About the event

Join us for a 2.5-hour forest bathing session in collaboration with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, held within the beautiful Adel Dam Nature Reserve. This is a calm, guided way to explore the reserve while slowing down and deepening your connection with nature.

Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese), Is a wellbeing practice from Japan. Rather than hiking or exercising, forest bathing invites us to move slowly, pause often, and engage the senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste—to fully experience the natural world. Research shows that this practice can help reduce stress, calm the nervous system, support mental health, boost mood, leave you feeling cognitively refreshed and foster a sense of connection and belonging.

We’ll begin with a short introduction to the location and the practice, followed by a gentle meditation to awaken the senses. From there, you’ll be guided through a series of slow, optional explorative invitations—such as noticing patterns, textures, creating woodland art or sounds—that encourage curiosity, rest, and presence. There is no pressure to share, no expectations to achieve anything, and no right or wrong way to take part. Much of the session is spent simply being, noticing, and allowing nature to meet you where you are.

This experience is guided by Samantha, creator of Fleeting Fern. After experiencing burnout herself, Samantha trained as a forest therapy practitioner and now supports adults to reconnect with nature—helping people to slow down in our fast-paced world, find peace outdoors, be present, and notice what’s often overlooked.

We’ll close the session with a warm drink, creating space to reflect and gently transition back into everyday life. You are welcome to come on your own or with a friend—all are welcome, and no previous experience is needed. Come as you are, and leave feeling more connected to yourself, others, and the natural world.

What to bring (kit list):
•    Weather-appropriate clothing (unless deemed unsafe, sessions go ahead in different weathers)
•    Extra layers—more than you expect, as we’ll be moving slowly
•    A drink to sip on and a snack if needed
•    Any medication you require
•    Optional: a journal and pen to jot down what you noticed
 

Above all, come with curiosity. This is an invitation to slow down, to explore gently, and to see what the forest has to offer you.