Forest Bathing FAQs
Thinking about trying Forest Bathing & Nature Connection?
Whether you’re completely new to Forest Bathing, wondering what actually happens during a session, or trying to decide which experience might be right for you, it’s natural to have a few questions before booking.
I’ve answered some of the most common ones below, including what to expect, what to wear, accessibility, weather and practical arrangements.
If your question isn’t here, get in touch — I’m always happy to answer questions or talk through whether an experience might be suitable for you.
If you are wanting FAQs about working with my on my other areas please head over to Working with Me FAQs
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of intentionally slowing down and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the natural world.
It isn’t a hike, exercise class or about reaching a destination. Through guided sensory and nature-connection invitations, you are encouraged to slow down, notice more and experience the environment differently.
Do I actually have to bathe?
No! Despite the name, there is no bathing required — unless we happen across a particularly tempting stream!
The “bathing” refers to immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest through your senses.
How physically demanding is it?
Forest Bathing is generally slow-paced rather than strenuous. Most open sessions involve approximately 1–2 miles of walking over the course of 2–3 hours.
However, we are outdoors in natural environments, so paths and ground may be uneven, muddy, wet or changing.
Specific information about the terrain will be provided for individual locations.
How do I get to the session?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the meeting location unless otherwise stated.
The exact meeting point and relevant travel information will be provided before your experience.
What if I have a disability, health condition or injury?
Please get in touch before booking if you have an injury, disability, health condition, mobility requirement, sensory need or anything else that might affect your participation.
Where possible, I will discuss reasonable adaptations with you and consider your needs when planning the experience.
For private and bespoke experiences, we may also be able to choose a location and activities specifically around your accessibility requirements.
Can I bring a carer or support person?
Yes. However please contact me prior to booking to ensure the booking is suitable for your needs, and your participation can be fully assisted.
If you require a carer, personal assistant or support person in order to participate, they can accompany you in a supporting role at no additional charge.
If you and someone you have caring responsibilities for would both like to participate in an experience together, please contact me about the carers discount available for private experiences.
What should I wear?
Dress for spending several hours outdoors rather than for how the weather feels when you leave home.
Comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear and layers are recommended. Depending on the season, you may also need waterproofs, sun protection, warm layers or something waterproof to sit on.
Specific guidance will be provided before your session.
What happens if it rains?
Experiencing forest bathing in the rain is a beautiful experience in of its self.
Rain changes the sounds, smells, textures and atmosphere of the natural world and can create a completely different Forest Bathing experience. Where conditions remain safe, activities may simply be adapted to embrace the weather.
Sessions will be postponed, relocated or rearranged where storms, high winds, flooding, extreme temperatures or other conditions make proceeding unsafe.
Will I have to walk barefoot?
No.
Barefooting and grounding are practices that may be offered during some experiences where the environment and conditions are appropriate, but participation is always optional.
You will never be expected to remove your shoes if you don’t want to.
What happens to my phone during Digital Detox?
During Digital Detox experiences, you will be invited to switch your phone off and place it safely in a bag held by me for the duration of the session.
I will retain access to a working phone for safety and emergencies.
If you need to remain contactable because of caring responsibilities, a health need or another important reason, please speak to me beforehand so that we can agree an appropriate arrangement.
Is Forest Bathing therapy?
No.
Forest Bathing is a guided nature-connection and wellbeing practice. Although people may find spending intentional time in nature relaxing, reflective or personally meaningful, the experiences I offer are not psychological therapy, counselling or medical treatment.
You remain responsible for deciding whether an experience is appropriate for you and for letting me know about any needs that may affect your safe participation.
Will I have to talk about personal things?
No.
Some experiences include opportunities for reflection or sharing, but you decide what you participate in and what you choose to share.
Activities are offered as invitations, and you will never be required to disclose personal experiences to the group.
Do I have to meditate?
No.
Forest Bathing may incorporate mindfulness, breathing, stillness or reflective practices, but you don’t need to know how to meditate and there is no expectation that you empty your mind or experience the session in a particular way
Are the Moon experiences held at night?
Due to health and safety in the dark, not usually.
New Moon and Full Moon experiences are inspired by the themes and point within the lunar cycle rather than requiring us to physically be outside underneath the Moon.
Open Moon experiences will normally take place during daylight hours. Bespoke evening experiences may be available by arrangement where the location, season and conditions make this appropriate.
Do I need to bring anything?
Usually just yourself, suitable outdoor clothing, appropriate footwear and anything specifically mentioned in your joining information.
For experiences involving longer periods of sitting, you may be asked to bring something comfortable and waterproof to sit on or any portable seating support you require.
Any specialist materials included within an experience, such as the materials for the Full Moon earth candle ceremony or New Moon seed-paper activity, will be provided.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely.
Open experiences are designed for individual booking, so you don’t need to bring someone with you. You will usually be joining a small group of other participants.
If you would rather experience Forest Bathing privately, one-to-one sessions are also available.
Can I book with a partner or friend?
Yes. You can both book places on an open session, or choose a private two-person Forest Bathing experience if you would prefer the experience to be just for you.
Private two-person sessions aren’t limited to romantic couples — they can be shared with a friend, sibling, parent or anyone else you would like to spend the experience with.
Can I arrange Forest Bathing for a private group?
Yes.
Bespoke experiences can be created for friends, families and other private groups. We can discuss what you would like from the experience and shape the activities, location and focus around your group.
Do you work with teams and organisations?
Yes. I offer bespoke half and full-day Forest Bathing and nature-connection experiences for teams and organisations.
These can be designed around themes including team connection, communication, Digital Detox, reflection, creativity, shared silence and wellbeing.
Please contact me to discuss your organisation and receive a bespoke quote.
Can I buy Forest Bathing as a gift?
Yes. Gift vouchers are available and can be used towards eligible open sessions, courses, private and bespoke Forest Bathing experiences.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
What if I’m still not sure which experience to choose?
Get in touch.
You don’t need to understand all the different approaches to Forest Bathing before booking. Tell me a little about what you’re looking for and I can help you decide which experience might suit you best.