Forest bathing in England and Wales – Must-try walks that will make you feel good

Discover forest bathing in England and Wales, the science-backed benefits of shinrin-yoku and the most peaceful forests for mindful immersion.

When was the last time you spent some quality time surrounded by trees? My last trip to the New Forest about a month ago, made me appreciate even more the benefits a quiet walk can have on my overall wellbeing. Turns out that there is science-backed research that explains why spending time in the forest is not just fun and relaxing, but also good for your health.

Shinrin-yoku

From Japanese “Shinrin-yoku” translates into “taking in the forest atmosphere”. It originated in the 1980s as a public health initiative by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The term has nothing to do with getting into water – it’s about immersing yourself into nature and being present with it.

Nowadays, nature therapy programs in Japan can be prescribed by doctors, as a form of preventative and lifestyle medication.

Overall Health Benefits

According to The Forest Bathing Institute, involved in the UK-based research of the topic, research and surveys have found the following benefits of Forest bathing:

90% of people report that it helps their mental wellbeing

91% of people report that it helps their physical health

Stress reduction and cortisol regulation

Research across 24 Japanese forests and 280 participants found that forest bathing can lead to reduced salivary cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure and increased heart rate variability (HRV).

“The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku: evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan” – Published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

Put simply, research shows that spending quality time in the forest could lower your stress levels.

Immune system enhancement

Dr. Qing Li, MD, PhD, expert in the subject of Forest Bathing and Stanford University graduate, suggests that phytoncides – antimicrobial volatile organic compounds released by trees – may partly explain how the immune system of people can be boosted by Forest Bathing. The effects can last up to 30 days after 3-day exposure.

Improved mood and reduced anxiety

From my personal experience, I know that spending time in the forest with my dog lowers my anxiety and helps me be present. I want to make sure I am not getting lost, even when I veer off the main path; I am paying attention to animals; and I am soaking in the landscapes, the sounds and the fresh air. To me, this feels like a mental reset.

According to The Forest Bathing Institute, 29% of people report reduced anxiety as an effect of spending time amongst the trees. Furthermore, researchers have found that Forest Bathing can help by decreasing rumination and reducing depression indicators (sources below).