Mindful Foraging and Forest Bathing

Join us at Rushcliffe Country Park in July to mindfully explore the wonderful world of the wild foods that are so abundant during this rich time of year!

This time of year, expect to discover a wide range of tasty edible fruits growing on our hedgerows and trees, as well as edible wild flowers and greens, and even potentially some fascinating fungi!

After our foraging walk, you will then be gently guided through some deeply nourishing forest bathing invitations in the comfort of our private woodland area.

We will finish the event with a warm cup of freshly foraged tea.

This event is suitable for everyone interested in foraging and nature connection, from complete beginners, to those with existing experience and knowledge. The focus of the event will be on connecting to nature in a mindful and interesting way through the medium of foraging and forest bathing, leaving you feeling nourished, relaxed and inspired.

What is foraging?:

Foraging is the act of searching for and collecting wild plants (or other kingdoms of life such as fungi) that humans can use. This is most often associated with wild foods, however foraging can also encompass collecting natural resources for other uses, such as natural cosmetics or herbal remedies.

Foraging is about promoting sustainability, resourcefulness and self-confidence. It is a brilliant way for people to develop a more profound connection to nature, as well as boost health and wellbeing and sometimes save money. It also fundamentally connects us as humans to our ancestral past, keeping alive a skill of knowledge and self-sufficiency that has been important to human survival throughout history.

It is important to always know what you are doing when you are foraging, as searching for, collecting and using any wild resources can pose risks. This walk aims to provide participants with a more in depth knowledge of the wild resources we can use locally, as well as experience a fun afternoon foraging collectively.

This foraging walk will have a particular focus on the mindful elements of foraging, and will encourage you to use all your senses to develop a deeper connection to the natural world around us.

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.

The event will be guided by a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner. Additional information will be sent out to all attendees 2 days before the event by email - if you have not received it 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.

Foraging disclaimer:

These foraging walks are to show you which plants can be foraged locally, and how to use them (including for edible purposes where appropriate) as well as teaching you about their often forgotten histories, to encourage a deeper sense of connection to nature and to the wisdom of our ancestors.

I am a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner, but I am not a medical professional, and nothing I share on these walks regarding the modern or historical uses of any plants is intended as medical advice.

Please note that Wild and Wonder is not liable for any direct or indirect damages to health or wellbeing that may result from any information shared on these walks. You agree by participating that you are solely responsible for anything you consume during the session, or afterwards, and your decision to do so is based on your own judgments.

The information I share is based on my training as a Forest Therapy Practitioner and Forest School Leader, as well as my own personal research, education and experience. I am sharing this information with you to inspire you as a starting point for your own research. It is important to take the time to understand any wild foods that you are interested in trying, particularly in relation to your personal health and circumstances.

By participating in this walk, you confirm that you have read and agree to the above information.