Take some time for YOU to be nourished by nature.

Don't let the cold stop you from getting out into nature this winter, wrap up warm and join me in the woods. These 2 hours will continue to support you long after you've left the trees behind you.

This session is created so that you can benefit from some restorative time in nature on a winter's morning. You'll be guided through a gentle Forest-Bathing session helping you to slow down, switch off from everyday life and become present so you can connec to all the natural world has to offer around you.

Created as an introductory experience to Forest-Bathing, this is suitable for those who haven't tried the practice before and those who have been many times. Each session is gently themed by the season. You will experience different nature based practices that you can take away with you to continue to incorporate into your life to support your wellbeing.

Afterwards you're welcome to stay on for a hot cuppa at The Swettenham Arms afterwards to connect more with the group socially. Please note hot drinks are not included in the ticket price and it is optional to join the social afterwards.

What happens in a session?

You will be guided by Amanda, a trained Shinrin-Yoku (Forest-Bathing) and Forest Therapy Guide who will share a series of gentle and inquisitive 'invitations' or exercises to support you with benefiting from all this practice has to offer.

Towards the end of the sessionyou'll be guided through a meditation with nature 'sit spot' to help you deepen your practice. They'll be space for reflection, asking questions and you can share with the group as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

All invitations are optional, so if you'd rather skip one that's always ok, this is your time.

What is Forest-Bathing?

No swimming costumes are needed!

Forest-Bathing originated in Japan where it's known as Shinrin-Yoku, meaning 'to bathe in the Forest' or nature. In the 1980s they took stressed office workers from the booming Technology industry out into the forest and noticed, then proved, that spending time immersed in nature has significant benefits to mental health and general wellbeing.

The benefits of this session, to your mind, body and soul, will last long after you've left the woods.

Benefits that can be experienced from Forest-Bathing:

• reduces stress, depression & anxiety
• increases ability to cope
• improves focus, concentration & memory
• improves the length & quality of sleep (walking in the afternoon is better for this)
• reduces tiredness & recharges energy
• reduces blood pressure, lowers the pulse rate and support metabolic disorders
• boosts the immune system
• alleviates social isolation
• creates a deeper connection to intuition and self
• increase creativity

About The Lovell Quinta Arboretum

A tranquil, hidden nature haven covering 28 acres created as a private 'garden' by Sir Bernard Lovell in the mid 1950s (he was best known for his telescope at nearby Jodrell Bank). His love for trees and plants is evident through the unusual mixture of species from far and wide (with champion trees too). There are many nature nooks and crannys with tree lined avenues, grassy walks and a large pond the family created as a feature.

Facilities at The Arboretum

Toilets are available in the Swettenham Arms next door (arrangement in place with the Arboretum to use them) and there's a free car park at the pub too.

Meeting point

You will be sent the meeting point after booking. You are responsbile for getting yourself safely to and from the session.

Address: Swettenham Lane, Swettenham Village, Congleton CW12 2LF (behind the Swettenham Arms)

Local driving times to the Arboretum

• 15 minutes from Congleton
• 20 minutes from Alderley Edge
• 25 minutes from Northwich, Macclesfield & Knutsford
• 35 minutes from Crewe

Booking Information/Refunds

Bookings are not refundable but are transferable to another date or to a friend.

You need to contact the organsier by email at least 48 hours before start of the event to advise of the name change for the ticket.

The session will take place unless there is extreme weather, you will be notified of any changes before the session and you will be able to rebook onto another session date.

If you have not received an email from the organiser at least 48 hours before the event begins please contact the organiser and check your spam email.

Terrain & Physical Considerations

This is an outdoor session in a woodland. The session involves slow movement, stillness, sitting on the ground (if it is comfortable for you) and standing. If you require a walking stool or support for sitting or standing please bring this with you.

There are uneven paths, slopes and other tripping hazards, mud and water present. The session keeps mainly to footpaths and does go off the path as well. The area is mainly flat with some small inclines and declines.

If you have any mobility concerns over joining the session please do contact Amanda before booking.

Covid-19 Considerations

If you have Covid-19 or think you have come into contact with Covid-19 please do not attend the session. You can arrange to attend a different session date.You will be need to conform with track & trace to join the session. The guide can request that you do not partake in the session if there are any concerns over exposure to Covid-19. Please understand that any decision is made with the best of intentions and with the health of you and the wider community as priority.

How to contact the organiser

Details to support you in preparing for the walk will be sent out at least 48hours before the session. If you have any questions you can email amanda@letsstepin.com. Do check your spam or junk folder if you haven't received the session information.

Look forward to gathering with you in nature