Feel Good in the Forest Taster Day at Sence Valley Forest Park

Come along to Sence Valley Forest Park and join in some FREE taster sessions. Find out more about Forestry England and the Feel Good in the Forest project and try out some nature based wellbeing activities.

I am offering 2 free of charge sessions as part of this Feel Good in the Forest taster day at Sence Valley Forest Park

Session 1 - 11 am EcoNidra

Eco Nidra is a beautiful blend of elements taken from restorative Yoga Nidra combined with nature connection and Forest Therapy. After a welcome and brief introduction, you will have time to make yourself comfortable and cosy as you are guided into a state between waking and sleeping. We will begin our meditative triple journey with a gentle sensory exploration, followed by a guided visualisation and body scan, finishing with a nature soundscape journey.

We will be outside so you will need a mat to lie on, plus a pillow for comfort and blanket for extra warmth as body temperatures can fall as you become more deeply relaxed. If you prefer to remain seated, then a high backed camping chair and a travel pillow to support your head would be helpful. If you need to borrow a chair or mat please indicate on the booking form.

Eco Nidra can support feelings of wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting mental, emotional and physical relaxation and improving sleep quality. Alongside these benefits you may find you are more able to enhance your sense of connection to self, others and nature, sow some seeds of intention and also enjoy promoting kindness to yourself, your communities and the natural world

There is a weight of evidence to support guided meditation having a range of benefits for those with mild to moderate mental health conditions, but if you are suffering from severe mental illness it is recommended that you seek your doctor's advice before taking part.

Session 2  -1pm Willowcraft 

Create a simple decorative woven item for your home or garden from prepared natural willow. 

Taking part in craft and creative activities can positively impact mental health by reducing stress while increasing feelings of happiness and achievement. These activities can also help with focus, mindfulness, and connecting with others. Working and weaving with willow requires a mix of focus and patience as you bend and shape the natural material, which has its own distinctive texture and smell. The strong rhythmic and repetitive quality of the movements you make and the total absorption on the task means it has been increasingly recognised as having a calming effect on the mind and focusing attention in a way that is rather like meditation. Carrying out creative crafts outside in nature adds to its ability to reduce stress, be uplifting, and generally improve mental health.

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The location of the sessions will be signposted on arrival.

Other taster sessions will be available on the day.