Shinrin-Yoku: a practice for nature connection
The practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is becoming evermore popular around the world and has recently been embraced by the NHS.
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A natural forest is a wild place. As well as trees, they have clearings, glades that let the light in and allow young trees and flowers to grow. In the last half century, many of our forests have been over planted with commercial pine and spruce, crowding and killing many of the ancient trees that provide vital habitat to other plants and animals.
When I explained to my young daughter that this was why a huge chestnut tree in Savernake Forest was dead, she didn’t hesitate to give it a hug and say, “sorry”. Since Forestry England who look after the forest have realised that this is happening, they have started to help and protect the ancient trees. The forest has started to regain its complex diversity.
Not only do Savernake and other local landscapes offer the possibility of connecting with the wild nature that is increasingly recognised as vital to our mental health, but they also offer us the possibility of healing with the forest. I have worked and trained in outdoor and nature education for over two decades. As well as knowing how healing nature can be, I hope that more people making a greater connection with nature might be the panacea that both nature and humanity needs.