What is Feel Good in the Forest?

Feel Good in the Forest is a 6-week Green Social Prescribing programme, part of Forestry England’s Active Forests, which is supported by Sport England. The project offers a flexible range of activities encouraging people to improve their wellbeing and enjoy the benefits of spending time in forests. It aims to support people to:

• Be more active
• Build resilience and feel restored
• Connect with others and with the forest
• Feel empowered to try new experience
• Be included in their forest

We welcome participants via Social Prescribers, Local Area Co-ordinators, other Community organisations and self-referrals.

Who are the sessions for?

Our 6-week Feel Good in the Forest programme is open to any individual looking to improve their health and wellbeing and increase their activity level. This includes anyone with long term physical or mild-to-moderate mental health conditions including low mood, anxiety or stress.

What will I be doing?

The course is an outdoor forest based programme where you will spend time enjoying and exploring part of the peaceful Sence Valley Forest Park, connecting with new people, learning some self-care and mindfulness strategies and getting creative with natural crafts and skills.  Each core session lasts for 2 hours, and we’ve allowed a few minutes extra at the end to chat and relax, so there’s no need to rush off. Participation in any activity offered is optional and there is no pressure to join in if you'd rather just relax. We will have some hammocks to try and a shelter in case of rain.

Although designed as a course or block, we have made it possible for you to book onto individual sessions if you prefer. Just exit this event and select the Feel Good in the Forest course individual dates event where you will be able to select the dates you are able to attend instead of the whole course option.

Light refreshments will be provided but please bring your own cup.

Additional Information

There are only 10 places available so we hope that most people will be present for all 6 sessions. If you would like to take part but have a commitment to other events or holidays for more than one of the sessions, please get in touch to let us know.

Sessions will run on Wednesday mornings, 10-12, starting on 21st August and ending on 25^th September.

We know that sometimes it can be quite daunting to be in a new place meeting new people. Being outdoors helps to reduce some of these pressures and we find that members of our groups are usually quite relaxed by the end of the first session. You are best placed to know what things are likely to stress you and equally, what you find supportive. If there is anything that you would like us to know before the session, please get in touch. We will also be happy to have a call with you beforehand if you would like to talk it through. Please email karen@betteroutdoors.org.uk to arrange a time.

As part of the course you will be asked to complete some additional paperwork for Forestry England which will be emailed out to you following registration.

Our base is a short walk from the lower car park. Toilets are available at the Upper car park alongside Little Bluebird Cafe, selling hot drinks and food to take away.

Forestry England will waive their normal parking charge for the block of sessions so remember to give your vehicle registration when you complete the booking form.

Agreement:

By continuing to the booking form, you are agreeing to the following.

I understand that while Better Outdoors' leaders are experienced in providing outdoor-based therapeutic wellbeing support services to adults and children, they are not clinically trained.

I agree that if I have any existing medical problems or plan to make significant lifestyle changes, I am advised to consult my doctor and I agree to inform Better Outdoors of any changes to my health or medication that are likely to impact the sessions. I am aware that this course is not designed for people with severe mental health issues although it may still provide benefit alongside other programmes of support.

I accept that participation in any outdoor activity has potential for accidental injury or loss/damage to personal property and acknowledge that Better Outdoors: Wellbeing with Nature CIC has taken all reasonable precautions to make activities safe. I consent to First Aid or emergency medical treatment to be administered in the event of injury or accident.

I understand that photographs may be taken during the sessions and give my consent to them being used for publicity purposes across Social Media platforms. I will let Better Outdoors know by email if I don not wish my photo to be taken.