than you would on your usual paced walks.

Please also remember to bring any medication you may need (i.e. Epi pens).

During the warmer months, you may require some insect repellent (low scented). There aren't many but if it's a muggy day there may be a few.

For everyone’s pleasure and full sensory experience, please avoid wearing strongly scented products for this walk, as they can knock out the subtler scents of the environment we are in.

Wheelchair accessibility: This experience can be tailored for anyone that requires a wheelchair. Please inform the team when booking so they can plan a route tailored to your needs. 

Parking: Depending on the location it can be free or up to £4.

Weather: Walks will go ahead unless there is a yellow weather warning for the area. Emma will choose a location to take advantage of the best of the day's weather.

Food and drink: There will be complimentary herb tea, foraged from our location, and some light snacks available. Please bring any snacks and non-alcoholic drinks you may desire.

Toilets: There are compost toilets in some of the woods and a regular toilet nearby.