Wellbeing in the Woods - half-day retreat

Join us in the woodlands for our first ever half-day retreat!

This event will take place in the beautiful private woodlands of Rushcliffe Country Park, on Sunday 10th August.

Over the course of four and a half hours, we will explore a variety of gentle and immersive nature connection activities, including forest bathing, nature crafts and some foraging and identification. This event also includes a nourishing plant-based lunch*, which attendees will have the opportunity to help prepare. Refreshments will be available throughout.

The theme of this retreat is all about connection: connection to nature, connection to likeminded people, and connection to ourselves. The event will invite profound relaxation and nourishment, and is perfect for those looking for a chance to enjoy some peace and fun, learn new skills, and meet new people.

This event is open to all adults aged 18+.

Example schedule (subject to change, exact details to be communicated to attendees prior to event):

• Forest Bathing

• Foraging / Identification wander

• Lunch and chat

• Nature craft activity

• Sharing circle and close

What is Forest Bathing?:

Forest Bathing, or ‘shinrin yoku’ in Japanese, is the wonderfully restorative, mindfulness-based practice of immersing oneself in the forest, woodland or any green space. Whether you practise alone, or guided by a trained facilitator as this session will be, you will gently use your senses to connect to the natural world around you. Many studies have shown forest bathing to have a profoundly positive impact on our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. When practised in a group, it can also provide a lovely, easeful way to not only connect to nature and to ourselves, but to the other people around us.

What is foraging?:

Foraging is the act of searching for and collecting wild plants (or other kingdoms of life such as fungi) that humans can use. This is most often associated with wild foods, however foraging can also encompass collecting natural resources for other uses, such as natural cosmetics or herbal remedies.

Foraging is about promoting sustainability, resourcefulness and self-confidence. It is a brilliant way for people to develop a more profound connection to nature, as well as boost health and wellbeing and sometimes save money. It also fundamentally connects us as humans to our ancestral past, keeping alive a skill of knowledge and self-sufficiency that has been important to human survival throughout history.

This event will include a element of foraging, where our knowledgeable guide will lead us on a mindful, slow walk through an area of woodland to teach participants how to identify interesting and edible species. Under our leader's guidance, participants will have the option to forage their own herbal tea.

What are nature crafts?:

Nature crafts are all about using nature's abundant resources to create beautiful pieces of art and functional items, in a sustainable and resourceful manner. It promotes self-confidence and creativity in participants, as well as honing both fine and gross motor skills.

Nature crafts is also about fostering a deeper sense of connection to the natural world, and always has a focus on mindfulness.

Our nature craft activities on this retreat will giving participants the option to use simple forest tools, such as bow saws and sheath knives, to craft their items, if they choose to.

*If participants have any allergies, intolerances or sensitivities, please inform the leader prior to the event.

The event will be guided by a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner. Additional information will be sent out to all attendees 2 days before the event by email - if you have not received it by then, please check your spam then message me at wildandwondernotts@gmail.com.

Please see FAQs below for information on accessibility, parking and other info. Any other questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.