Join us in a beautful ancient woodland to slow down and relax amongst the trees.

Join us in a beautiful ancient woodland to slow down and relax through gently guided connections with nature.

“It’s the quietest my brain has been in years, I was so immersed in my surroundings I honestly didn’t think about anything else during the walk!” Feedback from a participant.

We have been leading Forest Bathing sessions in Shining Cliff Woods for over 2 years, helping people slow down reconnect with nature and support their wellbeing through gentle guided experiences in the woodland.

These 1 hour sessions are part of an ongoing wellbeing research project by Derby University - exploring the benefits of nature connection experiences. These sessions will act as comparison walks within the wider research project.

Shinrin Yoku (translates as Forest Bathing) is a Japanese wellbeing practice which invites us to slow down, awakening our senses mindfully amongst the trees.

The session itself will last 1 hour but we will spend some time before the start and at the end completing data collection for the optional research element. Therefore the finish time is approximate depending on how long the data collection takes.

With funding support from the Lottery Community fund, these 1hr, slow-paced walks in nature are being offered at a special rate of just £5

Important Information:

Ability level: You should have sufficient physical mobility to be able to walk slowly for up to 1hr on uneven ground (covering no more than 500m).

Over 18yrs only - Anyone (over 18yrs) can come on these walks.

Taking part in the research - This is optional. Please read the information below before deciding. You can then select to take part or not on the booking form.

Where are we? The session starts and ends at the woodland car park in Shining Cliff woods. This is a private parking area in the woods accessed by a woodland track. Directions are provided to the meeting point in your booking confirmation email, however it is not easily accessed by public transport. Using the What3Words app is the easiest way to find us. Use stores.incoming.stability

Toilets - Please be aware that there are no toilets available during this session.

What to wear - It can feel very cooler in the woods, even on sunny days so bring an extra layer to keep warm as we do go at a purposefully slow pace and spend some time standing still or sitting for a while. Sturdy footwear for the uneven and sometimes muddy paths is essential. We always advise long sleeves and trousers to avoid insect bites and stings - insect repellant spray in summer is a dood idea!

What to bring - We may spend some time sitting or lying on the ground. If you have a sit mat it is a good idea to bring it or just a bag to sit/lie on, to keep you dry.

Refunds - Please be aware that we are unable to refund tickets with less than 7 days notice. For refunds issued with more than 7 days notice, we are unable to refund the Eventbrite booking fees.

Cancellations - To ensure safety for all participants and leaders, a session can be cancelled or postponed by Woodland Connections at very short notice due to forecast high winds or thunderstorms. If a suitable alternative date is not available, we will refund the full cost of the session. We will advise you if this decision has to be made either the evening before or morning of the session. Please check for emails or texts.

THE RESEARCH: Please read carefully.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Research project title: Forest Bathing - Moon Bathing Comparison

Researchers: Chris Barnes c.barnes1@derby.ac.uk +441332592216 and Kirsten McEwan k.mcewan@derby.ac.uk

What is the purpose of the research project?

These slow mindful nature walks come from Japan and have been shown to improve health and wellbeing. The aim of this research project is to test out whether the walks are helpful for people in the UK, and to test any differences between walking at night ‘moon bathing’ and walking in the daytime ‘forest bathing’.

2. Why have I been invited?

We are looking for adults over 18 years old. You should also have sufficient physical mobility to be able to walk slowly for up to 1hr (covering no more than 500m). We have chosen walking routes which are close to parking and are largely flat dirt/forest tracks.

3. Do I have to take part?

Your participation in the research project is voluntary. You can still go on a walk and choose not take part in the research. Take your time in deciding, we are happy to answer questions.

4. What will happen if I take part? What will it involve?

If you decide to take part you will be asked to complete a short survey (5-10 mins) before and after taking part in a mindful moon bathing or daytime walk, so we can see if the walks change your wellbeing. Walks will be at Shining cliff wood (Ambergate), Markeaton park, Allestree park or Darley Abbey park (Derby).

The survey will ask you about your health and wellbeing, how connected you feel to other people, and to nature. If

Description supplied by the event organiser.