Nether Edge Festival Forest Bathing

Date and time: Wednesday, 16th September, 6-7:30pm

Venue: Chelsea Park. Meet at Chelsea Road entrance

Tickets: £8.50. 50% of proceeds will go to local charity Family Voice.

The evening will offer a taste of forest bathing (translated from the Japanese Shinrin-Yoku- think soaking up the atmosphere of the forest rather than getting in water). It’s a practice of slowing down and mindfully connecting with nature through your senses. The session will involve a series of sensory invitations to engage with nature in different ways. We’ll then share our experiences and reflections over a herbal infusion.

A little bit more about it from Tracey, who participated in a recent forest bathing session in Chelsea Park:

I thoroughly enjoyed the forest bathing session with Helen and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Having worked professionally with flowers and plants for many years, I thought I was someone who really noticed nature. I've always loved pointing out interesting plants, birds and seasonal changes when walking with my children, and I still do today. But this experience was something quite different.

By slowing the pace right down, Helen gently encouraged us to engage with the woodland using all of our senses. We noticed the subtle scents in the air, the different textures of bark and leaves, the sounds around us, the play of light through the trees and countless tiny details that would normally go unnoticed. It wasn't about walking further or seeing more – it was about seeing more deeply.

It was a wonderfully mindful experience that left me feeling grounded, peaceful and much more connected to the natural world. I came away with a renewed appreciation for the beauty that's all around us, even in a familiar local park. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Tracey Campbell