Forest Bathing in Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

Enjoy a guided nature experience with Bronwyn Paynter from Nature OT. Forest Bathing (no swimming involved!) is a chance to 'bathe' or immerse yourself in the natural environment. It is an opportunity to awaken and engage your 5 senses - listening, touching, smelling, tasting and seeing as we allow ourselves to just ‘be’ in nature.

As you wander slowly, take time to stop, smell, touch and notice nature. The experience involves guided ‘invitations’ to help notice the nature, calm your busy minds, perhaps be playful and have some fun.

Disconnect from technology and release yourself from having to keep track of time as your guide lead you through nature. If that sounds interesting and you’re curious we’d love for you to join us in beautiful Onkaparinga River Recreation Park. The experience is tailored to the needs of the group.

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International Day of People with Disability

We are also celebrating International Day of People with Disability on Sunday 3 December. We invite everyone to attend this activity which will be tailored to the needs of the group on the day.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), is held on 3 December annually and celebrates and raises awareness of people with disability and equitable opportunities in all aspects of life. In 2023, IDPWD is celebrating 31 years since it was announced by the UN General Assembly in 1992.

For further information visit - International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au)

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Host information

Bronwyn Paynter from Nature OT will be your guide for the Forest Bathing session. She is an occupational therapist with almost 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. She is a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Her nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years she has been coaching occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

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Accessible facilities

This activity will include some of the Wetlands Loop Trail. The trail is graded as a class two trail.  This 3km trail is flat and the trail surface is a mix­ture of board­walk and some grav­el paths. An accessible toilet and carpark is located at the Perrys Bend Reserve (council owned). Car parking is available in the reserve carpark and along River Road.

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What ability is required for Forest Bathing?

Mobility - This Forest Bathing experience will require the ability to walk/move a few hundred metres on a gently sloping, hard packed paths through beautiful native vegetation.

Vision – The path is compact and flat

Hearing – The information about how the event is delivered and prompts for ways to experience the nature will be provided verbally during the event. They can also be provided in written form if requested in advance of the event.

Participating in a group - If you are likely to find it uncomfortable to remain with the group, or be aware of and consider the experience of others you may benefit from bringing a companion on the Forest Bathing walk to provide additional individual support for your nature connection experience.

If you have any needs specific to disability, or medical needs or any questions at all please provide whatever information you like to support your participation in the event. Please advise any particular requirements regarding mobility, vision, hearing and individual support needs so we can optimise your participation in the event. Please e-mail Bronwyn (bronwyn@natureot.com.au) to provide any information that will support your participation.

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Who is this event for?

Almost everyone enjoys and can benefit from being in nature. On this International Day of People with Disability we are honoured to provide a professionally led accessible Forest Bathing experience to provide an opportunity for nature connection for ALL. This activity is suitable for those in wheelchairs and people with physical disabilities.

This event is best suited to adults or children over 8 who are able to be fairly still and listen for up to 10 minutes. Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation.

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Meeting Point

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park - Perrys Bend Reserve, River Road, Noarlunga Downs

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What to bring to the event:

We will go ahead regardless of the weather (except if severe weather or total fire ban) so dress appropriately for the weather on the day. You will need enclosed shoes for this experience - boots or sneakers are good if you have them.

Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – although some people choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. We move very slowly during a Forest Bathing session, so consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy. We move very slowly during a Forest Bathing session,

We will and spend time sitting or if you can’t sit standing still so perhaps add an extra layer to your clothing since we're not physically active. Please feel free to bring something to sit on (eg small pillow, plastic sheet) but make sure you can carry it.

If sunny then sunscreen, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

Also - Please bring a drink bottle of water and any special snacks you may want. A simple snack (usually fruit) and place specific warm tea will be served as part of the experience.

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IMPORTANT:

• NPWS aims to provide inclusive events and activities for all, however some of our events do have specific requirements for participants. Please see the activity description and accessibility information to check if the event is suitable for you. If you require additional support to participate in the activity, please contact dew.parkofthemonth@sa.gov.au in advance.
• This event will be cancelled in the event of severe weather or a total fire ban being declared in the Mt Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District. If the event is to be cancelled or rescheduled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register and by text message to the mobile number recorded with your ticket registration.
• You will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.
• We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked. If you are unable to attend the event please cancel your tickets through Humanitix, so any people on the waiting list can access tickets.