WINTERING FOREST BATHING SERIES

Friday 11th December,  2 – 4:15, Follaton Arboretum, Totnes – RESOURCING FOR WINTER

Friday 8th January, 2 – 4:15, St Barnabas, Brooking, Dartington – TENDING TO LOSS

Saturday 6th February, 10:15 - 12:30, Follaton Arboretum, Totnes – STEPPING TOWARDS SPRING

You are warmly invited to join Clare and Emma to connect, reflect & find resource during the shorter days of this winter season. Amidst the trees of the arboretum and the churchyard we will journey through winter together, finding nourishment in community, in nature, in returning to ourselves. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

We will explore what it’s like to feel at home in nature this winter as we connect more deeply with our surroundings. Forest Bathing invites us into the mystery of being both part of everything and uniquely ourselves. Going on this group journey offers a quiet support to deepen our shared experience as we slow down, notice and open the senses.

• You will be invited to engage in various sensory activities; some are quiet and introspective, others are playful and collaborative.
• Some examples of invitations are: walking meditation, sensory-based mindfulness, journalling, movement, nature-based art, forest exploration, poetry, and more!
• There will be space to share your experience with the group, but it is not required. Everything is optional.
• We will finish the session with a warming herbal tea.

LOCATIONS

How to get there – please note the two different locations and details of how to get to each.

• Follaton Arboretum, Follaton, Totnes, TQ9 5LZ

Meeting at the lower entrance from the main car park, there is a leaf shape sign that reads ‘Follaton Arboretum’. We will meet there, in front of the gate. Google Maps link 

Free car park on site; buses 91, 167 and BOB stop on Plymouth Road close by. 

• St Barnabas, Brooking, Dartington, Totnes, TQ9 6DW

Parking is available in front of the church, Google Maps link here 

The number 80 bus stops at the bottom of the church drive – ask for Tigley Cross.

WHAT TO BRING

• Sturdy footwear for uneven ground
• Weather-appropriate clothing, e.g. warm layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat
• Water or a hot drink (and a light snack if needed)
• A journal and pen
• Something to sit or lie on
• Anything else that will make you comfortable, e.g, walking pole, hot water bottle

ACCESSIBILITY

Generally, on forest bathing walks the paths are narrow, uneven and in winter will be muddy and wet; we often go off-path too. There aren't any chairs/benches to sit on throughout the walk. We advise participants to bring something to sit on, e.g. a mat or light folding seat. Follaton Arboretum is a steeper incline than the churchyard and involves more walking. The church location is flat and will involve less walking. Please bring a chair to this location if that feels appropriate for you. 

If you want to enquire more into whether the location is suitable for you, please get in touch. 

CANCELLATION POLICY 

2 days cancellation for a full refund

ABOUT US

Clare is a therapist, facilitator and certified International Forest Bathing Guide. She has been holding space for over 25 years, supporting groups and individuals to slow down, notice, enquire, and to benefit from sensory-based immersion. One of her biggest joys is accompanying people as their experience of connection with themselves and with the more-than-human world deepens through forest bathing invitations, mindfulness and creative practices. For more about Clare, see: www.immerse-in-nature.com

Emma is a certified International Forest Bathing Guide whose mission is to facilitate the reconnection between people and the rest of Nature, strengthening our interdependent relationship with our beautiful planet. By experiencing the relaxing and transformative benefits of immersing ourselves in the woods, Emma’s forest bathing invitations support us to get to know better the beings we live alongside, while finding deeper presence with ourselves and the rest of the world. For more about Emma, see: www.walkingroots.co.uk

FAQs

Is swimming or sunbathing involved? Forest Bathing means to 'bathe' in the forest atmosphere, by taking it in with our senses. There is no swimming involved, it takes place on land. We stay clothed but we may lie down and bask in the sun.

Can I bring a dog? No dogs, except an assistance or guide dog. Please inform us in advance if that will be the case. 

Will the session go ahead if its raining? Yes, if there is light rain the session will continue. The guides will cancel the session in the event of unsuitable weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong wind, storms, etc., as forecast by the MET Office. If the session is cancelled you will receive a full refund on the ticket price.

Are there toilets? There are toilets at the churchyard location; there are no toilets at Follaton Arboretum.

What about staying warm in the winter months? The guides will advise you what to bring to stay warm during the sessions, especially to wear warm layers, thick socks, gloves, hat, etc. Please also wear sturdy shoes and bring waterproofs so you can stay dry. Please bring a hot drink and / or a hot water bottle if you wish. The guides will include more movement in sessions if it is cold and will always bring hot tea for the end of the session.