Parent and baby forest bathing

Nature connection sessions where babies are welcome exactly as they are.

All sessions in Endcliffe Park, Sheffield, Wednesday mornings 10-11am

4th November, 18th November, 2nd December, 16th December

Following lovely feedback from our first taster session, we are planning a series of sessions from autumn to winter, meeting at Endcliffe Park Cafe and going up to the woods nearby. Pay as you can- suggested contribution £7/ £5 low or unwaged. If you can’t afford to pay at the moment you’re still very welcome to come for free.

If you like the idea but can’t make these dates/ venue email helen@unfurling.uk to share your ideas and be updated on future sessions

What it’s all about

Having a baby can make it surprisingly difficult to get outside, slow down and simply enjoy being in nature. There can be so much to think about - feeds, naps, crying, routines, packing the bag, getting out of the house in the first place!

We wanted to create a space where you don't have to worry about any of that.

If your baby sleeps the whole time - wonderful.
If your baby cries the whole time - they are so welcome here.
If your baby feeds, wriggles, wants cuddles, needs changing or does a little bit of everything - you are very, very welcome.

There is no expectation for you or your baby to be quiet, settled or "well behaved". We know how hard it can be to access groups with a baby, so this is a space where all babies, all moods and all stages are welcome.

So, what is forest bathing?

Don't worry - there's no actual bathing or water involved!

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is simply about slowing down and connecting with nature through our senses.

Rather than walking somewhere with a destination in mind, we'll gently explore the natural environment around us — noticing the sounds, smells, colours, textures and little details that we might usually rush past.

It's an opportunity to pause, breathe, be present and enjoy being outdoors with your baby, without needing to achieve anything. Research into nature connection and forest bathing suggests that spending time in natural environments can support relaxation, reduce stress and improve mood and wellbeing. And sometimes, simply getting outside and taking a moment for yourself can make a surprisingly big difference. Particularly when the weather gets colder and days shorter, it can be tempting to stay inside but there are huge benefits to getting out and connecting with nature.

Why parents and babies?

We are both passionate about helping parents and babies experience the benefits of being outdoors and developing a connection with nature from the very beginning.

Helen Todd is a qualified Forest Bathing practitioner, and Rachael Alexander is a Counselling psychologist and Mum with a baby.  We've brought our experience and passions together because we know how valuable - and how difficult - it can be to find time and space to connect with nature when you have a small baby. We want to explore how we can make that easier.

You don't need to know anything about forest bathing.
You don't need to be "good at mindfulness".
You don't need to have a settled baby.

Just come as you are.

Come for the fresh air.
Come for the trees.
Come for a change of scenery.
Come for some time with your baby.
Come for yourself.

We'd love to welcome you.