Forest Bathing and Winter Tree Identification

Join us in our tranquil private woodlands at Rushcliffe Country Park for an informative and mindful afternoon of winter tree identification and forest bathing!

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In this educational event you will be guided through the park and woodlands, looking at a variety of different common UK trees, and learning how we can identify them in winter using clues such as their buds, bark and overall shape.

Learning how to identify common plants is a powerful and interesting way to create a deeper sense of personal connection to the natural world around us. And while there is often a misconception that identifying trees in winter is much harder than in other seasons, for the majority of common UK species it is actually much easier than you think, once you are guided through the correct clues and tell tale signs to look out for.

Every tree tells a story, so by getting to know the everyday trees around us we also get to know more about the land we live on, which is invaluable when it comes to efforts such as conservation, foraging and even developing greater mindfulness in nature.

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What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing, or ‘shinrin yoku’ in Japanese, is the wonderfully restorative, mindfulness-based practice of immersing oneself in the forest, woodland or any green space. Whether you practise alone, or guided by a trained facilitator as this session will be, you will gently use your senses to connect to the natural world around you. Many studies have shown forest bathing to have a profoundly positive impact on our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. When practised in a group, it can also provide a lovely, easeful way to not only connect to nature and to ourselves, but to the other people around us.

In this event, our forest bathing will compromise a 10 - 15 minute guided seated / laying mediation, as well as incorporating elements of mindfulness throughout our identification walk.

We will finish with a cup of freshly foraged, warming seasonal tea.

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The event will be guided by Poppy, a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner with an extensive knowledge of common UK trees and how to identify them. Additional information will be sent out to all attendees 2 days before the event by email - if you have not received anything by then, please check your spam then message me at wildandwondernotts@gmail.com.

Please see FAQs below for information on accessibility, parking and other info. Any other questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.
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Where to meet?

Outside the 'cake by the lake' café, by the visitor centre and car park. Full details will be sent to attendees nearer the time.

What to bring:

For your comfort, please bring: something comfy to sit on (yoga mat or camping chair is ideal); a blanket / warm layers; and a mug. Limited spares may be available.

Accessibility:

If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please get in touch and I will do my best to inform, advise and accommodate appropriately. The site is accessed via flat, soft and sometimes uneven ground, a 5 minute walk from our meeting point. Disabled parking and toilets are available.

Parking:

Parking, including disabled, is available in the main car park by the meeting point (charges apply). If full, there is usually space to park along Mere Way, just behind the car park, too. Please be advised that parking can get busy on sunny days.

Facilities:

There are toilets, including disabled, by the meeting point behind the ‘cake by the lake’ café. These are a 5 minute walk from the location we will be based at.

Concession:

Concession tickets are available for those who feel this term applies to them and for whom cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation. This may include - but is not necessarily limited to - pensioners, students, disabled people or those on low/no income.

Refunds and cancellations:

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the event will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable Eventbrite fee.