SHINRIN-YOKU (Forest Bathing) at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

Slow down • Switch off • Reconnect with nature

What would you think if we told you that, for once, identifying the birds around you is positively discouraged?

Welcome to Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing. There is no bath and no swimwear involved! Instead, it is about slowing down and spending quiet, mindful time in nature, using our senses to notice the sounds, textures, scents and atmosphere around us.

Forest Bathing can help to:

* Reduce everyday stress and promote relaxation
* Encourage a calmer, more positive mood
* Support mental wellbeing
* Give us time to pause and recharge
* Reconnect us with the natural world in a different way

Your guide – Vanessa Culliford

The sessions will be led by Vanessa Culliford, an Environmental Social Scientist, lifelong birdwatcher and trainee Forest Bathing Practitioner.

Vanessa has been birdwatching for more than 50 years, but her interest in Forest Bathing grew from her work as a social scientist and her desire to help people rediscover a connection with nature and recognise its value.

She recently spent a week on the Dartington Estate training with ecotherapist Stefan Batorijs and has completed her Level 1 Forest Bathing Practitioner qualification. These SBBO sessions form part of her work towards Level 2.

Join one of our two small-group sessions

📍 Meet at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

Each relaxed two-hour session will include a variety of gentle sensory activities, moments of stillness and reflection, and no more than about a mile of walking.

Wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear for the weather and, if you wish, bring something to sit on, together with a drink and any medication you may need. Vanessa is also qualified in Level 3 Outdoor Survival First Aid.

ONLY 5 PLACES PER SESSION

Places are deliberately limited to five people to keep the experience small and personal and will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booking is ONLY through Ticket Tailor

The ticket income will support Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, while participants will also be helping Vanessa with the practical element of her Forest Bathing training.

So perhaps, just for two hours, put down the binoculars, forget the bird list and experience Sandwich Bay in a completely different way.