Forest bathing, or 'shinrin-yoku' as it's known as in Japan, is a wellbeing and nature connection practice. It simply means taking in nature using all your senses. It does not involve any swimming or hugging trees - unless you want to hug a tree, of course!
Forest bathing encourages you to slow down, quieten the mind and relax through immersing yourself in nature. Research in Japan shows that some of the benefits of include helping to:
- Reduce stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve sleep quality and concentration
- Stimulate creative thinking
- Enhance the immune system.
During a forest bathing session at Ness, you'll be taken on a slow, gentle walk through the Spinney Woods and supported in immersing yourself in the natural world around you, through connection to your senses.
At times we'll gather in a group to share our experience, however this is optional so there is no pressure to participate in this element if you do not wish to.
No experience is necessary and forest bathing is suitable for all levels of fitness as we walk very slowly and cover no more than 1km. If you're aged 18 or above, or aged 16 or 17 and accompanied by a responsible adult, you're welcome to attend.
Please note, however, that unfortunately the sessions are not suitable for those who are unable to walk unaided as we go off the main paths and the ground can be uneven.
Clothing
Please dress appropriately for the weather and time of year. 2-3 warm layers of clothing are recommended, along with waterproofs if rain is forecast. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are also recommended as it can be muddy and wet underfoot.
Dates and times
Forest bathing sessions are scheduled to start at 10.30am and finish at 12.30pm. Upcoming dates include:
- Sunday 9 March 2025
- Saturday 5 April 2025
- Saturday 24 May 2025
Cost
Each session is priced at £15 for members and £20 for non-members. A forest bathing ticket includes entry to Ness Botanic Gardens for the day.
How to book
Book your place via our online store
Each forest bathing experience is limited to a maximum of 12 participants per session. Places must be booked in advance.
If we don’t meet a minimum number of bookings to run the session, we'll contact you at least 72 hours in advance and issue a refund. A session would otherwise only be cancelled due to extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances.
The terms and conditions of Journeys in Nature apply for this event.
Please also review Ness Botanic Gardens' workshop and event terms and conditions (PDF) for important details regarding booking, participation and cancellations.
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